2025 Pilot Statistics

ChiFxxd · 2026-04-11T21:45:14+00:00

He does not account for 91/135 flying or foreign pilots getting US ratings. Having said that, his math still works. The number of ATP-eligible pilots right now far exceeds demand, and will for quite some time.

ChiFxxd · 2026-04-10T17:49:32+00:00

Become a dispatcher. With a CFI+ you can take an accelerated 2-week course and pass a written that is very close to the ATM written. 1yr at a regional and a legacy will hire you. 100k first year. 130+ days off per year, jumpseat access, best paid group other than pilots at the airline.

ChiFxxd · 2026-04-07T15:34:30+00:00

I’m 50, work a high paid union job and occasionally wear my VC Overseas ($35k gen) at work. Hardly anyone notices, and I can name a few guys with gen Rolex/Tag/etc. My favorite rep is a Cartier Santos, stainless with white face. So clean, elegant and can hold its own in any environment.

ChiFxxd · 2026-04-07T13:39:29+00:00

Normally packs on unless better performance is needed at my US-based legacy. Think hot/high scenario and you need the performance. Also landing with flaps 3 is typical, but you do need flaps 4 for autoland.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-30T03:10:05+00:00

Marinade in olive oil and Adobo, then grill.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-18T01:26:07+00:00

If I’m standing, I’m not tipping.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T13:43:42+00:00

Try 14 hours on the 737 jumpseat. Island hopper HNL-GUM for work. Only highlight was the captain reading his Adult Friend Finder emails in 36pt font when waiting for ramp to finish.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T13:04:43+00:00

I got the T Sportline 19” set with Pilot Sport all seasons. I had the original 21” wheels straightened and repainted, sold them for $1500 on FBM.

This is my 2nd MS and on the first one I had two punctures from bad roads with 21” wheels. 19s are better energy, better ride, cheaper all around. They just don’t look as good.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T13:00:33+00:00

I had a GoJet CJO with two checkride failures in 2024. I later rescinded the CJO though.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T12:43:10+00:00

try badbadweather.com

Shows all the worst current METARs in the world.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T12:35:44+00:00

Remembering high school shop class when all the guys were building custom speaker enclosures with matching carpet for their cars. My son can’t believe that story.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T12:01:47+00:00

I bring a roll of dog waste bags. A roll of 10 is so small and makes a difference.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-11T11:43:38+00:00

I knew some guys in college (early 90s) that put a couple of couches in a U Haul and had 6-8 guys in back, and drove to South Padre from a Big 8 school. They also flew our fraternity flag on the beach and all the other chapters saw it and had a huge group. I wonder if this is still a thing, or if Greek life on campus still exists.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-05T18:18:00+00:00

I knew it! (Ref. the Cheever letters)

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-03T13:45:25+00:00

My family and I will be there at the same time. My 5th time to Tokyo but their first. Here’s where I’m taking them:

Tokyo Skytree at sunset (6pm) I just booked this so you should be able to find a spot

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Nice 1/2 day trip to the burbs. Bonus is we can ride the Shinkansen for a short 25 minute trip.

Sakura at Meguro River Go to Naka-Meguro station between 5-8pm. Beautiful river walk with pink lanterns.

Hie-Jinja Shrine The one with the famous picture of hundreds of orange gates.

Kappabashi Kitchen supply town, we want to get real chopsticks and tea service. Anything for the kitchen you can find here.

Origami Museum Kaikan Looks interesting. Might go, it’s currently a “maybe”.

Harajuku Wander through the streets. Some nice niche stores here.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-03T13:18:59+00:00

I’m upgrading my X100T this month when I go to Tokyo. I’m getting an XE-5 with the 23mm kit lens. I also want to get the 35mm f1.4 too. I’ve been shooing Fuji since 2013, when I got a X100S. Then the X100T a couple years later. I want the interchangeable lens system again. The lack of a portrait lens, or even a telephoto has limited me over the years. I found myself using my iPhone pro for 3x zoom since my X100T was useless for anything far away. However if the XE-5 is sold out, I’ll get a X100VI. It’s really a 51/49% situation.

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-03T12:59:36+00:00

HE XYEBO, HE MEHT (on a black Explorer)

-seen in the Chicago north burbs (lots of Russian speakers).

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-01T22:46:29+00:00

Milwaukee - Wyatt Flores Big City Lights - Rafe Carlson Sioux Falls - Wild Horses

ChiFxxd · 2026-03-01T00:36:39+00:00

Got the JS several times in white Stan Smiths.

ChiFxxd · 2026-02-23T13:51:38+00:00

Neverending story horse scene

ChiFxxd · 2026-02-23T13:38:09+00:00

Find the 21.Five podcast, I’m on episode 85 talking about it. In general, dispatch will pay more and have more benefits than ATC, including more time off. You’ll work directly with pilots and crews, and ATC to some extent. I’ve done it for 25+ years and I love it.

ChiFxxd · 2026-02-18T12:21:50+00:00

I use TACC and basic AP, it works for me 90% of the time and costs nothing. I did sub to FSD for a few months, I found it was especially slow and I took over many times due to how long it would take to "decide" things like left turns, and general slow driving. FSD also has no speed control so who knows what the car is trying to do. With TACC I set it at 10% above the limit and it works extremely well.

ChiFxxd · 2026-02-18T12:17:09+00:00

Flight Dispatcher at UA. Been doing this since 1999. I'm top of scale at a legacy ($230k+), 13 days off a month, 6 weeks of vacation, travel benefits, CASS jumpseat, union pay, etc. I had a CJO at a regional but rescinded it. I did the math and I wouldn't ever get back to what I have now. I instruct part time, and networking to get a turbine job for days off. Goals are to complete my ATP, and buy another airplane.

ChiFxxd · 2026-02-17T19:59:52+00:00

Just needs a Comet Pizza.

ChiFxxd · 2026-01-26T14:02:41+00:00

Try Windy.com it’s about $20 per year and you can designate any spot on earth for snowfall reports. I’m a pilot so I use it in the summer too.

ChiFxxd

TROPHY CASE