UAL management is nothing but a bunch of PC idiots. This conversation began back in the early 1980's and was settled long ago. No matter what the color of their skin, if an applicant passes the requisite tests and training - welcome aboard. If they can't, then we're sorry but you'll have to find a different career field. If the CEO of United had a brain tumor, would he allow a brain surgeon to operate on him who had flunked out of neurosurgery? Why not, if its OK for his passengers?

(Written on 2021年 04月 09日)(Permalink)

I guy I flew for knew Trump personally and I often heard my guy talking to Trump on the flight phone. They were both hard-nosed billionaire businessmen, but they employed hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Guess nice guys finish last (for the most part).

(Written on 2020年 11月 13日)(Permalink)

A lot of folks have probably seen this video about a real event. It was a King Air owned by the right seat passenger. The pilot died in flight. The PAX all lived, due to outstanding work and coordination by the ATC controllers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqPvVxxIDr0

(Written on 2020年 11月 13日)(Permalink)

Unfortunately, those kind of employers are few and far between. They deserve the respect that others demand.

(Written on 2020年 11月 13日)(Permalink)

I never flew 135, just 91, for a major corp and a couple of wealthy owners over the years. I never had any "problem children", but individual owners can be a bear to work for because they're demanding - especially when it comes to schedule. One day I was planned for LGA to the owner's home airport in Michigan. Another crew was scheduled to fly the owner to St. Maarten the next day. But when the owner arrived at LGA he said, "It's snowing at home." I said, "Yes sir, it is". He said, "Screw it, let's go to St Maarten now." I replied, "Yes sir. I'll be right back." I hollered to a lineman to top off the fuel, ran inside and filed a bare bones flight plan to SXM and off we went. We were there four days. Once there, the copilot, flight attendant, and I found a place to stay; then went into town and bought some casual clothes (we didn't wear uniforms, but business attire would have looked silly at the beach). I charged all the crew expenses to my personal AMEX Gold card that had no l

(Written on 2020年 11月 13日)(Permalink)

Don't bash the USAF for not doing the FAA's job.

(Written on 2020年 09月 04日)(Permalink)

Or a mini-C-141 for us old guys... now THAT was a great airplane :)

(Written on 2020年 09月 04日)(Permalink)

Hate to hear that. These guys work extremely hard in difficult conditions. Condolences to their families.

(Written on 2020年 08月 07日)(Permalink)

Unfortunately, these days politics play a big part in achieving "firsts". Back in the dark ages when we were in a war in SE Asia, ALL graduates of USAF pilot training were qualified for fighter assignments, having successfully completed the T-38 syllabus. Not everyone actually got a fighter assignment right out of UPT, due to the need to keep other aircraft flying, but when we graduated we were all qualified. Having said that, I certainly hope that this young lady successfully completes her fighter quals.

(Written on 2020年 08月 07日)(Permalink)

Well, if she just got her wings she isn't a fighter pilot - yet. Hopes she makes it, but first she has to make it through transition training on the F-18 (presumably), and carrier quals - then she'll be a Navy fighter pilot.

(Written on 2020年 08月 07日)(Permalink)