Who else has aviation background\history?

[crapstang]

How do you know you are talking to a pilot?

Because he will tell you.....

Pilots definitely have an "asshole" reputation lol. My father always tells people miscellaneous things like farming, candy machines, etc (which he all does), but he rarely discloses his primary job. People tend to get along better locally when they feel like they can have a down to earth conversation. When someone hears "pilot" they usually go "oh...shit..."

[Sgt Beavis]

It feels like a lifetime ago, but I was a UH-1 crewchief in the Army.

[BERNIE MOSFET]

It feels like a lifetime ago, but I was a UH-1 crewchief in the Army.

I was the flight test engineer for a project to upgrade uh-1h models to what was, essentially, a 205B. I don't know about working on them, but the experience I had with the test vehicle was a good one.

[white trash wagon]

I work for UTC too.

6 years AF on C130s and now working an aviation repair station

I only know 1 person at UTC now, the rest have been laid off. Other than final assembly of military engines (with Polish & Chinese parts) & a few field offices, P&W will soon have nothing left in the USA.

[JimD]

USAF KC-10A crewchief 1986-95

[R3_82GT]

Designed avionics for transport aircraft from 1987 - 1992. Designed electronics for VIP /Corporate aircraft interiors from 1992-1999. 1999 - now Systems Engineer for F-16 stuff.

[josh9167]

Designed avionics for transport aircraft from 1987 - 1992. Designed electronics for VIP /Corporate aircraft interiors from 1992-1999. 1999 - now Systems Engineer for F-16 stuff.

How was it working civilian aircraft vs. defense stuff? I'm sure the experience can vary, but I've always wondered what it was like on the other side.

[Chas_svo]

Most of my education was in Aerospace Engineering, but my degree is in CIS. I lead a team of software engineers that maintain and enhance the system that Lockheed uses to plan and build all their planes.

Fun job, and I get to see cool stuff, at least when I go to the plant.

[trblshooter]

Door gunner on the space shuttle

9 yrs I level AT. USS Carl Vinson, North Island AIMD, Ft Worth AIMD.

[F8LSVT]

I started working on my private pilot license from '99 - '02, quit for 9 years then
took my check ride Feb of 2013. I plan on going further but I'm working on getting my GT going again right now.

[likeitfast55]

I started working on my private pilot license from '99 - '02, quit for 9 years then
took my check ride Feb of 2013. I plan on going further but I'm working on getting my GT going again right now.

Excellent job!

No one is learning how to fly these days. According to FAA database, PPL's are down almost 85% from 10 years ago. Combine that with military trained pilots staying longer(and cutbacks), makes for a colossal pilot shortage. Most domestic carriers have won monetary concessions from just about 100% of our nations pilot unions. (mostly through bankruptcy) Meanwhile the pay for executives have quadrupled during this period.
The cost of pilot training has gone up dramatically, while starting pay has gone down. Most younger guys/gals do not want to incur 100,000 worth of student loans(debt) before working for entry level wages. Just a WAG, entry level pay at regionals are in the low 20k range.
With all that said, the new part 117 rest rule requirement has been implemented and the result is that 30% more pilots are needed to staff.
In addition to all that, the average age of pilots are climbing. Thus a steep retirement curve is predicted for the next ten years.


Airline CEO's have just want they wanted, cheap pilots. The cost is/will be detrimental to the traveling American. Cabotage from foreign carriers is a real threat. Just wanted to share with the aviation savvy members here.

I will be out of the airline biz (flying) in 6 years as mandatory retirement is 65.

The retirements in the next several years are staggering. Anytime I see new pilots, it gives me hope for US routs flown by US pilots.

[matts5.0]

5 years in the Marine Corps. Worked on Huey's and cobras. Airframe mech. Took all the classes and tests for my A&P and bailed due to the fact that I didn't want a flight 777 on my back.

Me too, who were you with?

[2011GT]

Excellent job!

No one is learning how to fly these days. According to FAA database, PPL's are down almost 85% from 10 years ago. Combine that with military trained pilots staying longer(and cutbacks), makes for a colossal pilot shortage. Most domestic carriers have won monetary concessions from just about 100% of our nations pilot unions. (mostly through bankruptcy) Meanwhile the pay for executives have quadrupled during this period.
The cost of pilot training has gone up dramatically, while starting pay has gone down. Most younger guys/gals do not want to incur 100,000 worth of student loans(debt) before working for entry level wages. Just a WAG, entry level pay at regionals are in the low 20k range.
With all that said, the new part 117 rest rule requirement has been implemented and the result is that 30% more pilots are needed to staff.
In addition to all that, the average age of pilots are climbing. Thus a steep retirement curve is predicted for the next ten years.


Airline CEO's have just want they wanted, cheap pilots. The cost is/will be detrimental to the traveling American. Cabotage from foreign carriers is a real threat. Just wanted to share with the aviation savvy members here.

I will be out of the airline biz (flying) in 6 years as mandatory retirement is 65.

The retirements in the next several years are staggering. Anytime I see new pilots, it gives me hope for US routs flown by US pilots.

Yep! And Baby Eagle management wants concessions...

[likeitfast55]

Yep! And Baby Eagle management wants concessions...

Pilots will overwhelmingly vote concessions down. They already took deep cuts in bankruptcy as did most everyone else.

Management got bonuses!

[2011GT]

Pilots will overwhelmingly vote concessions down. They already took deep cuts in bankruptcy as did most everyone else.

Management got bonuses!

Yep I got sick of the Airline BS. Working corporate now, much better!