It's hard to not jump all over some guys on this thread but the reality is that many guys who retired from the airlines, some at age 60, some earlier than that have done evreything and more, than any 30+ old fractional Captain. Be it Vietnam, slogging bags at some 1st generation frieght outfit, or simply flying long tough trips at some out of business airlines like Tower, TIA, or whomever. No one in this business has an exclusive on skills, attitude, or character and that's one of the things that makes this an intersting career choice. Not always pretty, but usually always interesting. So for those of you who come to this string with lots of opinions and more that a fair amount of attitude, why don't you throttle back a little and see if you can learn from each and every pilot you fly with, be it good or bad, but at least learn how to appreciate the significant experience(s) that all pilots bring to the cockpit.
I have friends that fly for NJ and for the most part they are really impressed with the quality of the PIC's that they fly with. Once and while they get some guy that acts like a real prima donna, or is scared of his own shaddow, or seems to be working every angle to screw over the company in some manner. Those can create some very long seven day events. Fortunetly, those types seem to be the exception to the rule, and all in all they are very pleased to be part of the NJ pilot group.
I use to fly with alot of guys who were WWll vintage pilots, some even were airline pilots before WWll. Many had flown B17's over Europe, B29's in the Pacific, or P51's, P47's. Several of them had been German POWs for a good part of the war including our VP of Flight Operations. I was full of my self in those days so I failed to learn more about their experiences in aviation prior to being an airline pilots Most of them have passed on today so it's to late now, but I wished I had listened a little more carefully, instead of just wondering if I was going to get laid that night by one of the Stew's! I'll say one thing for sure, the characters in those days were a real hoot when they got going. Enough for the moment.
Yes, I'm an old guy by anyone's standards on this board. Had a great airline career and have enjoyed the corporate side of life for about six years now. Don't expect any tears when I leave, but I can give and take with any of pilots out there as far as being both a professional and a pilot who cares about the future of avaiation and the people that are attracted to it.