Of course my Gold Seal instructor managed to teach me every maneuver the way the DE hated most. It was a pretty bad check ride, but he passed me, money changed hands, and I got my piece of paper.
The reality of the airlines is this. The troubles of the airlines have burned through a generation of pilots who despite being hired by the majors during the late 90's spent much of the last decade furloughed, losing pay, retirement, and quality of life. The 65 rule change just pushed upgrades to captain back another 5 years. Most of them are regretting their choice to get in the airlines in the first place. Of the 20 guys from my reserve squadron that flew for the airlines only three haven't been furloughed in the last decade. Several have switched companies. One flew for USAir, United, and finally at FedEx. He and the other FedEx pilot are the only ones making decent money. The rest make more by going on military leave. A third of them have completely quit the airlines. Another third are constantly going on long term military leave.
These aren't the guys this article is talking about, but they are indicative of the problem coming up in the airlines. Who would want to do a job that requires a massive investment in training for a job that still qualifies you for food stamps. No thanks
I’m a pilot, married to a pilot. We know many pilots who have taken up other careers. I saw my husband Friday and Saturday after not seeing him for nearly 8 months because he had to take a job flying a VIP private jet that’s not at home base much. He was able to talk the company into training a back up pilot who’s been unemployed for 2 years. He was fired under trumped up charges so someone making less money with the company could take his position. It’s not uncommon and we personally know pilots it’s happened to, including my husband who’s company claimed that they didn’t get his voluntary furlough paper work, so adios. He had very top seniority and had been a check airman, so was making one of the highest salaries. As far a suing the company- fat chance. They have millions to drag it out forever and we’d go broke. Also, there’s the 600 hour wonders hired by the majors to meet minority quotas. Then there’s dealing with the FAA...talk about evil, corrupt government. I quit flying 12 years ago. And with Obozocare, I’ll be making all my nursing licenses inactive, which is 2 out of 6 that I hold. I won’t be going back. I’d rather work at McDonalds if I have to work than work in health care again.