Life as a full-scale pilot
Yes, my column is titled “Micro-Flying,” but this month I would like to discuss something slightly different and opposite of micro models—full-scale flying. The world of model aviation is a great one, and many modelers who love model aviation are also interested in, or currently involved in, full-scale aviation.
I was fortunate to grow up around full-scale aviation. I actually learned how to fly RC models on my own. I knew what I wanted to do for a living—fly!
I was a young, hotshot pilot, I had a private pilot’s license, and I headed off to college to start my journey to become a professional pilot. I received the rest of my pilot ratings at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. Embry-Riddle brought me down to earth and did a good job of preparing me to be a pilot, but I had no idea what it was like until I started flying commercially.
I am employed by Piedmont Airlines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines. I have been flying for airlines for more than 26 years and have logged more than 24,000 hours in the air. Many of you might wonder what it is like to be a pilot for a regional
airline. It could sound exciting to fly a modern airliner, to have approximately 11 to 15 days off a month, and have good travel benefits. I always tell people when they ask me what it is like, that it can be the best and the worst job, all in one day!
First let’s discuss the good. At 52 years of age, I still enjoy flying as much as I did when I started out. Let’s face it—flying is fun. As you move up the ladder, you have a better schedule and more days off per month. I average 13 days, but I can have as many as 23 days off with a one-week vacation. Travel benefits with my company are great because we have free airfare as long as there is an open seat on a flight.
Here are some of the negatives of being a pilot. When you start out, you are normally on reserve. A reserve pilot has to be on call and ready to travel to the airport in a specific amount of time. Most companies have a short call reserve of two hours or less. This means that if you do not live near your crew base, you will need a crash pad so that you are close enough to make the callout time.
Life on reserve is not fun. You have minimal days off and might not spend many days at home. Eleven days off may sound like a lot, but you are living out of a suitcase and normally need a full day to recover from your trip when you get home.
improvements in pilot pay and benefits. It is a great time to start thinking about a job in aviation or getting back into it if you left the industry to do something else.
Piedmont Airlines
The company that I fly for, Piedmont Airlines, has some great new benefits for new hires and current employees. As I write this, the airline is offering a $15,000 signing bonus for new employees and quick upgrades to become a captain. It takes approximately four months if you have the time and meet the qualifications.
The main benefit for most pilots is a seniority-based direct flow to mainline to American Airlines without an interview! The airline has a fleet of de Havilland DH-8 turboprop aircraft and Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets.
If you are interested in working for Piedmont Airlines and have an ATP certificate or the flight time to obtain an ATP certificate, send me an email at the address listed at the beginning of this column. You can find more information about Piedmont Airlines online at the website listed in “Sources.”
Large or Small Models
My wife recently gave me a great-flying, 78-inch wingspan, electric-powered E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 as a 25th anniversary present. With flaps, retracts, and a great presence in the air, the model is a real joy to fly.
Do I like flying large electric models more than micro models? The answer is that I enjoy flying both types. The goal is to have fun and enjoy all of the options that this great hobby offers!
SOURCES:
Piedmont Airlines
(410) 548-2901
www.piedmont-airlines.com
Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
