Prozac

First paragraph is Spot. On. We had a real motley crew of true old school freight dawgs at a previous carrier. A few of the captains were legendary, some no kidding, some only in their own minds, and some more along the lines of notorious. I was warned on a few occasions before starting trips with some of them that I should consider a “tactical” sick call. I never fell back on that particular technique and I’m glad I didn’t. As JW said above, the entertainment value alone is often worth the price of admission. On a more serious note, a big part of the job is being professional enough to operate with just about anyone. Unless there is a legitimate safety concern, how hard can it be to occasionally smile and nod and raise the gear or extend the flaps when Captain America asks you to?

This is laughable. He’s a washed up mail order steak salesman who cares about nothing aside from his own self interest. Any argument that he gave two shits about our country has been blatantly dispelled over the last few weeks. The man wipes his ass with our constitution & the Republican Party needs to ditch him faster than a cheap prostitute. I’m not an AOC fan either, but say what you will about the Dems, I don’t see them nominating her for president any time soon. Rs now have the unfortunate reputation of really and truly letting their loons run the party.

I think you’re thinking in the right direction in your analysis. Commuting from New England should be doable for either, although as SurelySerious brought up, Purple’s commuter policies/benefits are objectively better than UPS. As far as management styles go, I’d say it’s good to think of it this way: FedEx is an airline that happens to run some trucks. UPS is a trucking company that runs its airline almost as an afterthought. IPA unity is a direct result of constantly dealing with a management style that wouldn’t look out of place in the 1940s. Remember that old Army Lieutenant’s guide that said all enlisted troops are lying thieving dogs who need constant oversight and liberal discipline? Well, that’s how UPS looks at all hourly employees, including pilots. We’re highly overpaid aerial truck drivers in Atlanta’s eyes. IPA has made great strides for this pilot group but the union is far from perfect. IMO the union worked very well when we were a sub 2000 pilot group that was mostly based in Louisville. As other domiciles have grown rapidly along with international flying, I think the union is experiencing some growing pains. Nothing that we won’t overcome & I think we have some genuinely smart people on our executive board, but it may not be the nothing but rainbows and unicorns you may have heard about. Bottom line: I wouldn’t turn down a job at either. Brown and Purple are alone in that they still offer defined benefit plans & they are uniquely insulated (although not immune) to economic downturns. If you end up with offers from both, I’d probably do a deep dive into which one will be easier to commute to. Try and talk with people at both who live where you do & focus on ease of getting to work on company and/or offline jumpseat options. Can’t speak to Purple but Brown is largely a weekday airline (at least domestically) which can make getting to work on a Saturday or Sunday difficult as SDF is generally at least two legs on the airlines unless you’re in someplace like Atlanta or Dallas.

High enough that insurance companies really don’t like single pilot jets. Interesting article by Mac McClellan (long time Flying Magazine editor) here: https://airfactsjournal.com/2019/11/are-single-pilot-risks-real/ Here’s ALPA’s (admittedly biased, but with well presented reasoning) take:

Goddamnit! I hate it when the nav is right! 😜

Do the Strike Eagle guys fly missions with a single pilot? B-1? BUFF? Bone? C-17? C-40? Of course they don’t. Just like the KC-46, they were designed to be operated and employed by multiple crewmembers. On the AMC side of things, the vast majority of pilots have been taught “crew concept” and CRM from very early on in their careers. As a guy with a fairly extensive tanker training background, I don’t think asking our pilots and instructors to make this shift is anything short of a monumental sea change. It’s a far more complex problem than just asking if one guy could, in fact, operate the airplane solo. This might get a bit long, so settle in. First, let’s tackle the simplest question: Can a 767 be flown single pilot? The answer is yes. I’ve practiced scenarios in the sim where the other pilot was considered incapacitated and removed from the seat. The airplane flies the same with one pilot at the controls as it does with two. The real question is: Is it safe and effective to do it routinely? Transport category airplanes are currently designed to be operated by two pilots. From a human factors standpoint, unlike the controls of a single seat tactical aircraft, the controls of an airliner are not necessarily designed to fall easily to hand. They don’t have to be. The operating concept has always been one pilot flies the aircraft, while the other handles navigation, radios, systems, the flight management computer, checklists, and any other task not directly related to pointing the airplane in the desired direction (although the PNF still shares responsibility with the PF in ensuring it does indeed go where intended). These are complex machines from a systems standpoint and when nonstandard things happen, the extra hands and brain cells are invaluable. IMO, in order to even begin thinking about making single pilot ops in these types of airplanes routine, you’d need to START with a total, ground up redesign of the flight deck with emphasis on 100 percent reliable heavy automation that can do things like respond to voice commands to shut down engines, pull fire handles, close fuel and air valves, etc, etc. Also, if you are coming from a tactical background, how often do you fly single ship? Most of the time there is some sort of mutual support, usually in the form of a wingman, yes? Well, mutual support in big airplanes means a guy or gal sitting next to you. I’m not sure I’ve EVER had a flight in a crew aircraft where at least one error wasn’t caught by the other crew member. Single pilot ops will GREATLY reduce the mutual support concept, even if all the advanced flight following and enhanced automation concepts are implemented and work perfectly. Second, and perhaps the most important question: Can you effectively employ a large tanker aircraft with a single pilot? I really don’t see how unless you not only massively revamp the aircraft, but also revamp everything from the training to command and control to receiver procedures, etc. While the mission is pretty chill most of the time (takeoff, turn left, find clouds to drag receivers through), there are times where mission management can become complex. Managing multiple receiver taskings, extra fragged fuel requests, multiple radios, a tactical environment, fuel offload plans (that will affect cg and w&b), rendezvous procedures, ATC and airspace considerations, weather considerations, and any number of other variables can and do cause helmet fires with a full crew compliment of two competent pilots and an experienced boom. Asking a single pilot to take this on without some serious upgrades to the equipment and the system will be an absolute. Fucking. Disaster. We haven’t even talked about fatigue yet. Missions were long enough in the KC-135 with a basic (two pilots & a boom) crew to the point they were probably dangerous at times. The 46 is receiver capable. So now you want to ask a guy who’s been flying the airplane by himself for eight or nine hours to take a console (consolidation: take on fuel from another tanker) and extend his day to truly dangerous proportions? Again, asking for disaster. I really thought this was a joke when I first heard it. If it’s really the AMC/CC pushing this, I hope his leadership sends him to a psych eval. If he has any experience at all flying big airplanes, he should know this is a complete non-starter given the current technology. Now, I’ve been out for a while and I realize that tech and capabilities are a moving target and things have probably changed in the last decade. But I’m very, very skeptical that we have put the pieces in place to even start thinking seriously about a concept like this and the people with the most to lose will be the ones tasked with trying to undertake this I’ll fated clusterfuck. Here’s an idea: how about the four star goes back to flying the line, by his own single pilot ass self for a few months in all the kinds of shitty conditions he’s talking about exposing his crews to? He wants this? He can validate the concept himself.

I think there are multiple ways to look at the message of the film, which is one of the things I really like about it. We all generally see obsession as unhealthy, but what about when it produces greatness? Are we ok with it then? Same with Fletcher’s methods, which are unquestionably heinous yet produce results. Another one: Is it better to lead a long but mediocre life or burn brightly for a short time as Miles alludes to at the dinner table scene? What about when it’s someone you care about acting in such a way? The film makes you think about these questions. And it’s brilliantly shot, directed, and acted. Loved it. Wish more films like this got produced.

YGBSM! Wonder what the FAA will say when the AF tells them about their plan to operate a two pilot certified transport category aircraft in the NAS with only one pilot on board? How about European, NAT, or Asian airspace regulators? Sounds like a sure fire way to get banned from a good chunk of the planet’s airspace. Global reach be damned. Besides, who’s pepperonis are boom operators going to steal off pizzas now and blame it on the flight kitchen? The A-Code’s? I think not!

Another not so “latest” movie that I just watched for the first time: Whiplash Stars Miles Teller (you know, Goose’s kid) and a yolked JK Simmons (yeah, the guy from the insurance commercials). Well shot, well edited art-house style film that never stood a chance at the box office when the public’s preference is overwhelmingly “more superheroes please”. But the story is apropos to the current plagues of participation trophies and helicopter parents and the general acceptance of mediocrity. Indeed, one of the best quotes from the movie is JK Simmons’ character stating “there are no two words in the English language more harmful than…..’good job’”. It’s a story about drive, commitment, and the human condition. You don’t have to be a jazz fan to “get it”. Anyone who’s had a passion about something and experienced a coach or mentor who knew how to squeeze every last ounce from them, or anyone who’s been in the other seat as a parent or a leader, will understand what this film is getting at. One of the best films I’ve seen in a while. Recommend. Here’s a clip:

Ok, I’ll engage. I have a couple questions. I assume the “Hunter Biden videos” you speak of are the alleged footage that was retrieved from the recent reported hack of his phone. Question one: has any outlet actually gone on the record confirming that the videos are genuine? Question two: Let’s give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that these videos did in fact come off Hunter Biden’s personal device. What illegal and/or compromising activities do they show President Biden engaged in? I get the point you’re trying to make about Eric Trump & agree the liberal media would’ve had a field day with it, just as conservative outlets never seem to tire of Hunter hit pieces. At the end of the day, unless Hunter works on his father’s staff (last I checked Joe wasn’t nearly as into the whole nepotism scene as Donald was) or there is real, direct evidence tying his behavior to some wrongdoing on the president’s part, all this story is ever going to be is a partisan fluff piece to rile up the opposition.

Agree. The bro network has this information at its fingertips these days. A caveat: Yes, mil guys still show up clueless about airline unions, their necessity, and their history. The unions see this in pretty much every new hire class and are prepared to nip it in the bud early. I’ve seen some of the most staunchly anti-union dudes & dudettes turn into some of the biggest proponents & volunteers within a year or two. I’ll add that while there are certainly downsides to the airline career, the QOL, money, time off, and general flexibility are head and shoulders above anything I experienced in my AF career. I have to remind myself of this from time to time, as, with everything in life, it’s all relative.

You do make some fair points but I have a question: can the government force refineries to take crude they don’t want? Despite constant cries from some that we’ve become a socialist country, afik refineries are still not nationalized in the United States. If our refiners don’t want it, why not sell to those who do? Remember, oil is a global commodity and price pressures in Europe and Asia affect prices here. Was there some sweet deal involving Hunter? I have my doubts but if there is, in fact, a story there, I’m sure it will make it to outlets like the WSJ who will do some due diligence before publishing such bold claims.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-23/mucho-del-crudo-liberado-por-biden-terminar-an-en-china-india It’s sour crude that US refiners don’t want. But, as always, don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story. #Hunter’s laptop. Standing by for “edgy” meme response in 3….2….

There is truth in this statement. Still, there’s a time to make hay when the sun shines, and a time to fall in line and pull in the same direction.

Well, it seems to me that the Republicans are quite adept at threatening liberties lately. Privacy, reproductive rights, and separation of church and state come to mind. Just depends on what liberties you value and for whom I guess. But I digress. Was actually trying to avoid a partisan fight. I guess a lot of you really do believe the whole party line and have never voted for anyone who didn’t fit your description of an ideal candidate for lack of better options. Good for you. Back in the real world there are probably around a couple hundred million Americans who don’t see things exactly the way you do. Parties want you to see them as the enemy. This isn’t because they want what’s best for the country. It’s because it’s what’s best for them.

Let me give you a personal example just to clarify a bit further: I live in Washington state. Our governor is Jay Inslee. You may remember him as the one trick pony who ran for president one one platform and one platform only; climate change. I don’t much care for the man and I think many of his gubernatorial policies fall flat. We had a gubernatorial election in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. The “top two” candidates after our unique form of primary predictably included Inslee, the incumbent, and a Republican challenger, Loren Culp. There was no shortage of candidates willing to throw their hats into the ring, but due to the power of the parties, there was no one capable of challenging the Parties’ choices. While I didn’t particularly like Inslee, Culp was even further off his own party’s deep end (IMO) and I held my nose and voted D. Had there been a viable Democrat candidate right of Inslee or Republican candidate left of Culp, I likely would’ve voted for them. (Admittedly) Circumstantial evidence suggests I wasn’t alone in this line of thinking. So yes, I voted for a politician whose policies I didn’t agree with because the alternative was even less acceptable to me. Most of us here have likely had similar experiences regardless of political leanings or affiliations. I think that probably describes the thinking of most of our country. And yet, rather than brainstorm ideas of how to fix this problem and get back to good governance, we seem to prefer (have been conditioned?) to point fingers at one another and blame our friends, families, and neighbors for our nation’s ills. This is not healthy, and plays right into both parties’ hands and rests even more power with them while further distancing the American people from the power that should ultimately reside in their own hands.

Not my party brotha. Nor are the Rs or the Ls or anyone else. I tend to fall left on more issues. Doesn’t mean I vote party line or subscribe to the drivel that both major parties use to attract and manipulate voters. I’m willing to bet that most of us here have made a majority of our recent voting decisions based on what we perceive to be the “least bad” choice. We should start directing more ire at the two party system we’ve been saddled with and less at one another.

This argument makes a bit more sense to me. Hope it doesn’t happen, but at least you’re thinking logically. I think you’ll find there are many here who expect the Dems to institute mandates in the hopes of GAINING votes. I don’t get it.

You guys are missing the point. Yes, liberal politicians will continue to get elected in California. No shit Sherlock. 😉 Still doesn’t explain how re-instituting restrictions help Dems keep/gain seats in contested districts come November.

Guys, I’m a moderately liberal dude that is surrounded by people a magnitude further left than me. I don’t know anyone who enjoyed the restrictions. Sure, there were a surprising number of Karens who thought they were somehow anointed mask police, but even they were relieved when they could march into Whole Foods and sip freely on their double venti, extra pump, mocha Frappuccinos. Arguing that Dems actually want restrictions is like arguing that all conservatives are somehow racist. It’s a trope made up to convince you how different and “dangerous” the other side is so you’ll stay engaged and tuned in. Don’t fall for it.

Curious: I’m assuming you believe that the Democrats will “release” a new variant prior to the midterms. Can someone please explain to me how this would help them? Nobody actually likes Covid restrictions. People put up with them for a period of time because they believed those measures would help shorten the pandemic. Obviously, some believed this more than others, and some didn’t believe it at all. Fine. What’s done is done. The Dems are a lot of things, but they’re not politically ignorant. The idea that they will promote Covid restrictions to gain an advantage in the midterms requires some mental gymnastics that make zero sense to me.

Not knowledgeable enough to have an opinion on which LA platform we choose, but for the love of god let’s not throw out a potential option just because it has a tailwheel. Once upon a time, EVERYONE learned to fly in conventional gear airplanes. This can be taught, effectively, even to knuckle dragging fighter pilots. It’s a skill, just like multi engine or instrument flying & the methods for teaching it are sound and have been around a LONG time.

Just come out of the closet already bro.

I’m at an airline that still has an A Plan & the ‘I got mine’ “independent contractor” attitude is alive and well.

Think about how much lift that car was creating at that speed while upside down. He was basically a hovercraft at that point. Very scary indeed. I knew when they didn’t immediately play the replay that there was serious concern about his condition. Chalk another win up for the halo, ugly as it is.