Airport Tyranny

[KMEM]

So, you aren't "over selling" the inconvenience of the TSA, the "surly" employees of any airline (sometimes) and the "extra" time it takes to complete a voyage of any length on the airlines? I realize it costs a LOT of money to really go first class but on short trips it is relatively inexpensive; mainly, on longer trips, does it get "overly" expensive. But, if you don't know, you don't know.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ glutes]

being of good moral character...

 

Sure KMEM is going to over-sell the benefits of private aviation since he is a private pilot. That's how he makes a living. As far as safety is concerned, statistics speak for themselves. Private aviation is much more dangerous than commericial. As I said, give me commercial everytime (unless I can fly on Trump's or the Saudi's private plane). It is so much more comfortable.

 

I prefer the more professional commercial pilots as well. In my experience, many private pilots are commercial pilot wannabes that couldn't cut it with Delta or American or any other legacy carrier.

 

A wannabe, nooooooooooo. Surely our resident flyboy could get a ATP:

 

 

An airline transport pilot (commonly called an "ATP") is tested to the highest level of piloting ability. The certificate is a prerequisite for acting as a pilot-in-command in scheduled airline operations.

The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time, 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours instrument operations time (simulated or actual). Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, a rigorous written examination, and *being of good moral character*.[12]

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_certification_in_the_United_States#Airline_transport_pilot

 

WWBS?

[EZEtoGRU]

So, you aren't "over selling" the inconvenience of the TSA, the "surly" employees of any airline (sometimes) and the "extra" time it takes to complete a voyage of any length on the airlines? I realize it costs a LOT of money to really go first class but on short trips it is relatively inexpensive; mainly, on longer trips, does it get "overly" expensive. But, if you don't know, you don't know.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

I agree that the air travel experience for the average guy who goes in coach is not pretty. I am rarely in economy so my own experience is much different:

 

TSA: I am always in the priority line....and now in the "pre-clearance" line.

Its a piece of cake. If you had bothered to read earlier in the thread, you would

have seen that I cleared the TSA security at LAX on Tuesday in 70 seconds.

How exactly is that "inconvenient"?

 

Surly Employees: Sure it occurs more than it should. Having said that,

for elite flyers, the experience is quite often different. On Tuesday, I was

greeted by a uniformed AA Flagship check-in agent outside of the AA LAX

terminal. He rushed me through check-in and escorted me up the

elevator to the pre-clearance TSA security line. He put my hand baggage

on the x-ray belt for me, I tipped him, and in 70 seconds I was on my way.

Time lapsed from stepping out of the taxi to being airside in the terminal

past security was maybe 5 minutes. How exactly is that

"inconvenient" and "surly"?

 

I accept that flying privatey can save the traveller time....especially if one is travelling between two medium or small cities where there are no direct commercial flight options. I would also accept that a small private jet is likely preferable to a direct commuter plane flight (like Delta Connection or American Eagle) But for me, the on-board comfort of first class commercial Boeing or Airbus aaircraft trumps the perceived benefits of private most of the time. Now, if you want to sell me on the benefits of the Trump private 757, I could be convinced of that.....but a Citation? No way.

 

For many of us it has nothing to do with the cost....even if it were cheaper that commercial first class, I wouldn't take it. Any many of the celebs I see on the long haul first class commercial flights must agree. I wonder who will be in the 777 F cabin tomorrow??

[KMEM]

A wannabe, nooooooooooo. Surely our resident flyboy could get a ATP:

 

 

An airline transport pilot (commonly called an "ATP") is tested to the highest level of piloting ability. The certificate is a prerequisite for acting as a pilot-in-command in scheduled airline operations.

The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time, 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours instrument operations time (simulated or actual). Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, a rigorous written examination, and *being of good moral character*.[12]

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_certification_in_the_United_States#Airline_transport_pilot

 

WWBS?

 

As per usual, neither you nor EZE knows whereof you speak. I have been an ATP since 1974. Many, obviously including you two, make the mistake of calling GA pilots, "private pilots" which is the lowest level of the US pilot's license. They are not incapable of conducting safe and useful flights, especially if they have the instrument rating. However, the commercial pilot's license allows one to charge for one's services and the ATP allows one to be an airline aka 121 captain.

 

I realize at least one of you is just jerking off but perhaps some readers wish to know the facts as opposed to uninformed opinion.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[jimboivyo]

As per usual, neither you nor EZE knows whereof you speak. I have been an ATP since 1974. Many, obviously including you two, make the mistake of calling GA pilots, "private pilots" which is the lowest level of the US pilot's license. They are not incapable of conducting safe and useful flights, especially if they have the instrument rating. However, the commercial pilot's license allows one to charge for one's services and the ATP allows one to be an airline aka 121 captain.

 

I realize at least one of you is just jerking off but perhaps some readers wish to know the facts as opposed to uninformed opinion.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

 

glutes: I'd say with that response, as the kids would now say, you got served

 

let me clarify some of the problems with what EZE posted: TSA pre-clearance line isn't 100%. it's still in testing with few airlines and will not get you past tsa every time. if it did, it would be too easy for a true terrorist to clear it.

 

Surly employees exist for everyone in commercial travel. you cannot control a flight crew's day, routing, etc. when flying private, the crew is there for you and only you. my flight attendants are folks I've known for the better part of 15 years. I don't need a special lane at an airport because I fly out of quiet, small FBOs.

 

you obviously know little about Trump's equipment. It's a joke within private aviation that his planes are outdated and he's needed to totally replace his 'black beauty' for some time but cannot afford to. He recently had it re done, but it wasn't with a very good firm. Making a comparison to Trump's plane isn't that big a deal.

 

The sultan of Brunei, yes. Now there's a beautiful plane. I've had the pleasure of flying on it.

 

You talk of celebs flying and 'who' is seen on commercial flights. To that, I can only shrug. I own planes because my time is money. A Citation X may not be your thing, but it's still the fastest civilian aircraft out there. When I fly to Europe, I use the BBJ. If I need something even bigger, I can get my hands on that too. I guess we can agree to disagree on this one.

[EZEtoGRU]

As per usual, neither you nor EZE knows whereof you speak. I have been an ATP since 1974. Many, obviously including you two, make the mistake of calling GA pilots, "private pilots" which is the lowest level of the US pilot's license. They are not incapable of conducting safe and useful flights, especially if they have the instrument rating. However, the commercial pilot's license allows one to charge for one's services and the ATP allows one to be an airline aka 121 captain.

 

I realize at least one of you is just jerking off but perhaps some readers wish to know the facts as opposed to uninformed opinion.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

 

Well two of those highly trained GA or private pilots or commercial pilots managed to run their citation into the ground today in Germany. I did not hear of any Lufthansa A380 or A340 being run into the ground today. Anyway, I did not raise the ATP issue, Glutes did. It's true I don't know much about the terminology of private flying. Why should I since I actively avoid it whenever I can? What I do know is that most of the barbie jet pilots would much rather be in the cockpit of a Speedbird 747 aircraft rather than the toy they are flying.

 

Anyway, as I said earlier, you can believe whatever you want to. Really makes no difference to me. Bottom line is that the on-board customer experience of most private flying sucks. I'm happy to arrive in LAX 30 minutes later than a private citation would take as I will be much more comfortable and rested in my sleeperette seat.

[Lookin]

It's so very difficult deciding between the comfort and security of first class commercial air travel and the speed and convenience of my own private jet that I've decided to search for happiness and fulfillment in my own back yard. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

http://ak5.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/562375/preview/stock-footage-man-resting-in-hammock-with-his-feet-showing.jpg

[EZEtoGRU]

It's so very difficult deciding between the comfort and security of first class commercial air travel and the speed and convenience of my own private jet that I've decided to search for happiness and fulfillment in my own back yard. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

http://ak5.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/562375/preview/stock-footage-man-resting-in-hammock-with-his-feet-showing.jpg

Of course you are right Lookin. Thanks for the calming perspective.

[LurkerSpeaks]

another example of reading a topic and seeing something totally different. I keep reading this one to be "airport Tranny"

[KMEM]

Well two of those highly trained GA or private pilots or commercial pilots managed to run their citation into the ground today in Germany. I did not hear of any Lufthansa A380 or A340 being run into the ground today. Anyway, I did not raise the ATP issue, Glutes did. It's true I don't know much about the terminology of private flying. Why should I since I actively avoid it whenever I can? What I do know is that most of the barbie jet pilots would much rather be in the cockpit of a Speedbird 747 aircraft rather than the toy they are flying.

 

Anyway, as I said earlier, you can believe whatever you want to. Really makes no difference to me. Bottom line is that the on-board customer experience of most private flying sucks. I'm happy to arrive in LAX 30 minutes later than a private citation would take as I will be much more comfortable and rested in my sleeperette seat.

 

Funny that you should mention British Airways. They are the best paid of the UK airline pilots and have always been paid well less than US airline pilots, even during the days of huge US "give backs". Plus there is the UK at some times in the recent past almost confiscatory income tax situation. So, except for the "prestige" of flying large aircraft, most US pilots would just as soon pass.

 

Also, during all the economic down turns during my career you might find it interesting how many of those airline pilots came knocking on my door looking for a job.

 

I have no illusions of persuading you of anything and as previously stated by others, we will have to agree to disagree.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Guest countryboywny]

If you can't afford a doctor, go to the airport.

You'll get a free x-ray and breast exam, and if

you mention Al Qaeda, a free colonoscopy.