I'm Leaving My Low Cost Airline as a Senior Captain to start over At a Legacy.. Mixed Emotions...
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- I've been happily employed at my airline since 2013. I have been a Captain since 2015, but after some soul-searching, I decided to pursue a legacy and fly 'The Friendly Skies' of United. The airline industry is very cyclical, and since the pandemic, market forces have put significant pressure on ULCC/LCC airlines. The changing market, RTX engine issues, and oversaturated markets are making it tough for some airlines. I had hoped for a successful JetBlue/Spirit merger; however, the Department of Justice and Judge Young have enjoined the merger, so that is no longer a possibility. The choice is simple yet not an easy one: stay or go? Give up more than a decade of seniority as a Senior Captain at a small airline and start over again, or stick it out and see what happens and "hope" for the best. I decided that rather than have decisions made for me, I would do something that I have always wanted to do-go to United Airlines. It was humbling to log back into the application after all these years and update the old resume, but the more I got my "stuff" together, the more I realized that this is really something I have always wanted to do, and what better time than now? It will be tough giving up over a decade of seniority, but the trade-off is flying for a larger, more stable (hopefully), Global airline. I can bid on Narrowbody or Widebody aircraft, travel all over the world, etc. There are a lot more opportunities for myself and my family, and although I'm afraid of the unknown, I'm also excited for the future.
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I’m at a Legacy and I am 63. Two of my good friends turned 65 this month. All of my new hire class has retired. Glad you are finally making the move. You won’t regret it.
Thanks Dave! Excited to get started
At 40 I did a career adjustment. After 20 years, I don't regret the move at all. Safe travels to you. I will continue to watch your IG's and YT posts.... don't stop posting.
Thanks!
Are you a pilot? Or some other industry? I’m curious what you were doing and what you changed to. I just turned 40; have been in the same industry my entire career. But have wondered whether I have the energy to make a change. I’m so curious about people who actually did it.
@@andrew5184 I’m a pilot. I do fly with quite a few people who were on their “second career”
None of them ever say they regret it
@@Bananasssssssss Thanks for sharing your story. Glad to find your channel. @GeorgesAdventure-LetsGO what’s your story?
@@andrew5184, I went from a hourly construction worker to an engineer. I went to school full time at 39 and graduated at 41. The big decision was planning finances during the time. I sold my nice truck, bought a beater Honda, got a part time job and basically school was my job. I did a 4 year degree in 2.5 years.
I like how this guy can casually land a taildragger with wind rushing by him at like 70kmh and just talk to a camera non scripted easily without any cuts, Amazing good luck!
Thank you!
Funny POV when looking at you flying from the back with legs wrapped around the seat and instruments up front 😂. In a tail wheel tandem I never really seen this veiw. Looks awkward but I know that’s how they fly.
His name is Joe Biden.@@Bananasssssssss
What? It's green screen bro 🤡😂
Congrats on making the move! That's really a lot to walk away from but now you'll never have to look back and wonder "what if." I'm sure you'll enjoy the widebody flying and layovers, blue skies!
I hope so! and thank you!
At 40 I quit a 13 year job in an industry I had been in for 20 years for a 2 month contract. I was leaving management in the auto repair industry for web development, which I was self taught. Best decision EVER! That was 24 years ago and the contract turned into permanent and I’m still there.
RUclips just recommended your channel to me and I can’t tell you how helpful this was as I am at the decision point as a CFI. And you are right across the water from my airport so this advice became incredibly real. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing! Appreciate it!
Thats a big step. Love the Cub and Chief content. I’m sure you will continue to enjoy “flying the friendly skies” at your new carrier.😉
Thanks!
You're making the right decision. Don't look back or second guess yourself. You'll get that seniority back up soon enough.
Thanks!
Joe! Love your channel… you and I are alike in that we own vintage planes (47’ 11BC Chief here) and are airline pilots. I was at Endeavor for almost 8 years and went to Delta in Mar 23’. Now, I don’t know how the LCC vs Wholly Owned Regional would compare, but I will say a few things from my experience.
The best line at EDV was still worse, than the worst line at DAL.
The legacy airlines just treat their pilots better. This was a huge shock (and still is).
I don’t feel like the sky is falling anymore, I was getting very anxious to leave EDV.
I’m on the 737, and it’s a great plane. It hardly has an MEL. It flies like an airplane, and the systems aren’t hard at all. The CRJ I flew before is more complex.
Keep it up Joe! I’m happy and excited for you. Keep us updated.
@@JJay512 thank you!
Well said, Joe. As a student pretty early on in my training, I gotta say I really look up to you and admire the career you’ve had so far. What’s happening to Spirit is very unfortunate, but I hope you can enjoy the benefits of switching airlines and filter out the cons. I look ahead and see all the training and hour building ahead of me, and while I love what I do and I’m excited to do it I’d also love to be living the life you’re living right now. Continue to enjoy it and best of luck at the majors.
Thanks Ryan! Really appreciate that.
As long as you keep posting Cub videos, I don't care!
Now, being serious, the only way to grow is getting out of the comfort zone. You have a career that many of us can only dream about. I would not worry about the future, I would fly it.
Greetings from Spain!
Thank you! And definitely will keep on posting Cub/Chief stuff for sure
Good luck! You will do great! Glad you followed your passion and heart.
Wishing you a super successful move to your new job, sounds like the most logical thing to do given the way the industry works.
This is definitely one of your best videos ever! Thanks for sharing your and your fam’s thought process about moving to what is next, which sounds beyond terrific!! Big time congrats on the new job!
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it
Wishing you the best on this Joe !! It will all work out fine !!! Embrace change, that is 99.9 % of life's challenge.
Thank you!
You got this man! I have no doubt this will be the right choice in the long run 🤙
Neat! You have a
Great attitude and will hav good success. Keep flying that cub and bring us along.
Thanks! Will do!
I left my job after 18 years at age 48 for a legacy. You won’t regret it.
That's what everyone says which is for sure helping me feel a little less uneasy
That's a nerve-racking move in this day in age. I've been at a cargo airline since 2018 and the stability has been great. Ups window is open right now if you ever want to make the jump.
Following your heart is always the right decision mate regardless of the unknowns. Grab the opportunity with both hands as our dream job doesn't always present itself. Congrats on the next exciting phase!
Thank you!
I remember when you posted about this thinking about it. I mentioned it's time to do it and that time is now. You replied and seemed unsure still. I'm glad you made the decision and went with it. It will be great for you.
Thanks! Excited to make the move.
I won't lie, I found your tight base to final while casually chatting was really amusing. Nice job.
Follow your dreams brother.. I've lived in 11 countries and had 6 different careers and loved every single second of it! Greetings and congratulations from just outside of Newark NJ 🛩️🛩️🛩️
Thank you!
Congratulations, Joe Costanza! I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you're going to come join us, you're really making the right decision. This operation is a giant juggernaut with several completely different companies available for you to enjoy, even when you're junior. You can be the junior Airbus Captain, driving to cover stuff at LGA, in an airplane you've been flying, with the opportunity to at least get qualified on some interesting flying like Morocco or Cairo, but mostly covering sick calls or sitting short call. Or you can be a widebody FO, flying to Europe and Hawaii with some nice domestic destination thrown in.
When you show up for indoc you'll realize how different this is from where you're at. Message me up when you're in Portland, we'll go fly the Stearman, I'll put you in back. (Isn't that funny? I don't even know you, but having watched your videos, I know you're capable.)
Welcome, Bruddah!
Ha! thank you! really excited to get started!
This is awesome! Congrats on the moves! I can really relate to a lot of what your goig through. Im a student pilot and I will be going for a career. I just turned 42 so this is life part 2 for me. Im going through all the same emotions man I totally get it. From the nerves to excitement. I am going from my successful hvac business to an entry level job but I will take an entry level job doing what I LOVE over a top paying job im no longer happy with. Im going from someone whos looked up to highly in the industry to the bottom which has been very humbling. I should also add that i sold my house and im about to move into my 400 sf lake cabin to get out from my mortgage and not have to worry so much about money and focus on my new career. Im putting it all on the line and I couldnt be more excited.
Im up in lake hopatcong I fly out of 1N7 Blairstown and I fly with orlandi flight school. Im in the process of purchasing an airplane. Maybe we can connect in the future. I am looking to meet more people in nj and the area that fly. Im getting my tail wheel also in orlandi's J3.
Been enjoying your content and I like your flying style.
Best of luck in this new journey. I feel this is a great move for you and im excited for you as well!
Hey! I was just in Blairstown last week for breakfast! Lol. We can definitely link up. It will be worth it! Even the worst day as an airline pilot beats the best day doing something else! Funny, I was in my crawl space yesterday looking at a leaking condenser pump and said to myself “they couldn’t pay me enough to work in these conditions “ 😂😂. Keep in touch and shoot me an email or something and I’ll let you know when I’m up that way again
Great video, thanks for sharing! Your goal is the same as mine and i'm in the middle of my PPL
Your experience stays with you and benefits both you and your Captain when you come over to a legacy. I had 17 years at the regionals when I came over. Best of luck to you.
Thank you. Looking forward to it
Can’t believe this video came at the perfect time. I’ve just handed in my notice after 8 years with a very orange European airline. I’m off to join the UK flag carrier flying long haul next month. I’ve been doubting my decision constantly as I’ll be going from a Senior FO (in the command process) in a company I still love being a part of, to a junior at the bottom of the seniority list. It’s the fear of leaving for the unknown, potentially less pay initially and a whole new lifestyle. I’ve decided to bite the bullet at the age of 34. I just hope I don't regret my decision as like you said, I didn't intend to spend my whole career flying A320's short haul. Good luck with your new future career! Thanks for helping reinforce my decision.
@@Lew747 ha! Good luck to you as well!
Great video Joe! Beautiful scenery, and your content is spot-on, you laid out well the current landscape of the airline industry. I wish you good luck, and just remember….we often don’t know how good our decisions were until we look back after retirement.
Thank you!
Don't stress anymore bro. Follow your heart and do what you love, the money will come! 💯
Awesome to hear this news!! Cool to see you’re headed to my target legacy. See you in a couple years hopefully!
Thanks! and see ya soon!
Best of luck on your new journey! Hoping you get a class date soon.
I’m a CFI/II with 720hrs and I’m really hoping things pick up after a few months. There are a few CFIs at my school with 1500+hrs and no job offer. 😭😭😭
Fret not.
This whole situation is because of the election. Once we're past that, there is still an enormous hole the airlines need to fill. No other choice.
Look up "Raven Aviation News" or something like that. They do a great job emailing with updates about the industry
I'm at a regional currently about 6 months in....just keep plugging away the hiring environment will shift again soon I think. A lot of us will be captains soon and they will need FOs at the regional level again quickly.
Go for it. I was with a legacy for 34 years. Those canceled classes, or part of them may start next month. Two thoughts for you. 1. Look back, but don"t stare. 2. There are no deadlines on DREAMS. Be well, my friend.
Congratulations on the hire. You made a very thoughtful video while you hand flew, just awesome.
Thank you! Appreciate it
You got this brother. This is a good choice. Better longeviety with a legacy.
Thanks brother! We’ll celebrate over some Beers at Osh!
Hi! Loved your video. You are living the life. I was a FA at NK for 9 years. Switched careers completely to a totally different industry! Now, I'm back trying to get into aviation lol! Congrats on the move. Change is exciting
Aviation...once it gets in our blood, lol
First of all, you sharing your story and your emotion while flying the traffic pattern is pretty damn cool. Second, I’m a student pilot but have 10 years of maintenance at an airline. I can see the internal conflict and I hope you have a seamless transition to your new job. You shared so much information which is insightful. Thank you for sharing!
@@cuttingconversations5161 thanks for that! Appreciate the feedback! I mean it. Thank you!
Its the right move. I've been retired since 2014. I was 32 and a 747 Captain when I got the call from a legacy airline after an interview. I ultimately stayed with the cargo airline and at certain times had regrets but other times no regrets. In our business stability is the name of the game. Since retirement me and my Champ haven't flown above 800 agl, just like it should be. I enjoy your Cub videos.
Thanks for sharing Kevin!
Wish you all the best Joe, strongly suspect you’ll do great no matter what.👊🏻
Thank you, sincerely appreciate that.
Good Luck! (Swa Cappy here… and blessed beyond belief).
Congrats Joe, I’ll keep following the journey! You put reality in to everything and it’s a pleasure watching your content. It’s always tough to get out of that comfort zone but like you said on the other side you’ll be happy you did it! For years I’ve been thinking of chasing the dream of being an airline pilot but the comfort plays a big factor. I’ll start slow with the private and go from there. Thanks for the motivation and good luck with everything! 🤙🏼
Thanks Josh! appreciate that!
Big change, top ledge of seniority at the legacy’s is huge. 40 years +
Joe, welcome to United! I’ve flown with many new F/O’s that have moved over from Frontier, Spirit and Allegiant. Not one had regrets.
Thank you!
Incredible video and great insight for a young aviator (180 hrs lol a ton to go). I appreciate the transparency and explaining… all while actually flying. Awesome and best of luck
Thank You! and the hours come quick! I remember hitting 100hrs like it was literally yesterday
@@Bananasssssssss time flies!
Good luck Joe, I wish I had taken the opportunity offered to me many years ago,but.....I have a friend who retired from UAL, and was sorry to leave because he was treated so well by the company as a whole. I'm sure you will be fine.
At Osh look up a friend of mine, Danny Clisham one of the annoucers for the airshow, he retired ftom AL a few years ago, I'm sure he would be helpful with the "legacy difference". Fair skies and tailwinds Joe.
Thank you, I appreciate that and will pick his brain if I get the chance to meet him at Ash...
Hey Joe, I just happen to stumble on to your video today. Aviation is such a small world and I’ll talk about that in a second. For what it’s worth, I think you’re making the right decision and won’t regret it. I was in the same situation as you are 8 months ago. I made a choice to leave my old job, NetJets, after 22 years and start over at a legacy airline pursuing that “ dream job.” Everything you articulated about pay, seniority, schedule, benefits etc. all crossed my mind as well and wondering if I was making the right decision. I ultimately decided to go for it and I can tell you now, 8 months later, that I’m glad I did . I’ve not looked back once since I made the decision and I’m happy to report it’s been a good experience and I’m really enjoying my new job. I’m a first officer again and enjoying the challenge of learning to master a new piece of equipment. So be confident in your decision, it will work out for you I’m sure. Now a side note about aviation being a small world. As I watched the video, I realized you were at the Flying W and I couldn’t believe it ! I’ve been hanging out there for years and I’m surprised as heck we haven’t run into each other yet ! What are the odds ? I’ll keep my eyes open and look for you. Good luck with your new job and great video ! See you at the W soon I hope. - Craig
@@KyoteScout ha’ small
World for sure! Thanks for sharing your experience! Also, having a Hangar BBQ this W at 1 if you’re around! Would be great to meet ya!
@@Bananasssssssss
Hey thanks for the invite !
Unfortunately I’m heading out on a 3 day trip tomorrow. Hopefully next time ! Talk to Mindy, she knows how to get in touch with me. Lol
She can give you my #.
@@KyoteScout will do!
Good for you man!! Follow your heart for sure! Best of luck to you at UA!
I appreciate it!
Wishing you much luck and success! Great video!
Thank you!
You won’t regret it. You’ll experience so much more with the move across, international is also a hoot.
Here in New Zealand progression can be slow our fleet sizes are relatively small compared to the US and nobody resigns they only retire once in the national carrier.
I spent 11 years in the regional turbo props (beech 1900D/ATR -72) before transferring across to the jet fleet at 36 and starting back at the bottom of the seniority. I’ve been a second officer now on the B777-300/B787-9 for nearly 9 years and have loved every moment. Fo upgrade on the 787 due in the next 12 months. I could have gone Fo A320 a long while ago but just enjoy long haul too much and have held out for FO 787/777 instead. I also took a while to move on from the previous job as I was a training captain on the ATR but haven’t regretted a second and now make more money than the left seat. Good luck
That’s one plane I always wished I flew. The ATR!
Good luck to you Joe, great to fly with you, I wish you all the best!!!
Thanks Darren! was always a pleasure flying with you
Congrats on the CJO. You will love it here at UAL. Come join the fun on the 756 in Newark!
Thanks! That'll be my #1 Bid. I'm sure I'll get 737 initially but will jump over as soon as I can
I would hate to have to make this decision....so many variables. Good luck!
Thanks. It's been quite a stressful few months, lol
Trying to predict the future is tough. Trying to predict the future with respect to the airline industry is impossible. Make your move and dont look back with any regret to avoid the cudda wudda shudda I heard for decades in the business. Good video, safe flying.
Thank you !
Joe, best of luck. Have fun flying the heavy iron. The 757 was my favorite. Ex DAL 767ER.
Thanks Gary! Appreciate it!
Right there with you man. 6 year NK CA here, doing the same thing. Have 1 CJO in my pocket and interviewing at another legacy next week. Enjoy United brother, you’re making the right decision.
Thanks Chuck! Good luck on the next interview!
@@Bananasssssssssthanks man. Just wish I would’ve left 2-3 years earlier but the golden handcuffs are real. I got greedy and stuck around waiting for the merger.
@@chucksneed3339 you and me both dude. Literally been here for 12 years lol. Of course now they open EWR where I’ll be bidding 30 out of 100 after bidding 26 out of 50 in Acy forever 😂😂
Been in the business for 44 years and have 10 months to go I actually agree with your decision. I enjoy international flying much more than domestic so hopefully it all works out for you.
Thank you!
some the flying united does into Central and South America looks extremely rewarding and challenging.
I’ve done a lot of that at Spirit but they are always turns. I’m looking forward to laying over there for sure
@@Bananasssssssss I've flow Spirit to Lima, do flight crews get leave there? Really cool place, Spirit's longest flight too.
I'm happy for you, man. Its the opportunities that you don't take that you'll regret. Maybe I'll be joining you once I have the time. You will be missed here at NK.
Very excited for you Joe. I only wish you were coming to AA so I could fly with you. I guess we’ll just have to meet up sometime on a grass strip in NJ or NY.
Thank you! Meeting up on a grass strip sounds like a perfect alternative!
Welcome to United Joe. Worked with you at XJT. I think you've made the correct choice. Love your channel.
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing my fellow XJTrs (G7896) 😄
Was wondering if/when you were gonna jump ship, have been watching the news at Spirit and I think you're making the right decision. Congrats man
Thank you! bittersweet for sure. Excited to get started but going to miss the comfort of Spirit.
@@Bananasssssssss yeah totally get it, like most change it's not the most comfortable at first having to leave the comfort bubble, but once you're on the other side it's usually a "I'm glad I did that" or a "Why did I wait so long?"
@@Splint993 100% that's what I hear from my old Spirit Pals' "Should have done it sooner"
Joe I’ve been watching your videos on Instagram for a while now and didn’t know you had a RUclips haha, But I just wanted to say congratulations man you deserve it!
I’m currently a student pilot in a 141 school and I genuinely love it all. I’m still very new to it all I only have about 26 hr for my private pilot certificate. I look to you and some other aviation creators for inspiration so thank you and I think is never yo late to follow that dream job.
Thanks dude! Appreciate that!
You're going to be just fine bro, want to know how I know? Just listen to this again 15:46 , like a good Captain, YOU have the controls.
I wish you the best for what's it's worth from a stranger. Gentle landings...
Thank you Patrick! Much appreciated
I'm previous NK dispatcher and now manager of flight dispatch at NK (Blake Roark). I'm sure I've dispatched you many times. Hate to see you and senior guys like you go, but def understandable. The future can be a bit questionable for sure. Good luck to you my friend!
Thanks Blake! And the name 100% sounds familiar!
You’re still young. Good move!
Congrats! Hope to see you in training!
Thank you!
I made this move several times in my flying career. Usually involuntarily! Seniority vapourises in a puff of redundancy.
Go for security and lifestyle. Ten years goes past quickly and then you’re back up there.
Hey man, can relate. I changed this year from a low cost carrier to a legacy carrier in Europe. My motivation was slightly different. I didn’t want to commute anymore, so my lifestyle would be better. It is. Yes moving from left to right has challenges, yes the financial hit sucks, but for me, it’s worth it. Cheers.
Thanks!
It's really unfortunate what is going on with Spirit. My buddies and I were counting on their pathway program they have with our University after reaching RATP mins. No telling where that program will end up. I wish you all the best at United! Love the videos!
thank you! and hang in there, I foresee a NK/F9 merger and the need for recalls/hiring hopefully in the future
@@Bananasssssssss thanks for the insight, I'm really hoping it happens. Most of the spirit guys who are alum that I know are doing the same thing, headed over to the legacies.
Spirit isn't looking very healthy right now, and I do worry they might be forced to file soon. I think you made the right move.
I’ve flown 737, A320, A321, 787, 777 all good aircraft, and good type ratings to have on your license for a rainy day! I like Longhaul these days because of the blocks of time off between trips and you go to some cool places, but more tiring thou. Good luck
Thanks! Yeah I’m pretty rough when it comes to redeye long haul flying but still would like to try it
Congratulations on your upcoming job.
Buddy, I feel your pain on the decision of whether to stay with a known job, or start over at a new job.
I guess everybody at some point goes through that.
I was never at an airline. But I was in aviation maintenance, mostly at FBO's working on corporate aircraft. It's a big decision in the age bracket your in, stay with the known comfortable solid aycheck, or go for something new, no seniority, starting at the bottom again, being the new flunky, LOL. Even though it's the same, it's just different.
You're far from being old, but old enough that starting day one is still scary.
I wish you all the luck at your "new" job. I always told guys on my crews, if you leave for more experience or to gain knowledge and the new position betters you, you are doing the right thing. Experience and knowledge are things that no one can take away from you.
You ultimately have to do what is best for you and your family. It's just a different path down the same road.
Good luck on your new opportunities and just go in eyes open and rely on what got you where you are now.
A Captain i used to work with, mid career, made the same change you're making, and he said going back to an FO position made him a better captain once he got back to being a captain.
Again good luck. Keep the runway under you and the blue sky above you.
God bless y'all and stay safe out there in the wild blue yonder.
Thank you for that! much appreciated.
Wish you the best joe love your flying the cub we are moving from 182 to a cardinal since we are getting older easy to get into, your daughter video made my wifes day, dan
Thanks Dan! there is a Cardinal across from me and they are really beautiful airplanes! Enjoy!
Left the military after 24 years. Got a CJO at a legacy and now the wait for a class date which is excruciating (3 months waiting for the email so far). So, I am terrified as well. Best of luck, hoping for clears skies and calm winds.
Thanks! hopefully we end up starting sooner rather than later, lol
congrats and really interesting to hear. thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Best of luck with United. A friend of mine just made captain a couple of years ago on the 73 at United. His career has been a good one. Wish I did it it.
Thank you!
@@Bananasssssssssenjoy your videos. Hope you keep them up. Again good luck with United.
You’ll love it here, best job I’ve ever had. See you on the line.
can't wait!
Congrats on your new job and nice touch and gos!!!
Thank you so much
Good Luck. As a retired United Captain I can say It will be a great place to work. In my 32 years it was always a joy to fly with crew members from all over the aviation world. I started on the last page of the seniority list in 1987 and ended up 700 out of 14000 pilots when I retired in late 2019.
Thank you!
I don't think that you'll have any LONG term regrets. Short term, probably...make that certainly. Up and down all day in a Bus is great but after a while its just a lot of WORK. A larger airline offers you a lot more options and a lot more stability once you get a few thousand guys behind you. Bid the 777 as soon as you can. See the world. Jam that 16 percent (and any more that you can afford to) into your 401 and retire early. I could write a lot more but you'll figure it all out. I think that you made the right choice. I finally got hired at Brand X at age 40 after over a decade as a commuter puke. I still managed to have a decent career in spite of 9-11, other massive economic downturns, furlough, age 65 stagnation, etc. Good luck. PS....In 5 years on the triple I never once De-iced. Never once got a SWAP route, etc. Hell I used to de-ice 5 times on a single NB trip. Retired now and happy as hell.
Thanks for sharing! And great advice. I know Im going to question my decision when Im really junior getting abused on Reserve but long term 777 F/O is the goal! Lol a good friend of mine is senior on it as an F/O and has a better schedule than me. The difference is he’s making more money and going to Japan while I go to MYR 😂
You’re going to be fine, Joe. We worked together, albeit on different sides of a FFD merger, over 14 years ago and after a 6 year penalty lap at a ULCC with what felt like a rudderless future I also made the escape to a legacy. Zero regrets and being at a near century old operation has its benefits. Good luck!
Thanks Josh! Appreciate that!
Nice move and grats! I just did the same thing, but at age 50. I left SWA after 16 years (6 years as Captain). I jumped over to AA to drastically improve my quality of life by living in base. I am excited to fly different airplanes and experience wide body flying. It’s cool to see others taking advantage of this fast moving industry in these good times.
Similar, I was fat dumb and happy at a regional for 20 years. Haven’t missed a holiday or kids birthday in years. At 48 I’m like I need a change ( similar money wasn’t my main motivation wife does well etc) . But I took the jump to a major and was worried about being a FO agin ( it’s hard at first not gonna lie) and new ops differences. Well year 3 about to upgrade and it was the best decision 👍🏼👍🏼
You made the right choice. I was a 17 yr ramp agent for Southwest and SWA has turned into a Hostile and Toxic work environment. Terrible leadership as Bob Jordan , Gary Kelly, etc. continue to destroy Herb's legacy. Sad to hear about Elliott Management and Paul Singer wanting to take out the trash at the palace but it needs to be done. All the best of luck to you.
I'm at a 135 and 1200 hours watching the industry in fascination. Hoping the industry rights itself by the end of the year when I get my ATP.
Industry is always cyclical but I think (hope) hiring will continue. There is still a lot of retirements and Boeing can hopefully get their act together
Good Luck! You will do great!
Thank you!
Respect the legacy and dont water it down with shortcuts from a lesser operation.
Hey Joe, it’s Mark Howarth. Best of luck and lmk if you ever get to SAN or SNA
@@twister4489 Thanks Mark! Will do!
Welcome to United. You’re making the right choice. In my class there was a diverse mix of ULCC’s CA and FOs as yourself….so you will not be the only one. You’re going to love it here.
Glad to hear it! I'm really excited about it
great to hear your decision…
One more thing. Always take every upgrade you can stomache. If commute or reserve is not for you dont do it. You could be stuck there forever with recession. Im done but It will be a ball for you. 😊
Just got my private, your thoughts and openness on your career will help me make a decision when the time comes. Thanks :)
me pleasure! and congrats on the PPL!
Definitely, understand your decision, I am in the aerospace industry as a A&P , and every time I changed jobs it was a restart. Now after many years, I am coming to a decision myself to work my way to something more independent and pay scale for the future. Funny thing I still can't afford an airplane..lol
Yeah it's brutal. Aviation, where experience matters most yet means the least when looking for a new Job, lol
@@Bananassssssssswell, not really. you have 12 yrs at an airline behind you, as a qualified captain, with loads of jet 121/135 hours forgive me im not there yet but anyways… you have loads of experience in terms of competition on anybody else say a CFI with cessna hours trying to get hired
@@idekav. true
@@idekav. It is true. Note though definitely get as many Certs as you can, and some years in, but still one takes a paycut in most cases when changing jobs. Reasons most techs and pilots stay put because of benefits, Union seniority, and pay.
@@SkyDomeVIZE yeah that sucks, From a Hiring standpoint it’s advantageous but if you’re already a family man with good QOL and now you have to deal with junior schedules… I sympathize with you guys. I’m almost at CFI, but I do a lot of research and this aspect of the airlines always intrigues me.
I also have a passion for aviation and I admire you my friend. Great videos and flying. You have everything any person could possibly want and I’m not talking about your career or airplanes. You have the most important things. Love and family. Do what makes you and your family happy. I wish the best of luck in your decision and keep up the great videos. They’re helpful and I really like them.
Thank you!
Good luck brother!
Thank you!
Good luck buddy. It’ll def be worth it.
Thanks 👍
Great video Joe, well explained situation at Spirit. There's other aspects to life than being tied to one airline and there's always more to experience with aviation. I'm less than a year at Spirit and lucky to have a few options out there for me to go.
Thanks! It’s odd. When the merger was blocked I was in kind of a crappy place mentally but looking at it now, maybe it’s kind of blessing. I don’t know, we’ll see. (I’m sure the first year or so The schedule and significantly smaller paychecks will have me questioning my decisions 😂)
Welcome to Mother U Joe. Happy to have you here. Wear that Half Wing. It’ll save you some
$$$. 😉
Can't wait!
I explain to non industry peeps that it's like the game Chutes and Ladders if ya jump from airline to airline. It'll be tough the first couple of years, but in the end the move will be worth it cuz you have over twenty-years to give. Never look back once a job is left...look forward for sure.
ALL the best and enjoy Newark, lol.
Thanks Mike! Appreciate it. (And perfect analogy, lol)
You're brave, best of luck brother
I’m too old to go back…but I miss it. You’re probably moving at the right time, though you may get locked on reserve for a year or two. Take a page from Blancolirio’s book: Stay in the right seat and enjoy the piss out of life.
I have some buddys who do just that on the 777. They are at the airport almost as much as me tinkering with their Stearmans, lol
Nice move. AAL may have slowed down their class dates, but retirements keep on going at 2 or 3 a day.
Yeah, they definitely have the most retirements.