I'm a New Hire, II

[Timebuilder]

With 97 posts and over 3500 views on the first thread, I decided to start a new one.

I was in the Lear 55c this week, and it was quite a different machine than the 35. Not as powerful, but more headroom for the pax, an enclosed potty, single point fueling, winglets, auto spoilers, and an EFIS cockpit with FMS. Better seats for the pilots, more legroom, and it's much quieter up front: less wind noise. You can actually converse with the other pilot at FL 410.

Many of you have become accustomed to living out of a rolling case. It is becoming apparent that I can't make do with my old Sporty's flight bag, so I'll need a rolling case, too.

I'd like to hear any recommendations about brand, type, model, etc for these cases. What makes one better than another? Who has the best prices? Any tips on packing, or items to bring?

Last week I bought some pilot shirts from the "stop over store", and they were a good quality shirt that ironed easily. About $80 for the four of them.

Also, I want to hear more experiences about your early jet days, particularly for Lears. I'd like to learn from your experiences.

 

[saabtrash]

Go back to the stop over store and buy a roller bag there, they have good prices. Most people in the airlines buy PNT roller bags, I have one, it's nothing special, but it hasn't broken yet. Other people buy $50 ones from department stores, and they last them for years and years. It's a personal decision. They'll even embroider something into the handle for you, most people do their last name or initials. For you I recommend "Lear Pilot."

 

[Timebuilder]

I think I'd prefer "Philippians 4:13"

 

[Cornelius]

Anybody have a phone number at the Stop Over, I gotta jumpseat out there soon to pick up a new uniform. They're still in Minny Right?

 

[SF3CAP]

I have a Samsonite hard-sided roller I got for $150 about 4 years ago, and it's still going strong. I'd recommend it.

 

[Timebuilder]

From the stopoverstore website:

Support

Call us: 1-800-627-1372 (MSP Airport)

Other Store numbers and locations

DTW Airport: 1-800-627-1373. Smith Terminal, 2nd floor

IAH Airport: 1-800 307-5263

 

[saabtrash]

Ask the lord Timbuilder, surely he will guide you in your eternal search for a roller bag.

 

[Timebuilder]

I couldn't even begin to enumerate the ways I have already been guided, but thanks for the remark. It's a telling one.

 

[Snakum]

SaabTrash just loves your updates TB ... where's Captain Z?

Does a Lear 135 checkout make you OK for the 20, 30, and 50 series (same as the types, I think)?

Enjoying the updates ...

Minh

 

[TurboS7]

Travel Pro at Boca on Banyan Trail Road right next to the Boca Airport. You can get great used remanufactured stuff for less than $40.00 with the guarentee. Eph. 2:11

 

[saabtrash]

Pompous 4:26
Arrogance 3:18

I don't know much about the "good book," but if those passages are in there, maybe you should study them. It's simple, you bother me, so I guess I'll stop reading your posts.

By the way, since I'm on reserve all of the time, I applied for a second job at the gas station down on the corner. My interview is on Monday, cross your fingers everybody. If your lucky, I'll give you the play by play of my training and everyday experiences. I know that you all are interested. Talk to you soon!!!!!

 

[FlyToVegas]

Stop Over Store

The Stop Over Store at MSP and DTW are well-stocked and fun shopping, but be certain to note thier hours should you decide to visit. They are not open every day, all day. Also, you'll need your ID to get in. Ask an employee for directions as they are hidden from the public beyond "security" and/or the locations are posted in an advertisement in the little MSP or DTW newsletter/newspaper thingy you'll see out for grabs for free in the pax terminal.

 

[Timebuilder]

Saabtrash, you're more than welcome to stop reading these posts, and MORE than welcome to avoid posting.

You've become

Annoying, 24:7

 

[Anaconda]

is that stopover store in DTW still open? i had heard that it closed because they couldn't afford to pay the rent anymore, esp. after the new NWA terminal opened up.

stopoverstore.com

flightstation is pretty much the same thing, but at delta hubs in cvg and atl. flightstation.com

i wouldn't say that purdy neat bags are not special. they are one of the best you can get. it would last you a long time. buy nice or buy twice.

 

[Timebuilder]

Snakum:

I'm told the type covers the Lear lineup minus the 60. It's a different bird.

Tomorrow, I'm going to Bermuda to pick up passengers. If you have flown there, I'd like to hear your comments, along with pitfalls to avoid. AOPA says that I can use a birth certificate and photo ID in lieu of a passport, since I haven't received mine yet. Any other advice or anecdotes?

I'm still considering the rolling bag question. The PNT stuff might be a little pricey for me at this point.

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Have you gone overwater yet? If you haven't yet and if you have it available, I'd pull out your Atlantic Orientation Chart and read over it tonight. Also, know exactly what you're going to say before you key the mike for a position report. You don't want to sound like a rookie, even if you are one...

 

[Timebuilder]

Thanks. That's just the kind of info this rookie needs!

The last time I was overwater on my way to Bermuda was 1969, in the back of an Eastern 727...

 

[TurboS7]

I was just in Bermuda last week. You'll go to the GA side on the west side of the airport . The customs area is about as big as your living room. If you have a handler they will be doing everything for you. Of course you must have at least 3 copies of the gen. dec. the more the better. Waters area now is RVSM airspace from 310 and up with the transition area starting at 290. Unless you are RVSM equipped and certified you will be at 290 or below. You'll need HF all report go through ARINC New York Radio, as you get out of VHF range about 150 miles off-shore. You get in radar contact again about 200 miles from Bermuda. Other than being in a non-radar enviroment make all you positon reports IAW with the box items on the chart. Have fun and welcome to the real world.

 

[Timebuilder]

Day Trip to Bermuda

The Selcal made the HF bearable, and the reporting wasn't a problem, although the airinc guy decided to be picky (and I could have spelled that word differently...) about his watch being a minute or so different from my watch, but once that was straightened out, no problem.

The Bermuda FBO was a reminder of a small town US airport, but not as nice. The fuel business is separate from the FBO, and getting fuel can take up to an hour if he is accross the field fueling a 757.

The female contoller had a heavy island accent that made her difficult to understand, but I had better get used to listening better.

Tomorrow, it's off to St. Martin for four days.

 

[Timebuilder]

One more thing.

I talked with several Net Jets guys who were waiting to leave for White Plains behind me. No talk of apps being sent out any time soon. One guy told me that HR has "10,000 qualified pilots on file", but he acknowleged that this will dwindle when hiring resumes and pilots are called back to their old jobs.

One guy thought it would be about a year before accepting anyone new into the pool.

 

[TurboS7]

One final at St.Marteen it is the responsibility of the FO to count the topless girls on the beach....stay out of trouble.

 

[enigma]

Forget the rollaboard, your corporate. Get a good hanging bag. I lived out of an old fold-in-the-middle hanging bag for years before I had to go and buy a roller for an airline job. I much prefer carring a hanging bag from the aft bag bin all the way to the rent car than I do dragging a roller through a half mile of terminal. As far as lears go, leave that 55 down at 390, and you'll enjoy life. Don't ask how I know not to try and take a 55 too high.

later

 

[Timebuilder]

The beach on final to rwy 9 at the "Sint Maarten" (the Dutch version of Saint Martin) had only a guy who wanted to get a close look at our gear as we passed over him. We lowered the nose a little and he sank down to a crouch!

As we drove the island in the rented Corolla, I lost count of the topless and suitless bathers at the various beaches, particularly the Oriental Beach up on the French part of the island. It seemed to me that those who wore the least clothing were those who needed to be covered. There were, however, some notable exceptions.

A word of caution to those who use a certain company for your Customs scheduling and flight planning. We made two updates to the control center, revising our landing time. Neither revision made it to customs. If someone forgets to keep Customs informed of your ETA, you will wait on the ground almost an hour, as I did in Wilmington, NC. Our passengers were not pleased. I will be checking to make certain that customs is aware of our true, revised ETA from now on. Live and learn.

Everything on the island is two to three times what it should cost. No chain hotels are allowed there, only the hotels operated by locals, who set their own "unique" standard of hotel quality. A good Hilton would blow these guys off the island.

The sand and water were great. Ocean swimming was fantastic.

Three days were enough. I'll take Bermuda.

 

[Timebuilder]

Tomorrow, I'm in the 55 down to Greenville/Spartansburg.

Any good places to eat, or air museums to visit?

 

[Britpilot]

Bags and GSP

Tomorrow, I'm in the 55 down to Greenville/Spartansburg.

Any good places to eat, or air museums to visit?

I highly recommend the Purdy Neat Stuff bag, I've been using one for four years now and it is bullet proof, obtainable direct from the factory at luggageworksonline.com or from the Stopover stores. Great warranty as well. Please avoid Travel Pro,these are such poor quality that my company no longer suports them. ( it used to be part of our uniform).

As for GSP, well that's where I live so I will be a little biased here, but it would depend on how long you are in town. I can recommend Wild Wings downtown and The Blue Ridge Brewery on Main St. If you have time rent a car and drive the Blue Ridge Highway up to Ashville NC, it's a nice time of year to do this. The Biltmore Estate is fun to visit, although a little on the high side.
See you out there,