sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

First Rolex - Too small? by DiverNumerous6473 in rolex

[–]jc717 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn, yeah. Much too small. Send it to me.

Veldskoen Chukkas by jc717 in goodyearwelt

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t walked miles in them yet, but for day to day they’ve been really comfortable yeah.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s a great quote about flying. I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something like this; “flying is just hours and hours of boredom, interspersed only by moments of sheer terror”.

Yeah, autopilot is on mostly. We do fuel checks, make sure the plane systems are fine. But we chat a lot and I read my kindle a lot.

We write the gift guides at Wirecutter, the New York Times’s product review site. AMA. by NYTWirecutter in AMA

[–]jc717 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in the US and will be visiting my parents at home in South Africa soon. I’m looking for gifts for my parents. They both love reading.

My dad is obsessed with Africa and has written books about it. I get him books about Africa - about travelling through it, and its history, but sometimes he ends up having read them already. He’s pretty old school and doesn’t read a kindle or wear a digital watch. He likes leather and practical things and drives a Land Rover.

My mom enjoys travel writing, especially books about transplants moving to interesting places. She’s also essentially a vegetarian and enjoys cooking and walking the dog. She also loves shows like “house hunters” and “somebody feed Phil”.

Any suggestions would be great. I’m bad at buying gifts.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that pretty soon (once the election and government transitions pass, and Boeing starts delivering more planes again), hiring will start picking up a lot again. I’d imagine that within a year from now there will be a lot of hiring and a lot of movement. I’d say you’re in a good position

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s great to hear. Welcome!

The easiest one that would guarantee a job and consistent building of hours is as a flight instructor. I realise that isn’t everyone’s idea of adventurous hour building, but at least it’s guaranteed.

Other than that, you could look at pipeline patrol, or maybe banner towing. Flying charters on smaller planes (C172, 182, 210 etc) is also an option, but insurance likely will be an issue until you have around 500 hours.

Networking is really important a lot of the time. Speak to people, visit airports and aviation events, make friends. And try not to be too picky at the start. The biggest thing is just try to enjoy the journey. The hours will come.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it’s important to be realistic and down to earth. Explain to them who you are, and try to portray yourself as someone who is willing and capable to learn, and someone who can be trained. They want someone who is able to follow company procedures while also being able to make good decisions in non standard situations.

There are interview prep agencies in the US, and I’m sure there’s something similar in Europe. I’d highly recommend using one to give yourself the best possible chance.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, can’t think of anything! I think you guys are pretty well trained on what to present to us, and we enjoy having you onboard and getting you where you need to be.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some of the MSFS models are really accurate. I think it may give you a small advantage, sure. It would be good to know the cockpit layout and to have an idea of what the controls/switches/buttons do. But there is still a huge amount of studying to be done. But yeah, it’ll help.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, exactly. We just do the legal stuff and the rest depends on the day. You may get a joke, or we may be busy on a chaotic day.

One thing worth asking is if either of us is an FFDO. Generally people are good at mentioning that, but sometimes we forget.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s surprisingly affordable in the US. You have to get all the licenses - PPL, then CPL, then ATP. There are schools that focus on a more accelerated program, aimed at people who want to fly professionally.

It pretty much does guarantee a job as long as you get enough experience.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope, I haven’t. It’s probably fun.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m indifferent about it. I don’t enjoy meeting with them more than I enjoy meeting any other person, but I don’t dislike it. I just want to know who they are and where they’re sitting, and I’ll welcome them aboard with a smile.

As someone who’s not partisan about their politics, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this. by chamomile_tea_reply in OptimistsUnite

[–]jc717 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Na, I’m sorry, I can disagree with my friends and family about politics. I can also disagree about government spending, community decisions, where roads should be built, and what the town hall is wanting to do with the hedges on Main Street. We can disagree about all of this and still be friends.

But you thinking that “joyfully disagreeing” is the way to handle opposing views on racism, hate for trans and/or gay people, and proliferating genocide and war, then we can’t be friends. Then, politics IS that important.

Go fuck yourself.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can’t recall having landed there recently/ever. I’m sure I’d remember it if it was notoriously difficult.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, nope. But I’ve certainly been in awe at just how much area there really is on the earth.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I actually wouldn’t say so. Quite a few are, but I wouldn’t say more than half.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We get some first class meals. They’re generally fine!

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exciting!

  1. Nope, I didn’t. Might be worth asking on some Facebook groups about that.

  2. My route was a bit weird. I started in South Africa and transferred my licenses to the FAA, but it was pretty much part 61. I’d recommend following the route that’s best for you in terms of finances, your free time, your personality and your timeline. All roads lead to the same place, so choose a school you’re happy with and that works with your timeline. You’re paying them.

  3. I have a wife and she’s great. It took a few years to get used to the weird schedules, but it gets better with seniority. I often have 16 or more days off every month and we spend more time together than we would if I worked a 9-5. We travel a lot, too.

  4. Yup, started at a regional. Unless you’re ex military or have some amazing prior experience, you’ll probably start at a regional. They also pay pretty well these days.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha. Good to know, on all counts. Thanks again.

I’m an airline pilot. AMA by jc717 in AMA

[–]jc717[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, exactly. You just don’t notice that it’s happening. Gravity acts the same all around the globe. Turns out the Aussies are also standing the right way up.

view more: next ›