jgheggie
Well-Known Member
With the passing of the 1500 hr rule, and as a result of the Bufalo crash, the glorious lifestyle of a pilot has been called into question. The public was enlightened on the pilot pay scale, poor duty time, and other "negatives" of the job. The public perception of this "dream job" had/has been tarnished. When I told people I was a pilot, I would often be lectured about finding a hire paying, more stable job. They no longer thought of the career as glamorous. I have often wondered if they were right. Is being a pilot still cool? Do kids still look to the sky and dream of one day flying? At career day for your child are you still going to have the coolest job and the best repor with the class of children?
After today....I believe the answer is yes!!
I had some department training to attend with several other departments (sheriff's). There was around 30 guys all from different agencies and all at different levels of their respective careers. 3 sergeants, 2 lieutenants, and a captain. A few guys with bad ass military stories. A few with cool current assignments, ie...boat patrol, ATV patrol. Then there I was. Essentially a rookie in the world of law enforcement.
At introduction, everyone stated their name, position, department, prior work experience and reason for the advanced training. This is when I learned that I was accompanied by some pretty (for lack of a better term) bad . When I got my chance to speak, I didn't have any law enforcement to speak of. So I went with what I know best, aviation. All of a sudden, I was the hot blonde with a short skirt that everyone was staring at. I had captains and lieutenants standing at attention. At intermission I literally had 8 guys standing around asking me aviation related questions. Basic stuff..."is it scary to fly a plane?" And, "why are you here, why not keep flying?"
In a room full of guns, badges, and egos, I was the "cool one". I had the most interesting stories. How could this be?? Why were grown men acting like star struck children when discussing a hobby-like career field?
The only answer...flying is still cool!
After today....I believe the answer is yes!!
I had some department training to attend with several other departments (sheriff's). There was around 30 guys all from different agencies and all at different levels of their respective careers. 3 sergeants, 2 lieutenants, and a captain. A few guys with bad ass military stories. A few with cool current assignments, ie...boat patrol, ATV patrol. Then there I was. Essentially a rookie in the world of law enforcement.
At introduction, everyone stated their name, position, department, prior work experience and reason for the advanced training. This is when I learned that I was accompanied by some pretty (for lack of a better term) bad . When I got my chance to speak, I didn't have any law enforcement to speak of. So I went with what I know best, aviation. All of a sudden, I was the hot blonde with a short skirt that everyone was staring at. I had captains and lieutenants standing at attention. At intermission I literally had 8 guys standing around asking me aviation related questions. Basic stuff..."is it scary to fly a plane?" And, "why are you here, why not keep flying?"
In a room full of guns, badges, and egos, I was the "cool one". I had the most interesting stories. How could this be?? Why were grown men acting like star struck children when discussing a hobby-like career field?
The only answer...flying is still cool!
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