Thursday, January 19, 2012

Ok...I'm Back...Again

Well...my last return to blogging wasn't very successful. I could come up with thousands of excuses, new job, commuting, work, looking for homes, etc, etc, etc.

But this time I swear I'm going to get after it and start trying to post, weekly if possible.

So with my return the the blogosphere, here's a quick update. I've been at a regional airline for about 7 months now and am finally starting to figure out this life as an airline pilot thing. How to manage your schedule, commute, eat when you can eat and sleep when you can sleep.

It has been an absolute blast learning to fly a swept wing, 50 seat, regional jet aircraft. It's amazing how after only a few hours you begin to start to feel comfortable in a new aircraft. Going from a Piper Seminole with a final approach speed of 88 KIAS to a jet with a final approach speed of anywhere from 120-145 KIAS is quite the learning experience.

So tonight I'm doing what's called a "continuous duty overnight". With these, we operate the last flight out to an out-station, usually leaving around 9pm and operate the first flight back to a major hub, around 6AM the next morning. We do get to go to a hotel, but by the time you get in the van, to the hotel, and in your bed you really only have about 4 hours to catch some shut eye. The key with these is to get some rest during the day prior and after these CDO's.

Hopefully I still have some followers!