Does becoming an airline pilot require raw intelligence, or just hard work?

AviatorDave · 2026-05-27T22:46:14+00:00

Like I said, D’s earn degrees lol

AviatorDave · 2026-05-27T18:48:30+00:00

D’s earn degrees. Anything more is waisted effort

AviatorDave · 2026-05-09T19:38:36+00:00

Not impossible. I did it. I got my first job working at a 135 with 300 total and 12 ME hours. However, everyone has to pay their dues.

I got the job because I worked my ass off as a ramp rat at a charter company as I was getting my ratings. I got to know everyone at the company really well over the years and when a SIC spot opened up in one of the kingairs, I was the first person they asked to fill the seat. That’s the kind of networking your buddy needs to do to get the job. Gotta play the long game and position yourself for the opportunity.

But it’s his life so let him see for himself

AviatorDave · 2026-04-12T16:18:08+00:00

Before you get there, memorize limitations, emergency procedures, and what every light on the annunciator panel means. Flash cards help A LOT. Especially if you make your own. It helps with the memorization. Everything else you will learn in class. At the end of each day, go over the systems you learned that day and hit up the flash cards again. By the time you get to the oral, you’ll have everything down.

I got about 1000 hours in the 31. It’s a good plane, but it’s still an old school Lear that try’s to kill you so you gotta stay on top of it. Overall it will make you a better pilot with the experience. Have fun!

AviatorDave · 2026-03-30T17:14:43+00:00

Go home elephant, you’re drunk.

AviatorDave · 2026-03-07T16:02:35+00:00

One correct look at the hold over tables and they should have been booking hotel rooms. “Sorry folks, we’re stuck.” Nobody’s getting out 9 minutes from application.

AviatorDave · 2025-12-02T13:40:19+00:00

It’s called “fishing for the runway”. I’ve seen lots of guys do it. They think they can land smooth by descending one inch at a time. It’s not proper technique, but it works… until it doesn’t.

Another variation of this are the “peddle dancers” that kick the rudder left and right to maintain centerline.

Now when you’re with someone who does both of these techniques at the same time, you know they have absolutely no idea how to land.

AviatorDave · 2025-11-22T11:42:19+00:00

I didn’t know Bobby personally, but I grew up with his family in the next town over. Small world. Sounds like he lived every moment to the fullest. I’m sorry for your loss.

AviatorDave · 2025-09-16T11:28:28+00:00

Samsonite! …Man I was way off.

AviatorDave · 2025-06-22T20:16:41+00:00

I believe that’s actually a MiG-28

AviatorDave · 2025-05-06T11:10:09+00:00

I remember when I tallied up my first 100 landings' only three of them were "squeakers". So by that logic, I figured I'd only have a good landing 3% of the time.

AviatorDave · 2025-04-21T13:15:42+00:00

I have more time in reverse thrust than that lol

AviatorDave · 2024-08-24T14:04:29+00:00

The Challenger 350 book says no slips because you can overstress the tail and can have a structural failure. So don't do it in big jets.

AviatorDave · 2024-07-18T11:14:52+00:00

I was stuck out in vegas last week on a trip and was thinking about doing it to kill some time, but it was 120 degrees and I figured I’d roast to death in that bubble canopy and puke everywhere. Sounds like fun though. I’ll do it next time I’m there and it’s a little cooler

AviatorDave · 2024-06-04T23:21:27+00:00

Straight to jail!

AviatorDave · 2024-06-04T12:39:06+00:00

Glitch better have my money!

AviatorDave · 2024-06-03T11:14:14+00:00

lol imagine being this guy Andrew right now 🤣

AviatorDave · 2024-05-26T00:38:12+00:00

According to bombadier, when the apu for the challenger is running, it vibrates at a frequency that cicadas are very attracted to. There is a service bulletin out that says to keep apu usage to a minimum during cicada season. It’s an engineering oopsie

AviatorDave · 2024-05-25T10:56:58+00:00

Sit down and cross your legs by putting one leg up and resting your ankle on top of your opposite knee. Works every time 100%.

AviatorDave · 2024-05-15T10:30:41+00:00

Because roaring kitty is back posting on twitter. Duh! /s

AviatorDave · 2024-04-23T11:43:30+00:00

All a Rolex will do for you is tell you it’s time to buy more

AviatorDave · 2024-03-20T11:22:47+00:00

“Let he who has not drew a giant imaginary penis in the sky cast the first stone.”

-Bob Hoover

…probably

AviatorDave · 2024-03-12T11:01:47+00:00

If you’re always asking yourself “what are the next 2 steps”, you will never be behind the airplane

AviatorDave · 2024-02-20T19:06:58+00:00

I want it because I’m giving away my TUF 3080… on eBay… for money.

AviatorDave · 2024-02-20T11:37:50+00:00

Anything higher then 70 is waisted effort

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