is 40 to 45 too old to get hired at a major?

[jetstream]

Just so we are clear, being a check airman is political, they may not be the best pilots, may not be the best at CRM, but, might, maybe, be the best at kissing ass.

I happen to be a check airman at a large regional carrier and am privileged to work with some of the best pilots in the business. We take new hires who often meet only the minimum requirements to be hired, have never flown a jet, never seen an FMS, never flown for an airline, never flown in congested airspace, etc. Heck, there was a time we even had some new hires who had never been in actual IMC conditions.We take them and turn them into safe, competent airline pilots.

The abilities required to do this and deal with the associated stress and high workload on the flight deck can only be understood by those who do it.

Not a single one of them has the job because they kiss ass. They have it because they are good at what they do. Period.

 

[DCAA320]

I happen to be a check airman at a large regional carrier and am privileged to work with some of the best pilots in the business. We take new hires who often meet only the minimum requirements to be hired, have never flown a jet, never seen an FMS, never flown for an airline, never flown in congested airspace, etc. Heck, there was a time we even had some new hires who had never been in actual IMC conditions.We take them and turn them into safe, competent airline pilots.

The abilities required to do this and deal with the associated stress and high workload on the flight deck can only be understood by those who do it.

Not a single one of them has the job because they kiss ass. They have it because they are good at what they do. Period.

Hi Jetstream, I believe everything you said, but I have flown with former check airman, and when I ask why aren't you still a check airman, they say they tried to change things, boss disagreed, and the boss said if you don't like it, leave (training dept).

Why do I believe them, well I was ordered by the head of training to do something, utterly ridiculous, of course I said no, and was kicked out of class the night before my oral. So at my airline, there are politics.

Back in the day:

My IOE at AE was LAX to Oxnard, check airman had his hands full, me too.

If you look at my post, I said "might, maybe" as in it doesn't apply to all.

 

[Bad-Andy]

4 A330 instructors I was told, head guy said take it or leave it (as far as lower pay) they went back to the line.

Since I am being held, I believe they walked.

Unless that happened on Friday, not true -- just urban legend. Had a conversation with one of them on Thursday afternoon, and all four agreed to stay on through the end of May. The head guy you referred to is working on a deal to keep those guys -- the hold up is on the union end, not the company end, as there is no mechanism to provide pay protection for F/O's that can hold Captain. Both sides are working hard to fix this. No sinister plots here (by either side)...

You're being held on the 767 because of lack of training availability on your end. The company was blindsided by how junior the 767 went on the last bid (unfilled positions...) and is trying to figure out how to fill those vacancies...

On the good side, are you going to be able to hold a Secondary on the 767 this summer? If so, enjoy the higher pay and the block... :beer:

 

[DCAA320]

Unless that happened on Friday, not true -- just urban legend. Had a conversation with one of them on Thursday afternoon, and all four agreed to stay on through the end of May. The head guy you referred to is working on a deal to keep those guys -- the hold up is on the union end, not the company end, as there is no mechanism to provide pay protection for F/O's that can hold Captain. Both sides are working hard to fix this. No sinister plots here (by either side)...

You're being held on the 767 because of lack of training availability on your end. The company was blindsided by how junior the 767 went on the last bid (unfilled positions...) and is trying to figure out how to fill those vacancies...

On the good side, are you going to be able to hold a Secondary on the 767 this summer? If so, enjoy the higher pay and the block... :beer:

Just flew with guy in training department, he said head guy refused to pay them CPT A320 pay, which they could hold. That is all I know.

Oh yeah, got my 4th choice of sec lines for APR, will fly 90 hours in MAY.

 

[Bad-Andy]

Just flew with guy in training department, he said head guy refused to pay them CPT A320 pay, which they could hold. That is all I know.

Dang. There may be more IPs leaving soon on all fleet types then...

Oh yeah, got my 4th choice of sec lines for APR, will fly 90 hours in MAY

At least there is a bright side to being held... (Don't forget to submit for reimbursement for all your day rooms that you'll use before all your trips...) $$$

 

[DCAA320]

He also mentioned new hires possibly going to A330, so freaking cool 4 them.

 

[flyboyike]

O.M.G. 40??? If you were a horse, you would be glue.

Expired glue, no less. (I'm almost 39, btw)

 

[Hpilot]

Expired glue, no less. (I'm almost 39, btw)

I'm right there with ya. You need to come to US/American, I'm looked at here as a snot nosed youngin'.

 

[flyboyike]

I'm right there with ya. You need to come to US/American, I'm looked at here as a snot nosed youngin'.

I'm used to that, being ex-Comair and all.

 

[FOAgain]

The last 3 classes at SWA and at least one guy over 50. Age ain't nothing anymore. Good luck.

Well the one I'm in currently (all new hires) ranges from 33-46 with a slight majority below 40.

Don't think it really matters though. SWA just looks for well qualified and easy to get along with.