An Observation
Howdy Folks:
This debate (civilian v. military) always seems to rear its ugly head in times of intense competition for jobs in aviation. I've heard it many times before. I also know that the arguments of both sides have merit.
I did not fly in the military, although I would have if I could have. As a result, I had to pay the $30,000 for the flight ratings I acquired, not to mention all of my tuition for college and graduate school. I'm not complaining, but keep this in mind.
No, I have never landed a fast airplane on a carrier (except in the sim!). But I have flown jet aircraft all over the world, and this includes China, Japan, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc. so many countries I can't name them all, where my crew was on its own at airports far, far away trying to get weather, clearances, service, etc.
Can't say I have ever been on active duty. But I can remember, as an airline Captain, flying with a number of recently separated military pilots who simply could not handle themselves in heavy instrument conditions. I remember one gentleman particularly. He spent an entire three day trip trying to convince me that because of his superior training in the military, the requirements for upgrade at our company (which he did not meet) should be waived. At the end of this grueling trip, in instrument weather and a non-radar environment, we had a navigation radio failure. His comment to me when this happened (I was flying) was "I don't know where we are- I can't help you," effectively making me single pilot. I feel compelled to add that this pilot busted his upgrade when it came around.
I regret that happened. This guy wasn't very professional. I'm guessing most military pilots are. Keep in mind, however, that as long as people like my former first officer exist, this debate will continue. Military pilots, some of your peers do not reflect well on the rest ofyou!
Having said that, I am a civilian trained helicopter pilot. All of my instructors were Army and/or Guard guys. Superb aviators, and wonderful teachers. Great to have a beer with, too! Proving once again there are good pilots and people, and bad pilots and people, and its a crapshoot as to where they received their training and experience.
Good luck to everyone- hopefully we'll all be employed in jobs of our choice soon.
Howdy Folks:
This debate (civilian v. military) always seems to rear its ugly head in times of intense competition for jobs in aviation. I've heard it many times before. I also know that the arguments of both sides have merit.
I did not fly in the military, although I would have if I could have. As a result, I had to pay the $30,000 for the flight ratings I acquired, not to mention all of my tuition for college and graduate school. I'm not complaining, but keep this in mind.
No, I have never landed a fast airplane on a carrier (except in the sim!). But I have flown jet aircraft all over the world, and this includes China, Japan, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Iceland, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc. so many countries I can't name them all, where my crew was on its own at airports far, far away trying to get weather, clearances, service, etc.
Can't say I have ever been on active duty. But I can remember, as an airline Captain, flying with a number of recently separated military pilots who simply could not handle themselves in heavy instrument conditions. I remember one gentleman particularly. He spent an entire three day trip trying to convince me that because of his superior training in the military, the requirements for upgrade at our company (which he did not meet) should be waived. At the end of this grueling trip, in instrument weather and a non-radar environment, we had a navigation radio failure. His comment to me when this happened (I was flying) was "I don't know where we are- I can't help you," effectively making me single pilot. I feel compelled to add that this pilot busted his upgrade when it came around.
I regret that happened. This guy wasn't very professional. I'm guessing most military pilots are. Keep in mind, however, that as long as people like my former first officer exist, this debate will continue. Military pilots, some of your peers do not reflect well on the rest ofyou!
Having said that, I am a civilian trained helicopter pilot. All of my instructors were Army and/or Guard guys. Superb aviators, and wonderful teachers. Great to have a beer with, too! Proving once again there are good pilots and people, and bad pilots and people, and its a crapshoot as to where they received their training and experience.
Good luck to everyone- hopefully we'll all be employed in jobs of our choice soon.
