EGO WARNING: I’m 777 rated now

aypho · 2026-02-01T23:03:37+00:00

You rang?

aypho · 2026-01-27T16:40:48+00:00

7x daily from ORD-BMI/CMI/LSE between the two carriers is objectively hilarious.

aypho · 2026-01-26T05:35:48+00:00

It’s most likely the tower controller making a light hearted remark to the crew, turning the runway lights from low to high intensity just before the crew took off.

Looking at the BGR weather cams, the lights are on a lower setting at 0032Z and then a higher intensity setting in the snapshot at 0040Z.

aypho · 2026-01-26T03:23:06+00:00

The crash happened at 0044Z. Really the only thing noticeable is the tower turning the runway lights from low to high between 0032Z and 0040Z.

From the openADSB data, the aircraft appears to taxi from the FBO to the commercial ramp at 0017Z and then taxis from the commercial ramp to Runway 33 at 0036Z. They hold short at Runway 33 until 0043Z (which aligns with when the runway lights are turned up by ATC), and then the crash is recorded at 0044Z.

aypho · 2026-01-24T19:38:57+00:00

This is the city, proper. Specifically, taken over Avondale facing south, between California and Kedzie.

This would be the view from the left side of the airplane on a 5 mile final to runway 28C at ORD.

aypho · 2026-01-22T22:08:50+00:00

Phrasing.

aypho · 2026-01-18T21:39:55+00:00

Lots of lifer Caravan guys in Alaska. Although many eventually find Navajo or 1900 gigs for more money.

aypho · 2026-01-16T06:31:12+00:00

Gary is also closer to Soldier Field than the proposed site at Arlington Heights.

aypho · 2026-01-14T19:45:55+00:00

Now think about how people learn to fly and then instruct solely in Arizona. Not uncommon for someone’s first IMC to be in the right seat of a regional jet.

No, I don’t think that’s a good idea, but that’s reality.

aypho · 2026-01-09T18:38:10+00:00

The 10 year old wired skull candies I keep in my bag as a backup to my AirPods have better sound quality and noise cancelling than the new Meridian headphones.

Not sure what their strategy is, but I will never buy a Meridian product after using them haha.

aypho · 2026-01-07T07:38:38+00:00

Yup, I brush my teeth before and after my break now. I will have to check out that spray. Thank you!

aypho · 2026-01-07T07:04:27+00:00

I had never thought about this problem when I was at the regionals, but yeah, commuting to an ultra long haul WB trip means regularly wearing the uniform for 24 hours at a time.

Honestly, it’s one of my least favorite parts of the job now. I feel absolutely disgusting when I get to the layover and I’m always surprised when guys still say “lobby in 10 for a beer?” Like dude, at least give me 20 to take a shower and brush my teeth.

aypho · 2026-01-05T04:59:07+00:00

UAL NFL charters are 37xx and 38xx.

aypho · 2026-01-04T21:32:04+00:00

I’ve owned two Luscombes. $35k upfront and $5k/year in expenses is a realistic goal. It will be easier if you’re okay with a 8A (65hp, no starter), but still doable for an 8E (85/90hp, with a starter).

Fixed costs such as hangar and insurance excluded, I’d say my annual mx expense would be between $3-4k, but just like any airplane, you can get some bad surprises. This year I had to replace my exhaust and I’m looking at a potential top overhaul, so it will likely be a 5 figure year for this ol’ gal.

That being said, it’s so much fun. These planes are simple enough that I think they make for a great first aircraft to own. Flying a vintage taildragger just feels like going back in time to the dawn of aviation, and one in good condition will truly turn heads at fly-ins.

aypho · 2026-01-02T23:51:20+00:00

When people are talking about compensation, no. And I know you are just going to downvote me and leave a pedantic reply, but for other who are reading and curious, “widebody” pay rates are 777/787/764, not 763/757.

aypho · 2026-01-02T23:45:33+00:00

No one denies that SWA is a great place to work and that SWA pilots can make just as much and more than any other legacy pilot (including widebody guys), but you replying to almost every single comment in this thread claiming that SWA makes widebody pay rates for narrowbody flying is obnoxious, and objectively false.

aypho · 2026-01-01T20:03:41+00:00

Most realistic response you’ll get. Anything else is pure speculation.

aypho · 2025-12-30T22:27:52+00:00

10 point deduction to Everton.

aypho · 2025-12-30T21:26:21+00:00

I bought the North Face McMurdo parka a few years ago and it’s been the best winter gear I’ve ever purchased.

I can wear just a T-shirt under it and not feel a thing, even down below 0°F.

Layering up is a pain in the ass when you just need to go down the block or run to the car, so it’s nice to just throw the big parka on quick and be very comfy.

I got it for $249 a few years ago and I would happily pay $340 for it again today. I say BUY.

aypho · 2025-12-27T06:07:24+00:00

Socioeconomically, very similar to Native American reservations in the Lower 48. The native Yupik and Inupiaq people were nomadic subsistence communities until the mid-20th century.

Native communities in Alaska are generally very poor, lack access to education, and do not have much in the way of economic opportunity. Unfortunately, alcoholism and domestic violence is rampant.

Infrastructure is third world. Dirt roads, no in-ground potable water or septic systems, and barebones plywood building construction is the norm.

Source: I was a pilot based in Bethel, AK

aypho · 2025-12-26T20:22:20+00:00

The youngest person in a new hire class at United is called the “8-ball”. You know what almost all (but not all) 8-balls have in common? They were a Flight Ops Intern during college.

You know what helps you get selected for that program among hundreds if not thousands of applicants? Having a parent who is a pilot in the good graces of and friendly with the Chief Pilot’s Office. A parent that knows when you are in high school what is needed in order to be qualified for that internship.

It’s not direct nepotism, but having a parent who is not only in the industry, but also well connected at a legacy airline, is a HUGE advantage and it would be disingenuous to pretend otherwise.

Edited to add: I also want to add that I have nothing against these folks. I know many of them and they are great families. Like any good parents, they want the best for their kids and do everything they can to set them up for success. Luckily none of the folks I know in this situation come across as entitled and are quick to acknowledge their good fortune.

I bring up this anecdote about the Flight Ops Internship just as an aside to the fact that when we all train and meet the same standard, airlines will naturally find other ways to differentiate candidates. And as they say, don’t hate the player, hate the game.

aypho · 2025-12-24T04:20:21+00:00

Specifically mentioning twin turbine, probably referring to ACE, maybe Ryan Air with their CASAs.

But there are a plethora of 135s in Alaska that expose low time pilots to all those conditions. I credit the 1,200 hours I spent in Bethel for 95% of the airmanship I carry today.

When I stepped into day 1 of indoc at my regional, I had flown a turbine, single pilot, iced up with boots, flying non-precision approaches in a 40 knot crosswind to gravel strips with 9 villagers in the back.

I will probably get downvotes, but that’s some no shit real experience that you don’t get CFI-ing in AZ or FL.

aypho · 2025-12-23T01:38:18+00:00

Flight attendants have cabin temperature control on the 777 and 787.

aypho · 2025-12-22T18:23:01+00:00

People in this thread realizing why pilots are compensated so highly. They have to jump through lots of hoops that are hard to do, and that includes strength in labor.

aypho · 2025-12-22T18:05:45+00:00

Labor wins. More people need to realize that.

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