What is it with this jet thing?

[aerodromebum]

Okay folks. I gotta ask this lighthearted question, just for kicks. What is up with all the ga-ga over flying the jets?

Here's the situation. I've been flying for over 16 years and 10000 hours but am yet to fly a jet, nor do I really care to. I'm currently flying turboprops for a great company that pays and treats me well. I enjoy my job, like the people I work with, have good job security, and therefore don't really have any desire to go someplace else (especially in today's unstable job market). However, people often ask me as to when I'm gonna get off my butt and go fly a jet someplace ("You got all that flight time! Why don't you go apply at ____?").:erm: Even my parents sometimes get into the act when I call them up to say hi ("So, are you flying jets yet, hon?") . I have to add that it's especially amusing when some junior RJ FO comes up and ask me something to the effect of "When are you gonna start flying some real airplanes?" (One of my coworker buddys made a classic response to that question once. - "At about the same time as to when you start drawing some real paychecks.").

So people, I need some advice! Should I give up my job security and well over half of my income to strap myself in a "real airplane" somewhere?:nuts: Or should I just stay put and miss out on what appears to be the greatest thing in aviation since the Wright Flyer?:nuts: Any input will be greatly appreciated!

 

[ozpilot]

Do whats right for you ... flying jets is noooo big deal .....

As a good friend once said 'If you can fly a Piper Cub, I can teach you to fly a 747 - but not necessarily the other way around ...'

 

[ePilot22]

New York Jets...

Jets...eh. Turboprops...oh yeah!

I don't get the big deal with jets. All this SJS and stuff. Maybe I'm just confused too?

Stick with what you like and makes you .


eP.

 

[USMCmech]

Should I give up my job security and well over half of my income to strap myself in a "real airplane" somewhere?

Yes absolutely,

Flying a DC-3 is my dream job. Radial engines, and a tailwheel, now that's a "real airplane".

Oh yeah, you mentioned those silly "suck and blow" jets. I'd fly one if the money was right, but they're nothing special.

 

[XTW]

Good for you!

Tell them all to mind their own F*CKIN' business, and do what you enjoy doing. Obviously you are making a living and enjoying it. You have you priorities in order and it's nobody else's business what you fly.


X

 

[FN FAL]

now you know how a regional pilot feels when they get asked if they're up to 1,000 dollars a month yet.

 

[pilotyip]

Don't let the secret out, jets are easier to fly than turbo props, turbo props are easier to fly than recips. But I have a lot of fun running around in old recips in the summer.

 

[check6]

Jets are for Jacuzzis.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

.................................

 

[TransMach]

Jets

Mate,

Do what's right for you ... if you like your job, keep it!

You will want to check out in a jet someday, somehow. It doesn't mean you need to quit your current job. A Citation checkout is easy and not to expensive ... find someone around, one day, who could use you part-time, get yourself checked out and try the blow job. Heck, I had two type ratings (didn't pay for either one, I earned them doing other stuff) before I ever got a jet job. The very last thing I'd do is prostitute myself to one of the SJS regionals.

My concern would be that I'd wake up one day, really to old to make a change if I wanted to and regret that I didn't at least give it a try.

TransMach

 

[enigma]

In your case, I'd stay where the money/QOL is best.

All else being equal, I'll take a jet because I feel slightly safer/more comfortable with turbojet power. The jet engine offers better reliability, better performance, better altitude capability (allowing for better weather avoidance) and more.

I'd love to be able to command an old DC6 someday, but truthfully, I do feel much more at ease knowing that the thrust is coming from out of the tailpipe.

good luck,

 

[Junkflyer]

Oh no, the Amish kid has sjs.

 

[User546]

You fly turboprops already, so just tell them you do fly a jet - with a prop attached.

Seriously, do what you enjoy. Sounds like you got a great setup and a lot of security where you work now - thats gold in the corporate business. Jets are only fun for about 6 months to a year. After that the "coolness" wears off and its just another airplane you fly. They get old really quick after that!

Don't let any of these guys kick you around and bust your chops about not flying jets. Just do what you enjoy and be happy with it!

 

[AA717driver]

I like jets because I don't have to wear David Clarks! Plus, women throw themselves at your feet when they find out you're a "jet pilot". TC

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

What is it with the jet thing?


I wondered that myself, I guess to the kids coming out of school a jet represents being the studly airline pilot, or some other nonsense like that.

Never mind that they do not make squat.......but hey look at me I fly an JET!!!!