I never liked buzzing around in small planes. The last time I flew a small plane was in 1990, after logging over 1500 hours, about 1100 of which were as a flight instructor. I have no desire to fly a small plane again. But, in fact, if I may be so immodest, I think I was a pretty good instructor. I know what you mean about career-fixated instructors who are just putting their time in, but that’s not all of us. I cared about the job and I took it seriously, and I took pride when my students succeeded.

As for your description of airline flying, I would never, ever define airline flying in those terms. There are stretches of boredom (and fatigue) to be sure. But all in all, my job as an airline pilot is more exciting, more challenging, more dynamic, and just all-around more fun, than anything I could imagine in the world of general aviation.

And, it’s about a hundred times better-paying.

Some years before 9/11, when cockpit visits were occasionally available, I was invited to visit the flight deck during a trans-Atlantic flight. I wanted to talk about what it was like flying airliners, but the crew was having none of that. The “real job” turns out to be hours of tedious boredom, locked in a rigid system of procedures and hierarchy.

No, this crew of senior airline pilots wanted to talk about flying small planes like the ones I flew. They longed for the freedom. For the small airports, each with its local flavor. Everything this author seems to be glad to have left behind. They kept me on the flight deck peppering me with questions and exchanging stories until the senior flight attendant came up and insisted she had others who wanted a visit. Even then they seemed reluctant to let me go, as if they were losing the fun of flying all over again.

On any vacation that involves flying, I always view getting there as half the fun (or most of the fun in the case of a business trip). Even when I’m stuck back in coach, I still look forward to it every time.

Thanks for sharing! Great post!
Although I would love to be an airline pilot, thats how I look at flying too; the freedom and doing what YOU love the most.

Great stuff Patrick. That was me on Crane’s Beach looking up at you. I was 10. I waved.

Shawn
SJP ’94