Who is a pilot IRL?

[Nic727]

Hi,

 

Just a random question for simmers. Are you a pilot in Real Life or have a job related to airplanes?

 

Personally, I played flight sim since I am 10 yo and now I'm 23 and student... in Graphic Design (which I quit last week, because I didn't like it). Thinking about becoming a pilot for a couple of weeks now... I know they are looking for a lot of pilot for the next 5-6 years in Canada.

 

You what job do you have or what are you studying?

 

Thank you

[216th_Lucas_From_Hell]

Not a pilot IRL but planning on a PPL down the line, just for fun. Be aware, becoming a professional pilot is pretty expensive in most countries, and the schedule isn't for everyone (particularly if you have a family). Not sure how the RCAF handles recruitment, the entry requirements and age cut-offs are different in each country.

 

On the education bit, I started off studying Journalism for one year but it didn't go anywhere, tried graphic design for about six months but the curriculum was incredibly weak, spent some four years working in marketing and journalism after that and finally found my niche in Mechanical Engineering.

[WWGriphos]

I've been flying in RL since I was 14 (longer than I've been simming).  That was a very long time ago.  Sold the last aircraft I've owned, a 1946 Aeronca Chief, a few years ago, but still fly.  

[Rjel]

i think any stuiy is a mixture of state indoctrination and sparing for demanded jobs

 

if i could afford it and have a right sight i wouldnt think twice there a hard pakistani competence for graphic design online while women love uniforms

Well that certainly clears up any misconceptions I've had about you raaaid. I think it's nappy time now for you.

[19//Moach]

I think it's been nappy time for him since circa 1995... 

 

 

back on topic, I got a few scattered hours on real airplanes.  gliders for the most part.  fun stuff.

 

 

nowadays, I made games for a living - hopefully soon I'll get to make my own flightsim too...

 

 

and when (when, not if, mind you that) I become super-rich and whatnot, then I'll most likely get my PPL and start my own little air force.

 

 

but for the time being...   donations are welcome.

Edited October 20, 2017 by 19//Moach

[SCG_motoadve]

Pilot in real life, and fly very often, mostly in the backcountry and  for fun.

I am even doing a movie.

 

Always loved airplanes though and started flying 8 years ago after a motorcycle injury finished my Dirt bike racing career as a pro.

All those hrs flying IL2 helped, even more than Flight simulator for the kind of flying I do, it made me understand aerodynamics and how the wing works.

 

Love the new FM by the way, still a bit disappointed with how the instrumentation modeling and engine modelling and engine damage are done.

But I guess that will be improved too.

 

Check my Youtube channel.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEy4on05jWQG3aNN5USqChQ?view_as=public

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

Yep

[Field-Ops]

I'll be starting my PPL courses in a couple months after this period of super overtime is done at my work so I can save all that money. So I'm saving up for PPL for the short term, and if I think I can make it to commercial after that I'll go for it.

[56RAF_Roblex]

I used to glide and went solo but I now live hundreds of miles from any gliding fields :-(     Decades of experience in WW2 aircraft  of course :-)

[I/JG27_Zimmi]

You've got a new subscriber

 

Unfortunately, that is not possible here in Austria The thing that probably comes closest is the "Gebirgspilotenvereinigung" (

) 

 

Pilot in real life, and fly very often, mostly in the backcountry and  for fun.

I am even doing a movie.

 

Always loved airplanes though and started flying 8 years ago after a motorcycle injury finished my Dirt bike racing career as a pro.

All those hrs flying IL2 helped, even more than Flight simulator for the kind of flying I do, it made me understand aerodynamics and how the wing works.

 

Love the new FM by the way, still a bit disappointed with how the instrumentation modeling and engine modelling and engine damage are done.

But I guess that will be improved too.

 

Check my Youtube channel.

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEy4on05jWQG3aNN5USqChQ?view_as=public

[Bullets]

Gliders over here! Hoping to get into Para-motors pretty soon 

[JimTM]

Got my PPL in '75 in C150. Also flew C172 and Piper Archer. Gave it up in'89 though because I didn't have the spare cash to keep current and safe. I love the newer high fidelity flight sims a lot!

[CisTer-dB-]

I started flying with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet when I was 16 and fortunate enough to make aviation a living. From glider to Airbus, from bush to airlines and everything in between. I am looking at Motoadve youtube and it bring back memories, that's real aviation.

 

Good job o7

 

@ Nic727  you re right it is now a good time to get a job, perhaps the best time that I've witness. But before you make the jump and invest big sums of cash and times, make sure you do it for the right reason. This profession has change and what people think we do and the life style we have are 2 different things.

Only a lucky few climb on top of the food chain. The reality and working conditions for the young pilots are tough and far behind any other professional. Only the one with a hardcore passion that can't see themselves doing anything else will survive. 

 

My 2 cent

 

o7    

Edited October 21, 2017 by ATAG_dB

[Archie]

You've got a new subscriber

 

Unfortunately, that is not possible here in Austria The thing that probably comes closest is the "Gebirgspilotenvereinigung" (

) 

Was Christoph/Karaya there too?

[Nic727]

I started flying with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet when I was 16 and fortunate enough to make aviation a living. From glider to Airbus, from bush to airlines and everything in between. I am looking at Motoadve youtube and it bring back memories, that's real aviation.

 

Good job o7

 

@ Nic727  you re right it is now a good time to get a job, perhaps the best time that I've witness. But before you make the jump and invest big sums of cash and times, make sure you do it for the right reason. This profession has change and what people think we do and the life style we have are 2 different things.

Only a lucky few climb on top of the food chain. The reality and working conditions for the young pilots are tough and far behind any other professional. Only the one with a hardcore passion that can't see themselves doing anything else will survive. 

 

My 2 cent

 

o7    

 

Can you explain more?

 

About investing lot of money. Where I live CPL cost 12k, but what else I have to pay?

I also know that new pilots get the worst route/hours, but that's the same in all jobs. New people always get what other don't want to do.

 

----

PS: Is it better to start flying from Glider or go directly to propelled aircraft?

Edited October 26, 2017 by Nic727

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

You'd need IFR, Commercial, multi, complex/hiperf. And then you get into being"typed" for specific class/category/type aircraft, and this after you get your ATP. (Based off US FAA)

Edited October 26, 2017 by [CPT]CptJackSparrow

[Nic727]

You'd need IFR, Commercial, multi, complex/hiperf. And then you get into being"typed" for specific class/category/type aircraft, and this after you get your ATP. (Based off US FAA)

 

Ok.

 

The Flight School where I live (in Canada) offer ;

 

1. Commercial ($12k) --> Include IFR in the training

2. Night Flight (?)

3. IFR (?)

4. Multi-engine (?)

 

Total $ : 12k + ?

 

I also think "type" training are paid by the company who hire you. I'm not really sure about everything, but I also think that with only Commercial Pilot License, you can get a job, but I should call them to know more about that.

[-WILD-AlbinoHA5E]

One of the German Glider Pilot Crowd here.

 

But many of the RL Pilots post themselves here:

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/1609-faces-flying-community/

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

Does that commercial mean single or multi?

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

Mic, here is a standard ad for a pilot in my area.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE • Successful candidate must meet the following requirements: • ATP requirements and have passed the ATP written exam • At least 2,500 hours total time (4,000 preferred) • 500 hours Pilot In Command time • 500 hours Multi-Engine Land time (1,000 preferred) • 500 hours Multi-Engine Turbine time (1,000 preferred) • 500 hours Instrument time • 1st Class Medical • Valid Passport • Ability to obtain CANPASS • Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Flight, Aviation Management, or related field; or equivalent experience • Previous experience in Part 135/91K or corporate aircraft desirable • Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the United States and have the ability to travel in and out of the US and to all cities/countries where Flexjet serves • Ability to work weekends, nights, shifts, holidays and overnight trips • Employment is predicated on successful completion of Initial Training that includes the ATP Practical Test and Type Rating in the aircraft sought

 

 

 

Another one;

 

Part 91 Contract Pilot needed for BE-36 Bonanza. Fly owner as needed within TX and surrounding states. ASEL, Commercial, CFI required. 750 total time and 250 retractible time required. 25 hours of BE-36 time desired

Edited October 26, 2017 by [CPT]CptJackSparrow

[CisTer-dB-]

Does that commercial mean single or multi?

Commercial (CPL) is a licence that you can work with but if you want to work on a plane that have two or more engines you will need a multi engine endorsement (CPL +Multi).   

[CisTer-dB-]

Can you explain more?

 

About investing lot of money. Where I live CPL cost 12k, but what else I have to pay?

I also know that new pilots get the worst route/hours, but that's the same in all jobs. New people always get what other don't want to do.

 

----

PS: Is it better to start flying from Glider or go directly to propelled aircraft?

Hi Nic, I am not sure about how much it is now I did my training 30 years ago and it depend what you want to do. Helo's, Busch or Airlines. Let's assume Airlines.

 

You ll need.

 

PPL with night endorsement 

+

CPL

+

Multi engine land

+

IFR 

 

To get your first job is the most difficult one, lot's of guys/gals build their hours doing instructor jobs other pack their bags and move to Iqaluit or Yellowknife to get employ with Air Inuit or Buffalo and work the ramp up until they get a break in the FO seats, then Capts, then regional, then airlines etc. 

If you didn't already watch Ice Pilots NWT on history channel I think that will give you a "Romancing" idea of the working condition  

 

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

Commercial (CPL) is a licence that you can work with but if you want to work on a plane that have two or more engines you will need a multi engine endorsement (CPL +Multi).

 

 

 

Yep, I hold comm/multi.

 

30 years ago, you must be nearing 27k plus hours by now. We have a guy we il2 with that's approaching 35 years with delta. (And all its mergers and acquisitions)

[CisTer-dB-]

Yep, I hold comm/multi.

 

30 years ago, you must be nearing 27k plus hours by now. We have a guy we il2 with that's approaching 35 years with delta. (And all its mergers and acquisitions)

Ah ok I must have miss read your post then You can cut a few thousand out of that 

 

o7

[Barnacles]

I am, but not that sort of pilot..

 

I have to spend a lot of time explaining I don't fly a plane.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot

[CisTer-dB-]

I am, but not that sort of pilot..

 

I have to spend a lot of time explaining I don't fly a plane.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot

o7

[Hoots]

I am, but not that sort of pilot..

 

I have to spend a lot of time explaining I don't fly a plane.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot

Awesomeness:)

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

I am, but not that sort of pilot..

 

I have to spend a lot of time explaining I don't fly a plane.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_pilot

 

Ok that's a beast of a craft.

[curiousGamblerr]

We got a few in The Nineteenth, including Darbzy and ShadowHawk.

[6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann]

I don't really trust Motorplanes anymore. Too much stuff to go wrong, shake apart and catch fire. They also fall over waaay to easily. 

 

I changed the Engine for a silly Hat, and it works wonders.

 

 

 

 

But I do of course do my Part in maintaining rare Aircraft, like our Job-15-180, of which now only about 10 remain. It's from the early 60s.

 

Edited October 29, 2017 by 6./ZG26_Klaus-Mann

[Requiem]

Hi,

 

Just a random question for simmers. Are you a pilot in Real Life or have a job related to airplanes?

 

Personally, I played flight sim since I am 10 yo and now I'm 23 and student... in Graphic Design (which I quit last week, because I didn't like it). Thinking about becoming a pilot for a couple of weeks now... I know they are looking for a lot of pilot for the next 5-6 years in Canada.

 

You what job do you have or what are you studying?

 

Thank you

 

You'll find there are more RL pilots than you think flying these sims

 

I am a RL pilot , and to say I am very fortunate to be one is a huge understatement. Experience wise, I haven't been flying anywhere near as long as many people you will meet on these boards. I started my training Jan 2015 from zero flight time and went through the private (single and multi engine), instrument, commercial (single and multi), and flight instructor (single, multi, and instrument) checkrides in 8 months, did flight instruction until about 1500 hours, and then started at my current airline Jan 2017 to begin flying 76 passengers around in this:

I simply love flying and can't imagine doing anything else, it's a special thing to not have to work for a living Thinking many years down the road though I'm hoping to get in to a major airline and be involved in some warbird flying.

 

There is definitely a large demand for pilots right now and with a lot of retirements coming, at least in the USA, things are looking good for the future and it's a good time to become a pilot. The 4 year degree is important too though if you want to fly for a major airline, at least right now.

Edited October 29, 2017 by SYN_Requiem

[[CPT]CptJackSparrow]

You flew hard and a lot!

 

Well done.

[Hoots]

I don't really trust Motorplanes anymore. Too much stuff to go wrong, shake apart and catch fire. They also fall over waaay to easily. 

 

I changed the Engine for a silly Hat, and it works wonders.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpY-XzE63F8

 

 

 

 

Winch launching is about the best way to get airborne there is. My kids like to take the mickey out of my silly hat

[56RAF_Roblex]

Winch launching is about the best way to get airborne there is. My kids like to take the mickey out of my silly hat

 

Yes the silly hat is traditional.  They help you find the thermals :-)     You are right,  aerotows are for pussies who can't ride a thermal up from 1000ft :-P .  Of course the real hardcore use bungees and hope to get some ridge lift.  It is a slightly surreal feeling flying along a ridge following another glider while other gliders are coming the opposite way 20m away.  Gliding is usually a solitary sport apart from sharing the occasional thermal.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6-EeuEi-KY

Edited October 29, 2017 by 56RAF_Roblex

[Hoots]

Yes the silly hat is traditional.  They help you find the thermals :-)     You are right,  aerotows are for pussies who can't ride a thermal up from 1000ft :-P .  Of course the real hardcore use bungees and hope to get some ridge lift.  It is a slightly surreal feeling flying along a ridge following another glider while other gliders are coming the opposite way 20m away.  Gliding is usually a solitary sport apart from sharing the occasional thermal.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6-EeuEi-KY

Oh for sure! Sharing a thermal / ridge with a few other gliders really does concentrate the mind. Makes me appreciate how easy we have it sitting in our chairs playing this game and just how brave anyone who takes off during war time is.

 

Also, for the OP, gliding offers one of the cheaper ways into aviation and you really do learn how to fly an aircraft.

[56RAF_Roblex]

I remember when I had been gliding for a while my wife bought me one of those 'Tryout' lessons for a power plane.     When the instructor told me to turn to base leg and I stood it on its wing he nearly crapped himself :-)

[6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann]

One of my Glider  FIs loves to say that it's easier to get a Pedestrian to his first Solo, than it is to convert an Airline or Motorpilot. The Modes of thinking are simply different and Motorpilots also often simply lack basic flying skills, especially concerning the rudder. 

This starts with flying straight and level at a certain speed, coordinating turns and landing on short field. I withnessed it first hand when we got a Motorpilot of 25 years to fly our K-13 solo after roughly 100 flights. And during the Winch Launch he just completely forgot how tow Rudder. He was flailing all over the place, to the point that the Bystanders actually made bets how many osciallations he would do during launch. 

 

The Problems stop being funny though when it comes to thermalling. In training they are basically scared out of flying slow and tight turns, showcase a very artificial Spin entry and leave it at that.

But since in a Glider you are always on the edge of a spin while thermalling, knowing how to sense it coming and reacting correctly becomes second nature to you. 

Motorpilots on the other hand tend to have a tendency to counteract the dropping nose by pulling harder, sometimes not even releasing when fully stalled. While that may not be critical in a Motorplane, in a Glider you will be rewarded for that with a sharp wind drop or even a spin. 

 

Looking through some of the BFU Crash reports exactly this lack of basic flying skill is one of the main reason for fatalities in Engine Failures. The Pilots simply don't know how to enter a stable flight path without an engine, panic, pull hard and spin into the Ground. 

 

And finally: Landing. For us every flight results in a single, incontrovertible Landing. Once you make the decision to land, you land. That means you have 1 try to get set up well and hold you glide path right until touchdown on that small little landing strip you have to hit. No Go Around possible. And that kind of thinking is abcent from most motorpilots.

 

Getting them to agree with reaility, that they can now no longer abort the Landing is absoltuely crucial before they can ever Solo. There was an incident in a neighbouring Club years ago where exactly that happened. The Convert for reasons unknown to himself "aborted" landing at 80m on final, tried a hard left turn, entered a spin for a three quarter turn and crashed nose down on recovery. He lived, but only just and is lucky to walk again. His back was broken in several places and he is now known as the "Terminator" because he is basically held together by Metal. 

 

According to our Motor FI the Glider Pilots also tend to be up to 20% more fuel efficient. 

Edited October 29, 2017 by 6./ZG26_Klaus-Mann

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

As Klaus says. In my club FIs agree that glider pilots are the better ones because of their precise skills in controlling the aircraft and judement of attitude. As a couple of FIs teaching both told me they're always reliefed to have a glider pilot sitting in a motor plane because they can practicly hand over controlls entirely from the first lesson onwards while vise versa it's hard to train motor pilots to make proper use of rudder and coordinated flight in a glider.

 

Apart from that gliding remains one of the most spectacular means of flying and offers great expiriences for those seeking to really get into the hobby.

 

Winch launching is about the best way to get airborne there is. My kids like to take the mickey out of my silly hat

Totally agree. Probably 90% of my flights are winch launchs. It's also way cheaper than aerotow.

Edited October 29, 2017 by 6./ZG26_5tuka

[kestrel79]

Fly to Milwaukee or Appleton much Requiem? Those planes are pretty common around here at the smaller airports too in Green Bay and Central WI. Congrats you are livin the dream.

[6./ZG26_Klaus_Mann]

The Kestrel is such a beautiful Aircraft. A streamlined Libelle. How does it fly though? I have heard very mixed stories. 

 

Edited October 29, 2017 by 6./ZG26_Klaus-Mann