Most Important Things You've Learned

Understand your ops-specs, particularly for stabilized approach criteria and flight in the critical area / sterile cockpit zone. When the norms and standards are violated speak specifically to the situation, "sink rate too high", "unstable", "off-course", "configuration", etc; intervene like the others have stated here if necessary.
 
Don't complain on the internet. Really just don't put content about your work or flying on the internet. Advice I apparently can't follow myself. Also, don't make PA's. Nothing good can come of it. Relay info to the cabin crew and let them do it, if they think it's necessary.
 
86BravoPapa said:
Soku39 said:
It never gets bad enough that the airplane is going to hit the ground, 121 aviation is the most mundane thing on earth. That said there will be times when you are going to have to put your big boy pants on and dissent from a massively stupid opinion from the left seat.
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What about the Asian airliner at SFO? Also, what about crew environments in 91 or 135? To be fair, actions that result in a crash was probably too specific of an example. I just mean how do you say 'No, we're not doing this.', to the senior pilot without putting a big black mark on your resume?
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I think the exact quote is “Hey guys I’m not comfortable with this.” Sent from my Startac using Tapatalk.
 
Cherokee_Cruiser said:
Are you serious?

In that case, yell My Airplane!, push the priority takeover button on the side stick, TOGA power, pull up, and you’re now pilot flying. Deal with the CA later. Issue verbal commands so he backs you up.

This is just a re-enactment, but you get the idea:






Or, you can be like the FO in my home country with the worse A321 crash/loss, CFIT accident with multiple Terrain alerts and pull up warnings, and all he did was issue polite requests to the CA to turn the plane and pull up. The last words on the CVR were “Sir, we are going down.” And “Sir, we are going da...”

He never got the word “down” out of the mouth as that was when the 321 smashed into the mountains.



Your choice.
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I get what you're saying, and if you're talking about refusing to follow GPWS guidance then you're right.

But using the takeover or wrestling for the controls when you're low to the ground over something you would have done differently is an equally easy way to get yourself killed.

Stablize at 900' after you've called for a go around? Probably a good time to refuse to fly with the guy the next leg, not yell YOLO and use the takeover to do the go around yourself.
 
jtrain609 said:
I get what you're saying, and if you're talking about refusing to follow GPWS guidance then you're right.

But using the takeover or wrestling for the controls when you're low to the ground over something you would have done differently is an equally easy way to get yourself killed.

Stablize at 900' after you've called for a go around? Probably a good time to refuse to fly with the guy the next leg, not yell YOLO and use the takeover to do the go around yourself.
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True. But I was more so responding to his statement of:

“In otherwords how do you prevent from riding the aircraft into the ground when you don't have final say?”


If it’s that bad that you’re about to ride into the ground / eat dirt, then takeover (like the training video example). Hopefully though, there was enough CRM that it doesn’t have to get that far.
 
I'd hardly call myself seasoned, unless you count the sriracha on my shirt.

Keep learning. Just because the books are signed and a sticker is affixed, does not mean that the mel was applied properly. The person to your left has been there longer than you, they may not be wiser. The company watches the message boards. Treat fellow crewmembers with respect. Try to make work a little more pleasant. Not everyone has a similar perspective, be open to criticism. Volunteer because you believe in it, not to check a box.
Don't show up to work sick.
 
jtrain609 said:
As someone else said, this isn't just the hardest thing to do, but others will try to talk you into doing something really stupid that doesn't involve them putting any skin in the game.
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I can certainly understand the risk for this in the Part 61 world and understand the potential for pressures from passengers or aircraft owners in 135 or 91. Can you give some more examples?
 
CFI A&P said:
I think the exact quote is “Hey guys I’m not comfortable with this.” Sent from my Startac using Tapatalk.
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Said 100 feet off the ground when there were no longer any options... also, said by the senior pilot on the flight deck (although he wasn't sitting at a seat with a control yoke) .
 
When you are a Captain, it is your job to mentor your crews. Support them, respect them and have their backs. Always. They will happily do the same for you. Let them know when they are handling things well and doing a good job. Never take them for granted either.

It's a team. Be the coach and let your players shine. Your F/O isn't just there to take over if you suddenly find yourself having the pukes from those clams you ate Fu Hang Dou Jiangs the previous evening. He has an education, experience and training. Give him some landings and takeoffs. Listen to him, you might learn something new or a different way of accomplishing some task. Mentor him, embolden him and teach him. Do it humbly. Encourage communication in the office. Ask his opinion.

Don't get into the pilot/management gossip b.s. and whatever issues your company may be going through. Forget politics and religion. There are a million other subjects you can yack about and plenty that you can learn from one another and share. No one needs or wants drama at work. There's enough of that in real life.

Be the professional that you expect others to be. Be the role model. Just remember that no one is perfect, not even you. Expect your crews to do their very best, but also encourage everyone to have some fun along the way and enjoy themselves. Everyone responds to being appreciated and understanding that you are there for them.

Buy your crews some drinks and dinners. Spend some off time with them, just being yourself and leave anything to do with work behind. Take an interest in them and get to know them.

You are the final authority. But you aren't a dictator and others opinions matter. Never let yourself be pushed, by anyone along the chain. You are the one who is ultimately responsible for the welfare of your crew, the pax and your aircraft.

Remember why you went into this profession in the first place. It doesn't matter how long ago it was, remember the first time you soloed in a plane. Remember when you used to love to go to an airport and watch all the jets coming and going. Take a walk around sometimes. Enjoy the views, they are spectacular and you are lucky to have them. Take advantage of your overnights. Explore, try new foods, meet new people, have an adventure or two, and have some fun.

Be excited about your career and thankful. Find ways to keep it interesting and fresh. There is always more to learn. Always.
 
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A Life Aloft said:
When you are a Captain, it is your job to mentor your crews. Support them, respect them and have their backs. Always. They will happily do the same for you. Let them know when they are handling things well and doing a good job. Never take them for granted either.

It's a team. Be the coach and let your players shine. Your F/O isn't just there to take over if you suddenly find yourself having the pukes from those clams you ate Fu Hang Dou Jiangs the previous evening. He has an education, experience and training. Give him some landings and takeoffs. Listen to him, you might learn something new or a different way of accomplishing some task. Mentor him, embolden him and teach him. Do it humbly. Encourage communication in the office. Ask his opinion.

Don't get into the pilot/management gossip b.s. and whatever issues your company may be going through. Forget politics and religion. There a million other subjects you can yack about and plenty that you can learn from one another and share. No one needs or wants drama at work. There's enough of that in real life.

Be the professional that you expect others to be. Be the role model. Just remember that no one is perfect, not even you. Expect your crews to do their very best, but also encourage everyone to have some fun along the way and enjoy themselves. Everyone responds to being appreciated and understanding that you are there for them.

Buy your crews some drinks and dinners. Spend some off time with them, just being yourself and leave anything to do with work behind. Take an interest in them and get to know them.

You are the final authority. But you aren't a dictator and others opinions matter. Never let yourself be pushed, by anyone along the chain. You are the one who is ultimately responsible for the welfare of your crew, the pax and your aircraft.

Remember why you went into this profession in the first place. It doesn't matter how long ago it was, remember the first time you soloed in a plane. Remember when you used to love to go to an airport and watch all the jets coming and going. Take a walk around sometimes. Enjoy the views, they are spectacular and you are lucky to have them. Take advantage of your overnights. Explore, try new foods, meet new people, have an adventure or two, and have some fun.

Be excited about your career and thankful. Find ways to keep it interesting and fresh. There is always more to learn. Always.
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E6D50ADC-ED72-419E-9E7B-AA33AFCB6473.jpeg


This. And when I read “enjoy the views” that made me think of a picture I took recently that I thought you might appreciate.
 
86BravoPapa said:
To the seasoned professionals on here; what are some of the most vital, eye-opening things you've learned throughout your careers? The 'ah ha' moments in the cockpit. Not about home life, flight attendants, or bidding, etc...

Things that made a difference in how you fly, make decisions, flight plan, evaluate weather, etc.?
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The day I learned always to remain aware of the two most important things in aviation...

The two most important things in aviation?? The next two things.
 
A Life Aloft said:
When you are a Captain, it is your job to mentor your crews. Support them, respect them and have their backs. Always. They will happily do the same for you. Let them know when they are handling things well and doing a good job. Never take them for granted either.

It's a team. Be the coach and let your players shine. Your F/O isn't just there to take over if you suddenly find yourself having the pukes from those clams you ate Fu Hang Dou Jiangs the previous evening. He has an education, experience and training. Give him some landings and takeoffs. Listen to him, you might learn something new or a different way of accomplishing some task. Mentor him, embolden him and teach him. Do it humbly. Encourage communication in the office. Ask his opinion.

Don't get into the pilot/management gossip b.s. and whatever issues your company may be going through. Forget politics and religion. There a million other subjects you can yack about and plenty that you can learn from one another and share. No one needs or wants drama at work. There's enough of that in real life.

Be the professional that you expect others to be. Be the role model. Just remember that no one is perfect, not even you. Expect your crews to do their very best, but also encourage everyone to have some fun along the way and enjoy themselves. Everyone responds to being appreciated and understanding that you are there for them.

Buy your crews some drinks and dinners. Spend some off time with them, just being yourself and leave anything to do with work behind. Take an interest in them and get to know them.

You are the final authority. But you aren't a dictator and others opinions matter. Never let yourself be pushed, by anyone along the chain. You are the one who is ultimately responsible for the welfare of your crew, the pax and your aircraft.

Remember why you went into this profession in the first place. It doesn't matter how long ago it was, remember the first time you soloed in a plane. Remember when you used to love to go to an airport and watch all the jets coming and going. Take a walk around sometimes. Enjoy the views, they are spectacular and you are lucky to have them. Take advantage of your overnights. Explore, try new foods, meet new people, have an adventure or two, and have some fun.

Be excited about your career and thankful. Find ways to keep it interesting and fresh. There is always more to learn. Always.
Click to expand...

This is one of the best posts I've ever read about professional aviation.

Having been forced out of training and ending up on a decade long detour through the office world, due to the recession, I can't imagine ever taking a day in the air for granted. I know a pilots career can entail climbing tough hills and enduring setbacks but having experienced the 'other side', I can't imagine wanting to do anything else.
 
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