50+

[Retired in SAN]

Not that my wife thinks I spend to much time reading JH posts because I really enjoy hearing from all of you, I am curious to hear from any 50+ year old guys/gals who are just starting out with a regional as far as commuting, on call, etc. You finding it a lot harder at our older age than it would have as a young guy. I'm 52 and looking at jumping into it provided an interview works out. I flew for 25 years but unfortunately was spoiled in being able to come home every night after work. Since those days are over, it's time to make changes. Any thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[SeanD]

Reserve away from base sucks no matter how old you are. Always have a plan B,C and D and never commute on your duty day.

 

[dbrault17]

At 29 years old I was one month away from walking away from the job from commuting to reserve (6 months in) for such little pay. I could see making it work living at home on reserve though. But min days off commuting to work is asinine.

 

[Retired in SAN]

At 29 years old I was one month away from walking away from the job from commuting to reserve (6 months in) for such little pay. I could see making it work living at home on reserve though. But min days off commuting to work is asinine.

So the consensus is, live where you're based or forget it? How about a commute driving about two hours each way? Or direct flights? Where were you commuting to?

 

[CirrusMonkey]

Commuting sucks and so does the pay but I commuted from SEA to TYS for 2 1/2 years, and that's only counting the time that I was on reserve. It can (barely) be done.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

So the consensus is, live where you're based or forget it? How about a commute driving about two hours each way? Or direct flights? Where were you commuting to?

It's okay, you can say "PSP" or "LAX"

I drive an hour (plus or minus, sometimes plus 45 minutes when the jerks in Beamers are doing their thing on the West Side) to work. I sat reserve that way for a few months and never had any issues, but I kept my stuff ready to go and when I went out, it was either never far or I just chucked my uniform into the car.

 

[HRDiva]

It's okay, you can say "PSP" or "LAX"

I drive an hour (plus or minus, sometimes plus 45 minutes when the jerks in Beamers are doing their thing on the West Side) to work. I sat reserve that way for a few months and never had any issues, but I kept my stuff ready to go and when I went out, it was either never far or I just chucked my uniform into the car.

Beamers (motorcycles) were riding as commuters? Really? Or we're they Bimmers (cars)?

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Beamers (motorcycles) were riding as commuters? Really? Or we're they Bimmers (cars)?

Ah, apologies. Bimmers not beamers.

 

[Retired in SAN]

It's okay, you can say "PSP" or "LAX"

I drive an hour (plus or minus, sometimes plus 45 minutes when the jerks in Beamers are doing their thing on the West Side) to work. I sat reserve that way for a few months and never had any issues, but I kept my stuff ready to go and when I went out, it was either never far or I just chucked my uniform into the car.

Okay, than how were you making PSP or LAX from N.County in an hour unless you were averaging 100mph on the drive? Also, what were you doing when you finished up late than had an early morning launch? They're not paying accommodations correct?

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Okay, than how were you making PSP or LAX from N.County in an hour unless you were averaging 100mph on the drive? Also, what were you doing when you finished up late than had an early morning launch? They're not paying accommodations correct?

FWIW, I live in Ventura County. Other direction, and it sucks a lot less once you get off the 405. And it's a lot closer in terms of road distance too.

The solution to that is to not be awarded late finishes followed by early launches. I got a hotel room for back-to-back locals last month (of my own volition and at own expense, but it worked out swimmingly). Indeed, you pretty much won't be awarded them as regularly (and as tightly) as you were in the bad ol' days.

A lot of our San Diego guys could make a 2-hour PSP callout too. Basically everyone who was SAN either was or still is PSP/LAX now on the Bro. PSP reserve is the easiest duty I ever pulled, too. I think I worked twice. No, maybe three times in that month.

 

[Schinpop]

In my new hire class, I was one of two career changers - both of us were in our late 40's. I didn't even try to commute to reserve. I rented a room and "lived" in base and went home every once in a while. You just can't commute reserve - or at least I couldn't. The other guy lived in base, so he basically sat reserve in his living room.

If you are commuting from a hub to a hub, you might be OK, but the sooner you can be based at home, the better.

 

[Retired in SAN]

In my new hire class, I was one of two career changers - both of us were in our late 40's. I didn't even try to commute to reserve. I rented a room and "lived" in base and went home every once in a while. You just can't commute reserve - or at least I couldn't. The other guy lived in base, so he basically sat reserve in his living room.

If you are commuting from a hub to a hub, you might be OK, but the sooner you can be based at home, the better.

Thanks schinpop. Good info.

 

[crfguy51]

I know of at least 2-3 guys in Oceanside and Carlsbad who sit reserve at home (for LAX). 2 hour callouts are pretty rare.

 

[Retired in SAN]

Appreciate all the replies. I must had heard wrong but are their RJs at PSP or just the 120s?

 

[launchpad]

Appreciate all the replies. I must had heard wrong but are their RJs at PSP or just the 120s?

Both.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Appreciate all the replies. I must had heard wrong but are their RJs at PSP or just the 120s?

Both; the Brasilia domiciles are PDX PSP SFO SBP FAT LAX SLC; everywhere else is Canadian Shiny Jet.

Don't fear the turboprop. If you want to hold a line sooner (you do...), it's the airplane you want. Granted you have to trade airplanes with guys like @etflies but it's still pretty good.

 

[Retired in SAN]

Thanks for the replies guys. Judging by all those over 50 who responded,(none) have to wonder if I'm a little late to the game. "come on grandpa! gear up, flaps away, USA Today!"

 

[Hopeful Pilot]

Thanks for the replies guys. Judging by all those over 50 who responded,(none) have to wonder if I'm a little late to the game. "come on grandpa! gear up, flaps away, USA Today!"

You can only be too late if your over 65

 

[Retired in SAN]

You can only be too late if your over 65

Funny to read that. There was a time not so long ago when 30 was late to the game.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Thanks for the replies guys. Judging by all those over 50 who responded,(none) have to wonder if I'm a little late to the game. "come on grandpa! gear up, flaps away, USA Today!"

"Give me 2000 pounds, stick the tanks, check the parking brake accumulator pressure and crunch performance numbers for me. Thanks. I'm going to sit here and think Captainy thoughts."