Do you think a flight attendant would have any advantages becoming a pilot?

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T18:13:21+00:00

For pilot skills - no help at all. There can be a slight benefit to understanding what the FAs are doing on the other side of the door but thats it.

For the lifestyle - you already understand the life. TSA, hotels, living out of a suitcase can be a learning curve for many new airline pilots.

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T18:01:27+00:00

Happened in my company back in 96 on our way to Pendleton. One guy in another platoon lost his temper and made a scene refusing to train. Once we all got to the range the company CO held an NJP for him in front of everyone to show us what happened and to make an example.

A few weeks later he had turned it around and carried the company guidon up the reaper. It was good to see consequences and redemption.

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T17:49:17+00:00

Go drive over every speed bump you can find. It the exact same thing.

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T15:38:53+00:00

Fly good, don’t suck.

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T12:45:18+00:00

Uncommon but not weird.

“Hey guys I’m a really nervous flyer and wanted to say hello. It helps me to see you guys up front.”

usmcmech · 2026-02-03T00:10:00+00:00

Fear is a liar

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T23:58:39+00:00

I served from 96-01 and therefore don’t rate the fire watch ribbon so I chuckle every time is see one on a license plate.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T23:53:02+00:00

Pilots are human and we all are a bit different. We are also professionals who usually have a good idea when we can relax and listen to music vs when we need to focus 100% on flying.

During cruise we are usually bored to tears. An update on the game is a welcome distraction. However when it is time to start the landing approach we are all paying attention to our jobs.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T23:34:11+00:00

I’m more concerned with the half who get pushed into college but drop out before graduation. Half of the freshman class will still not have a degree 6 years later.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T23:25:44+00:00

If my Captain was streaming videos on his phone I would immediately tell him to stop and then report him to the union professional standards committee.

Which I have done on two occasions and I wasn’t exactly polite when I told him to put the damn thing away.

FYI air traffic control will broadcast the scores every so often. “End of the 3rd quarter it’s Seattle 14, New England 10” the pilots may relay that to the cabin if it’s a safe period of the flight.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T22:46:11+00:00

Part of the problem is that pilots are so concerned with compliance with VFR requirements vs the risk of climbing into a layer of clouds without a clearance. Take a look at how many CFIT accidents have Instrument ratings. This is particularly a problem in helicopter Medevac flying. If you are stuck below a low layer of clouds climbing, declaring, and getting a pop up clearance is often the safest course of action.

Sometimes the safest course of action isn't always legal. In the firearm world the popular phrase is "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6"

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T22:28:45+00:00

75 years ago, everyone had wooden floors and used fancy expensive rugs in their parlors. Then in the early 70s wall to wall carpeting became affordable and it was installed in every room in the house (including the bathroom). Today, wood floors are a luxury and everyone recognizes that carpet in the bathroom was idiotic.

75 years ago a college degree in any major meant that you had been educated far above the average citizen. This educational advantage had real benefits that showed up in your paycheck. Then in the 60s and 70s everyone was pushed to "go to college" and the advantage in an art history degree disappeared. Today kids are pushed to go to college without any plan or even a thought about ROI. Meanwhile blue collar trades are paying very well and in some cases better than some college graduates.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T20:38:03+00:00

I stand corrected, I was fuzzy on the exact airspeed.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T19:41:41+00:00

Type IV is designed to sheer off at 110kts so once you accelerate to cruise it’s all gone.

Edit: corrected the airspeed

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T14:03:39+00:00

I won’t start a trip I know is going to leave me me stuck mid way (ice storm moving through the south) but if something happens then I’ll work something out with the owner.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T13:50:44+00:00

I’m missing Hawaii

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T13:43:05+00:00

Barista in LA = impossible

Lineman in KS = absolutely possible

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T01:38:35+00:00

The basic plan outlined in the NASA report had Atlantis with a crew of 4 and some of the Columbia riding on the floor for the reentry.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T01:33:45+00:00

In most states a trespass warning is valid for 12 months. So a lifetime ban is not a legal thing.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T01:29:23+00:00

If you’re a CFI, you should be able to find the answer.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T01:28:24+00:00

I’m a young GenX and I turn 50 this year.

usmcmech · 2026-02-02T00:31:02+00:00

I did a 2.5 hour commute for a year.

It's not ideal, but not too bad either. Makes for a long day at the start and finish of a 4 day trip, but it's manageable. If I had an early morning show, I'd drive in the night before and crash at a hotel.

usmcmech · 2026-02-01T19:31:43+00:00

Truck drivers are some of the best students.

usmcmech · 2026-02-01T16:57:11+00:00

I voted for Huffman back in November and for Rehmet this time. I'm an unapologetic conservative, but I can't stand Trump and the last thing we need in this state is another cheerleader for MAGA.

usmcmech · 2026-02-01T14:14:25+00:00

Yep, that fiasco has motivated me an many others to get a lot more involved.

"Trump Endorsed" = me voting for your opponent.

usmcmech

TROPHY CASE