Looking back on the last 30 years of flying, I have to say the most stressful part was when I commuted. Always a 2-leg from PHX on a different airline. I would rather do V1 cuts in the sim all day long than go back to that! But, PHX to LAS isn't bad. One of the things I miss the most from Part 91 days is the fun we had just relaxing with other pilots in various people's hangars, mainly FFZ and DVT. I'm glad you are still able to enjoy it! Thanks for sharing 👍
@Danielle Patton I do, but it's not the same as when life revolved around being at the local airport. You tend to get away from private flying and socialize more with other airline pilots. It's just...different. At the airlines, pilots are always coming and going. After criss-crossing a continent, sometimes for multiple days, few want to just hang out and watch airplanes while telling lies. There are families and obligations waiting at home. For many, sometimes life just gets in the way.
Big Ern, that is the Coolest to be able to enjoy the Green Hornet and get to your scheduled Flight at the same.I love GA I've been flying GA for 28 yrs and it never gets old I love it
Dreams do come true with staying the course and hard work! Congrats on your accomplishments! Just finished my instrument and working on commercial now. Thank you for sharing your videos!
Aspiring commercial pilot here. Genuinely enjoy your content, very well put together, and gives me lots of inspiration to achieve my goals. Thank you for taking the time to share these moments with us. Stay safe! 🙌🏽
Thank you for sharing your video here. I am glad you have the additional option of owning your own aircraft and that is great!!! Yes, I am glad I did not have to commute when I came out of training on my side of the industry.
As always, just first class video; and a pleasure to watch. In all candor, the word that caught my attention? "Dynamic" .... a master of understatement :)
Mid 80s, 25 1st real job flying solo freight/bank work using C-402-404 Titans and 690 Commanders into Atlanta KATL. This was when the big boys of Delta/Eastern trimotors/ 747s came home to roost. Just thinking about that endless pearl of arrivals gives me anxiety attacks. Once in the sequence we got 2 missed calls and you were kicked to the back. Alt was + - 100 ft. 2 calls to correct = back of the line. Speed talking at its finest. Frequent "Keep your speed up" with 747s on your ass, their massive landing lights bathed you. Already 30+ over VREF. 26R, dump flaps, hold nose down and carrier land it. 1st right was mandatory, Full rt brake turn, look back and see a mountain of metal flash by where you were. Some say Navy pilots have stress but flying into a KATL alone at night in a med twin sandwiched between L-1011s/747s IS UP THERE!!
Been flying 2200hrs on 737，never felt like a real pilot here in my country. But I still think I can achieve the same thing(maybe telsa first) one day. Thanks for the motivation
Nice look at DVT hangers, it does seem a bit "uncluttered". I do not miss "the commute" however, reitired in January off the 767 after 40 years...life is good.
Thanks for sharing your commute with us! Curious, does your time flying up to Henderson count against your available duty hours? Are there any circumstances where that would become a problem?
Awesome, just got my private ticket down here in NZ. I work in software and fly for the love of it. Would be cool to see more of green hornet stuff on your channel. Take care and if you're even in NZ, come fly down here in Wanaka/Queenstown!
Big Erm. What's up bro? Nice. I was thinking about buying my own airplane after I obtain my PPL. I thought this would be a great way to gain more flight hours and to appreciated the day I decided to become a first officer. Thank you sir. Always a pleasure.
Commuting sucks either way you look at it. I commute to MIA from ATL for AA. Moving to Florida to be within driving distance. The only good thing about our jumpseats is we can reserve them a week ahead of time on our metal, helps take away a little stress off of it. How long till you can hold PHX? Wouldn’t it have been better to just be a lance captain?
Love the videos Big Ern! Understand you are a "Company Man" Luv (Pun Intended) your insight. on holiday meltdown. Also read a blurb on the interweb news today, SWA is accepting candidates with 500 hours turbine time to apply. Any thoughts?
Beautiful plane brother. How are you fitting into your left seat role? I know it’s been a little while now. Be safe! Looking forward to the Hawaiian content
Love the videos man! Does the hornet live in Henderson while you are out on trips? Im surprised you don’t have someone tag along to move the plane back to DVT! Would love to meet sometime! I operate a TBM 850 out of DVT!
Awesome vid, as always! This may be a silly question but since you are PIC for the commute in the Cirrus, does that count against the number of hours you are legal to fly that day in the big bird?
Thanks for the video, Capt. Big Ern! What’s the reason for the second hangar? Are you getting second plane? How come you’re based in Las Vegas? I thought there were new captain openings in PHX.
Hey ERN nice way to go to work ,question do you think the fact that you fly the Green hornet regularly it makes you better at the 737 as you are doing more hands on flying than an Airline Pilot that does not have his own GA plane .The reason I ask is because a friends son has just worked his way up to 737 here in Australia ,and has been flying gliders since he was 12 yrs old ,he told me he felt the glider flying really helped him with practical understanding of aeronautics ,just wondered what your thoughts were Cheers Kym Adelaide
Better you than me. Hopefully you can hold Phoenix again soon. I had 2 months of commuting and received orders to active duty. Ended up a forward air controller with an ANGLICO unit in Afghanistan. That was better than commuting.
@@jcheck6 Marine Corps. I think the only branch to still assign aviators to ground units. I started out as an enlisted reservist. I loved being on the ground. I took supporting those on the ground very seriously when my duties were in the air. Your very welcome, and like I always say, I am fairly compensated with your tax dollars, so thank you as well.
Thanks Tom! Glad you’re safe brother. I can honestly say now that I miss my time downrange. The camaraderie was unmatched. Appreciate what you do for the country 🫡
I’m long retired. Well, just 1 year from the airlines. I’m just really happy that when the kids take over the farm, I’ll have a pension and insurance when I’m 60. Will be able to work as a farm hand for them on the cheap.
Ernie can you make a video about flying the KC-135? I’m about to reach that point in college where I can apply to units. Im undecided between the C-17 and KC-135 which will eventually get swapped by the KC-46 but I’ll be applying to an AFRC unit near home which is at March ARB or other units in the West Coast.
Hello Big Ern!! Not sure if you’ll see this but I’m an airline pilot and I’m currently applying to southwest! I didn’t know if you have any advice or things that could help me land (no pun intended) the job at southwest. Appreciate the content!
Could you please show me how to get a good seating position on the 737? I struggle to find a good one, feel like every airplane is different, and going between the NG/Max often doesn't help either. Wish they had the viewing point as the airbus has to help you get into position.
Question big bro. How long have you had the 'Cirrus"? and What year is that? That's nice. I was training a few years back (Summer 2020) getting some simulation time in a hanger. And seen one up close. Its very nice. Myself. I'm a huge Diamond DA-40 and DA-20 fan. I love that aircraft. I think the only one I want to purchase is a "Cessna" 150, 152 and 172.
What’s the reason you can’t show an inside view of flying the 737? Is that a southwest thing? I’ve seen other channels that almost show their entire flight.
What is the parking and airport [klav] logistics situation when you fly to work? At my local hub airport the GA-FBO is stuffed away on the far corner and you would need an uber to travel several miles the long way around outside of the airport to get to either the pax or cargo terminals. Is the tiedown spot free of charge?
Are you going to address the southwest meltdown? I think you’re in a unique position to discuss it. Maybe give some of us southwest flyers a better understanding of what happened and how things are or are not improving.
What do you want to now? Management basically threatened KDEN rampers with termination if they didn’t show up. They didn’t show up and Southwests vintage crew scheduling software melted down… and the rest is history.
@@torgy3 how are they going to fix it so it doesn’t happen again? New software to handle the worker churn? Better relations with the rampers so they don’t get to that point again? What’s the perspective from the flight crew I think would be interesting to know. Southwest is suppose to be an airline about the people. Seems like they’ve lost their way.
BigErn loves his planes, whether private or commercial.
I do!
Living the dream!
Good old AZ! I had my flight training in Deer Valley from 13 to 14
Looking back on the last 30 years of flying, I have to say the most stressful part was when I commuted. Always a 2-leg from PHX on a different airline. I would rather do V1 cuts in the sim all day long than go back to that! But, PHX to LAS isn't bad. One of the things I miss the most from Part 91 days is the fun we had just relaxing with other pilots in various people's hangars, mainly FFZ and DVT. I'm glad you are still able to enjoy it! Thanks for sharing 👍
Can’t you still hangout with pilots anyway?
@Danielle Patton I do, but it's not the same as when life revolved around being at the local airport. You tend to get away from private flying and socialize more with other airline pilots. It's just...different. At the airlines, pilots are always coming and going. After criss-crossing a continent, sometimes for multiple days, few want to just hang out and watch airplanes while telling lies. There are families and obligations waiting at home. For many, sometimes life just gets in the way.
Yep, PHX to LAS is a walk in the park Mark. Commuted TUS/MSP for 25 years. Would never think to do it now.
Some commuter! Million dollar SR22T. Sweet!
Living my dream, commuting in the 22T and flying swa when the weather isn’t safe for GA. Keep posting the great videos.
so glad i stumbled upon your channel!!
Welcome!!
Big Ern, that is the Coolest to be able to enjoy the Green Hornet and get to your scheduled Flight at the same.I love GA I've been flying GA for 28 yrs and it never gets old I love it
Couldn't agree more!
Your little green airplane is BEAUTIFUL! I am an avgeek to the core, and I really love watching your videos. You are definitely livin' the life!
Love this video Mr. Ern Keep going up! 11:17am
What a life... Flying where ever and when ever you want/need...Like it's no big deal. Just another day at the office.
Dreams do come true with staying the course and hard work! Congrats on your accomplishments! Just finished my instrument and working on commercial now. Thank you for sharing your videos!
Nice work!
Thank you
@@earnedwings5206 that’s awesome congrats, what are your goals with aviation?
To always enjoy flying and as well become a professional pilot, 121 or 135. I’m open to all possibilities.
Greased the landing 👌🏼
Thank you for sharing your commute to work.
Any time!
Thanks!!! Looking forward to more. :):):)
Aspiring commercial pilot here. Genuinely enjoy your content, very well put together, and gives me lots of inspiration to achieve my goals. Thank you for taking the time to share these moments with us. Stay safe! 🙌🏽
Great to hear!
Landing was butter ern!!!!!
Love the video Big Ern!! Always enjoy the green Hornet videos! Travel safe. Thank you for all you do.
8:10 pm, cool video, the Green Hornet looks great , thanks for sharing ✈️
Thanks for watching!
"Just the Cirrus". LOL! I enjoy all of your videos, including the Cirrus. Truly appreciated🙂 (You are so right about the GA community!)
I really thought you were based out of Phoenix. I remember seeing lots of videos of yours where you were in the parking lot at Phoenix.
I’m so happy for you that you get to go to Las Vegas ❤👍
Ahhhhh I see your little Cirrus on Flightradar24!!! Can’t wait to see your next commute flight
Thank you for sharing your video here. I am glad you have the additional option of owning your own aircraft and that is great!!! Yes, I am glad I did not have to commute when I came out of training on my side of the industry.
That was cool! Thanks Captain!
Glad you liked it!
Also, would LOVE more Cirrus videos! The vibe and flow to those are so good
Thanks Buddy congrats on Hawaii trip!
Thanks!!
In GA plans change so quick , the solution is Time and Credit Card...., always !
#Goals for sure! Thank you for all of the info, love your videos!
I fly occasionally to Maui maybe some day I’ll see you in the left seat. Nice plane
Cool
Thanks for the flight, Big Ern!!!
Always!
Thanks for this vlog. Fly and stay safe. You have an amazing day. Happy Wednesday! 2023.
As always, just first class video; and a pleasure to watch. In all candor, the word that caught my attention? "Dynamic" .... a master of understatement :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ótimo vídeo como sempre Comandante..sigo ansioso pelo vídeo do vôo para o Havaí.. abraços Itamar do Brasil. Bons vôos! Deus lhe abençoe 🙏
Great commute. Do more of these type videos.
Biggest motivator! Hope to Fly with you someday
Spectacular vid, always enjoy them. Thank-you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Mid 80s, 25 1st real job flying solo freight/bank work using C-402-404 Titans and 690 Commanders into Atlanta KATL. This was when the big boys of Delta/Eastern trimotors/ 747s came home to roost. Just thinking about that endless pearl of arrivals gives me anxiety attacks. Once in the sequence we got 2 missed calls and you were kicked to the back. Alt was + - 100 ft. 2 calls to correct = back of the line. Speed talking at its finest. Frequent "Keep your speed up" with 747s on your ass, their massive landing lights bathed you. Already 30+ over VREF. 26R, dump flaps, hold nose down and carrier land it. 1st right was mandatory, Full rt brake turn, look back and see a mountain of metal flash by where you were. Some say Navy pilots have stress but flying into a KATL alone at night in a med twin sandwiched between L-1011s/747s IS UP THERE!!
Your life is quite an adventure. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!✈💙
Gonna miss seeing the Green Hornet at the KSDL hanger everyday but i'm stoked to see you have your own hanger now!
She’ll be back from time to time. I can’t totally give up on that airport😁
Been flying 2200hrs on 737，never felt like a real pilot here in my country. But I still think I can achieve the same thing(maybe telsa first) one day. Thanks for the motivation
Stay positive mate , love it ,
Nice look at DVT hangers, it does seem a bit "uncluttered". I do not miss "the commute" however, reitired in January off the 767 after 40 years...life is good.
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing your commute with us! Curious, does your time flying up to Henderson count against your available duty hours? Are there any circumstances where that would become a problem?
Fire video🔥 as always much love from an aspiring pilot
Excellent vid, especially enjoyed your brief Wx review. Great job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
love the vid as usual....thanks for bringing us along. looking forward to seeing content from hawaii...cheers!!!
Coming soon!
Love the rims on the Tesla 🔥
Love your channel BigErn! I have been traveling quite a bit lately. All on Southwest. Every time I board I ask if BigErn is flying us today.
Awesome, just got my private ticket down here in NZ. I work in software and fly for the love of it. Would be cool to see more of green hornet stuff on your channel. Take care and if you're even in NZ, come fly down here in Wanaka/Queenstown!
The approach to Queenstown through the valley is quite spectacular.
Tough commuting out of Phoenix with the Super Bowl
Big Erm. What's up bro? Nice. I was thinking about buying my own airplane after I obtain my PPL. I thought this would be a great way to gain more flight hours and to appreciated the day I decided to become a first officer. Thank you sir. Always a pleasure.
Awesome, Captain thats what I call commuting in style! Also when you do take the hornet does that go against your flight hours for the day?
Thanks for always encouraging us Ernie. One day I'll have my own plane too. And a Tesla! Lol
I have an interview with you guys on the 28th. Hope I get the job and I hope I get a chance to meet you.
He’s back!
Hey!
New subscriber from England. Great channel and I really hope you’re my pilot next time I’m flying into Vegas (come every 2 years)
Love the videos! You're a big inspiration for me wanting to fly for Southwest!
What app do you use for flight planning?
Started flying SR22 last year after owning Piper Turbo Arrow for 20 years. Liking the plane although I miss the turbo power.
Commuting sucks either way you look at it. I commute to MIA from ATL for AA. Moving to Florida to be within driving distance. The only good thing about our jumpseats is we can reserve them a week ahead of time on our metal, helps take away a little stress off of it.
How long till you can hold PHX? Wouldn’t it have been better to just be a lance captain?
Love the videos Big Ern! Understand you are a "Company Man" Luv (Pun Intended) your insight. on holiday meltdown. Also read a blurb on the interweb news today, SWA is accepting candidates with 500 hours turbine time to apply. Any thoughts?
headed down to GEU this weekend for the superbowl, its going to be a zoo!
Gonna be crazy!
Hawaii vs Atlanta? Give me 3 seconds to think about it.
Know that road!
Beautiful plane brother. How are you fitting into your left seat role? I know it’s been a little while now. Be safe! Looking forward to the Hawaiian content
Hawaii is easy. Usually all on airways.
That is cool you got your own private plane Be safe in these airline street private or commercial
You should look into being a part of the Sky Kids event at Goodyear March 25, 2023. I do those every year and LOVE it.
Love the videos man! Does the hornet live in Henderson while you are out on trips? Im surprised you don’t have someone tag along to move the plane back to DVT!
Would love to meet sometime! I operate a TBM 850 out of DVT!
Happy for you but must admit I am a Lil jealous right now lol
Are you the same Ernie Meeks I sold that Piper Warrior to a few years back?
Option #4: fly for an airline/operator that pays for your commute (Atlas/Kalitta/NJets) and hotel.
Awesome vid, as always!
This may be a silly question but since you are PIC for the commute in the Cirrus, does that count against the number of hours you are legal to fly that day in the big bird?
Thanks for the video, Capt. Big Ern! What’s the reason for the second hangar? Are you getting second plane? How come you’re based in Las Vegas? I thought there were new captain openings in PHX.
Same?
Hey ERN nice way to go to work ,question do you think the fact that you fly the Green hornet regularly it makes you better at the 737 as you are doing more hands on flying than an Airline Pilot that does not have his own GA plane .The reason I ask is because a friends son has just worked his way up to 737 here in Australia ,and has been flying gliders since he was 12 yrs old ,he told me he felt the glider flying really helped him with practical understanding of aeronautics ,just wondered what your thoughts were
Cheers Kym
Adelaide
"If I can do it, you can do it," as Ernie hops out of his Tesla. 🙂
this guy loves the sound of his own voice
Not sure what you’re getting at 🤷🏽♂️
Im confused. I thought you were flying out of Phoenix in most of your other videos
Better you than me. Hopefully you can hold Phoenix again soon. I had 2 months of commuting and received orders to active duty. Ended up a forward air controller with an ANGLICO unit in Afghanistan. That was better than commuting.
Yikes, ground FAC with the Army Tom? Was a O-2A/OA-37 FAC at DM...flying club, no wars. Thanks for your service!
@@jcheck6 Marine Corps. I think the only branch to still assign aviators to ground units. I started out as an enlisted reservist. I loved being on the ground. I took supporting those on the ground very seriously when my duties were in the air.
Your very welcome, and like I always say, I am fairly compensated with your tax dollars, so thank you as well.
@@LtColDaddy71 Now that is funny! My only compensation was from the airlines which turned out to be more than the tax payers were willing to pay.
Thanks Tom! Glad you’re safe brother. I can honestly say now that I miss my time downrange. The camaraderie was unmatched. Appreciate what you do for the country 🫡
I’m long retired. Well, just 1 year from the airlines.
I’m just really happy that when the kids take over the farm, I’ll have a pension and insurance when I’m 60. Will be able to work as a farm hand for them on the cheap.
I commute to reserve and it sucks
What is factored in (if anything) when being assigned an airport you “base” out of?
Ernie can you make a video about flying the KC-135? I’m about to reach that point in college where I can apply to units. Im undecided between the C-17 and KC-135 which will eventually get swapped by the KC-46 but I’ll be applying to an AFRC unit near home which is at March ARB or other units in the West Coast.
Great idea Census! Let me work that one in🤙🏽
ETOPS Engines Turn Or People Swim! Enjoy Hawaii
Thanks for the video. Thought you were based in Phoenix?
Maybe Soon!
Hello Big Ern!! Not sure if you’ll see this but I’m an airline pilot and I’m currently applying to southwest! I didn’t know if you have any advice or things that could help me land (no pun intended) the job at southwest. Appreciate the content!
Could you please show me how to get a good seating position on the 737?
I struggle to find a good one, feel like every airplane is different, and going between the NG/Max often doesn't help either.
Wish they had the viewing point as the airbus has to help you get into position.
Since your going to be on the road for a few days, do you pick up a hanger in Henderson just to protect the plane?
Is the hornet yours? Like did you buy it?
Hey BigErn how much did your Green Hornet cost, if you don't minmd me asking?
Question big bro. How long have you had the 'Cirrus"? and What year is that? That's nice. I was training a few years back (Summer 2020) getting some simulation time in a hanger. And seen one up close. Its very nice. Myself. I'm a huge Diamond DA-40 and DA-20 fan. I love that aircraft. I think the only one I want to purchase is a "Cessna" 150, 152 and 172.
Doesn’t SWA have a really good commuter policy though? As long as you try on one SWA metal and you don’t make it then it’s no harm no foul correct?
Yes you are correct. I just have another option to make it. Especially with what happened over the holidays, I wasn’t not going to make my trip. 👍🏽
@@FlyingwithBigErn Going above and beyond to clock in. Love to see it. Excited to start training in March
Hello Big Ern from Sydney Australia.
What's the other bird (plane)?
🛩️
What’s the reason you can’t show an inside view of flying the 737? Is that a southwest thing? I’ve seen other channels that almost show their entire flight.
Does commuting by flying in affect the hours you are legally restricted to work by the airline you work for?
Not according to part 117
What is the parking and airport [klav] logistics situation when you fly to work?
At my local hub airport the GA-FBO is stuffed away on the far corner and you would need an uber to travel several miles the long way around outside of the airport to get to either the pax or cargo terminals. Is the tiedown spot free of charge?
When you fly into LAS do you store your plane there? Is that expensive? How long can you leave it?
Are you going to address the southwest meltdown? I think you’re in a unique position to discuss it. Maybe give some of us southwest flyers a better understanding of what happened and how things are or are not improving.
What do you want to now? Management basically threatened KDEN rampers with termination if they didn’t show up. They didn’t show up and Southwests vintage crew scheduling software melted down… and the rest is history.
@@torgy3 how are they going to fix it so it doesn’t happen again? New software to handle the worker churn? Better relations with the rampers so they don’t get to that point again? What’s the perspective from the flight crew I think would be interesting to know. Southwest is suppose to be an airline about the people. Seems like they’ve lost their way.
How is Tesla drive mr pilot
Flying your plane to fly another plane