Seven years later

Yesterday was  the 7 year anniversary of my first day at my airline. In the last 7 years I've flown exactly 3966 hours and 36 minutes.

Before I started I naively thought I would fly close to 1000 hours a year. In reality with vacation, reserve and just life I've averaged around 566 hours a year.

I'm now topped out on First Officer pay. That means if I'm still a First Officer next year I get no extra monetary incentive.

When I started 7 years ago I made right around $24 an hour. Today I make around $43 an hour.

It's been rough. Many have had it worse.

I've learned a lot over the years. If I could give some advice to new airline pilots:

• The roughest landings are on calm wind VFR days (as you don't try as hard).


• Some pilots are just bitter, don't let it affect you.


• Take something from every pilot you fly with...good and bad...learn something every flight


• Flight attendants do more than serve coffee and give emergency demos....when the crap hits the fan they literally save lives.


• There is a faint connection between the seat belt sign and turbulence


• Airplane coffee all taste bad. I'd like to say it's an acquired taste...but I'd be a liar


• Always set two alarm clocks. I've never missed a van time as I always have a backup


• 95% of the time things go smoothly. You are prepared and trained for that other 5%


• If the other pilot is doing something wrong. Speak up. Both of your certificates are on the line.

Not super deep thoughts. Just stuff I would have like to have told myself.

I've had a lot of ups and downs. Pun intended. I can't imagine myself doing anything else.

Each year I've said by the next I'd be Captain. Well.....here's to hoping.