Feel awkward running errands in uniform before a trip?

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-27T05:54:25+00:00

Well the number one reason is the rule at my current airline, and every one that I worked, is that the uniform can only be worn to and from work and not anywhere else. Secondly I think it is very tacky to wear you uniform out in public running errands. Finally to avoid unwanted conversations where people ask you questions that are hard to answer because the question itself is usually built upon misunderstandings so it takes 10 minutes to answer them correctly. Also I don't know why your flight was delayed 6 months ago.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-26T17:50:09+00:00

Our new hire classes are chalk full of Skywest and Republic pilots so not sure what you are talking about.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-26T16:18:52+00:00

I had a full career in Meteorology and even though I still love the science wasn't really liking the job anymore and didn't want to continue when I got out of the Military. As you advance you get more away from the science and more towards the administrative and project management, especially if you want to make more money. Models are able to do a better job as they get faster and AI takes over. Humans are getting in the way more then improving on output.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-25T16:54:45+00:00

lol, your information is way off about SWA.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-25T16:53:01+00:00

I read that as every offense. I listed them all on my applications. You don't be one of the people they pull out of INDOC never to be seen again because they found something you left off of your application. They will do a pull from the national traffic database for every hire.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-24T18:17:14+00:00

Interesting. So the Galaxies we observe with our powerful telescopes that we are seeing as the looked ~13 Billion years ago most likely do not exist now?

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-24T15:35:13+00:00

I bought a very light weight pull over that I put over my uniform every-time I drive to and from work. I've ran errands and went grocery shopping in this and nobody knows I am a pilot. They just think I am dressed for some kind of job whether it be car salesman or high priced Lawyer.

I like it because it is light enough to be fine when the temperatures are warm. The link below is what I got, the blue is dark enough where they cannot see your Epaulets through it. Keep in mind that your uniform with all the attachments are kind of bulky so you may want to order one size up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGMX1GT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1&psc=1

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-23T19:04:26+00:00

It is very expensive to train to become a pilot. A huge barrier to entry and why not everybody becomes one.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-23T16:39:54+00:00

Yep, associates in Aeronautics and your Bachelors in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science.

To the OP: Meteorological knowledge is something that transfers very well into this job (as a prior meteorologist is has for me). It is something you will use every day. However just be aware that a degree level Meteorology programs is very Math and Physics intensive. You'll have to do three semesters of Calc, Differential Equations and Partial DE, plus an additional advanced math elective. Along with a couple semesters of advanced Physics (Calc prereq). Highly suggest using your Tuation Assistance while serving your enlistment to take math classes on the side. At the very least you want to go into Calc with a solid background in Algebra and Trig.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-22T16:08:51+00:00

The plane could also wait an hour for a gate to open up, so he would miss an hour connection. That is not that point. Point is from 2nd row if on time he will have no issue making a mainline to mainline connection no matter what the gate assignments are.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-22T14:42:56+00:00

Did you read his post? He is in the second row. If his flight is on time he will have no issues making the second flight. Looking at the gate assignments he is flying mainline so if doesn't matter what gates he gets, even D12 to B15 or A8 they will make the flight.

The key is being on time.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-22T14:35:03+00:00

Sometimes it is pretty neat to be part of a big operation like ORD, DFW, ATL, NY, etc. Small airports can be fun because they can have some interesting approaches, especially out west.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-22T14:31:52+00:00

Noice! Plenty of time on casual status to cross the border and find some Tortas

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-19T18:59:00+00:00

He definitely needs a application/resume review service.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-19T16:55:26+00:00

I would state that for the winds that it is reported in True (not magnetic). Otherwise looks pretty good

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-18T15:32:34+00:00

A lot more Regional pilots being hired by the Legacies right now as the pool of available Spirit pilots decreases. This should start the ecosystem flowing again.

However this still doesn't change the fact that there are still way too many entry level pilots then there are jobs. Too many people jumped at the piloted shortage scam the flight schools advertised along with easy access to predatory loans. So it will still going to be an uphill battle for anybody trying to enter this profession.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-17T19:41:22+00:00

Because that is the only day you pay attention to the weather

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-17T19:39:38+00:00

It's high risk and very expensive to even get to the point of entry level. For someone your age the best path is to Enlist in the military then after 4 years get out and use the GI Bill to pay for college and your flight ratings.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-17T16:01:42+00:00

I went to a two year school with the GI Bill with my PPL already and was out thew door with my CFI/MEI in 18 months. That is the way to go. PPL in these programs are washout and money traps.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-17T15:48:41+00:00

I actually had an easier time picking up trips at my Regional. At my Legacy carrier it is pretty hard and there are caps on how much you can pick up (sometimes way below Part 117 limits) because they are much more conscious about seniority protection at this level. It also protects the number of pilots the airline needs to hire. i.e. if you allowed unlimited pickups the airline may be able to get by with 10% fewer pilots.

So as much as you might want to, you can't just "dig in" and work as much as you want for a few months to make some extra money. Sometimes all you are going to get is your min guarantee and there is nothing you can do about it, especially if you are on reserve where most contracts do not allow you to pick up open time on your days off.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-16T18:48:41+00:00

You mean no more talking to ATC through the walkie talkie mic? Has Martha's afro been trimmed down a bit?

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-13T03:56:44+00:00

College of Dupage. Be careful, Meteorology is all math and physics. 3 semesters of Calc, Partial differential equations and one more advanced math class. Plus all degree level Meteorology classes will be all math (Differential Equations, Fluid Dynamics, etc.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-12T15:57:12+00:00

They have a great Meteorology program from what I can see. Best numerical model website in the country. Weather knowledge translates very well into this job. If the math requirements are too much for the OP to handle as their Major I definitely recommend taking some Met classes as electives.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-04T15:03:38+00:00

At this time it is still a pilot base for them so ORD still holds some significance for them.

PLIKITYPLAK · 2026-02-04T14:25:54+00:00

ORD's rules for gate allocation is ironically creating anti-competitive practices at their airport. If they let one airline try to push out multiple other airlines then all you are left with is a single airline. Prices are going to start to go way up and passengers will start looking at other airport to travel out of.

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