Scudrunners

Seeing as Skud has given us this new venue where we can discuss aviation without being policed by the PC Nazis and those who are marginally talented apologists in aviation I have another question.

Is it even worth our time trying to bring some semblance of self worth and pride in being an aviator back into the pilot population?

Or are we now over run by the " That is good enough " crowd that seems to set the standard today?

There are still exceptional people out there that do excellent work and have a clue.  But the "that's good enough" syndrome is pervasive.  It seems a lot of people today want everything on a platter and they don't want to work for it (the instant gratification generation.  Mediocrity suffices for them).  It isn't true for everyone, obviously, but this is the way things are often times and not just in aviation.

I agree to all the above.  That crowd is one of the reasons for the race to the bottom.  Just as in their professional lives, they don't strive for anything higher in their personal lives, it's why humanity is doomed as they continue to populate. 

The worst thing to do is to do nothing.  As Rudder said, there's excellent ppl out there who have a clue, I admire them for their work and try to do the best I can.  To be one of the 'good enoughs' is to just give up.

I think there should only be guidelines.

I used to think Canada was better than the US&A because of things like the 50 hour inspection. I have learned since that certification is not really a replacement for caring. I would rather buy a plane that was recently in need of a C of A from Colonel Mustard here than one with a fresh CofA from a guy I was not familiar with.

Like wise I don't consider myself a good pilot because I seldom stay current and have some form of test phobia. Then I read guys with CPLs writing about ferrying a plane somewhere like it's a mythical journey.

Of course it's impressive when digits went to the North Pole. Not shocking like Amelia Airheart going to Maui. Sure her navigator was the best in the world he is still beat by GPS.

[quote author=Chuck Ellsworth link=topic=211.msg573#msg573 date=1433643102]
Is it even worth our time trying to bring some semblance of self worth and pride in being an aviator back into the pilot population?[/quote]Absolutely it is.

Whether we know it or not, our job satisfaction is written all over our faces when we are in uniform and people pick up on it. I watch the flight crews as they pass when I am sitting in a terminal. How many of them do you see strolling by, whistling a tune, smiling at people, looking content?? Not very many. I think it's a sign of the times and it's a fact of life as I understand it that being an airline pilot ain't what it used to be.

I feel for the guys and gals who are caught up in a system in which they feel somewhat trapped and under appreciated. I am not quite sure what the remedy for that is but I sure pick up on what the symptoms are.

Personally, I love my job and although it is very straightforward on the surface, I take great pride in making every trip as professional and smooth as I possibly can. I meet a few big iron drivers every season that get off my airplane with a shit-eating grin and comment that I must have the best job in the country and I don't disagree. I still do it for the reasons I did it 20 years ago, because it's fun and I couldn't imagine doing anything else. It earns me a fine living and I am grateful for that but the paycheck does not give me the pride, that comes from the fact that I can drive home at the end of the day and think to myself that I gave a fuck all day and hopefully people picked up on that.

[quote author=cloudrunner link=topic=211.msg602#msg602 date=1433719201]
[quote author=Chuck Ellsworth link=topic=211.msg573#msg573 date=1433643102]
Is it even worth our time trying to bring some semblance of self worth and pride in being an aviator back into the pilot population?[/quote]Absolutely it is.


[/quote]
I got this far and have to agree. Cloudrunner is right, because... The pilot might even blow you off at first Chuck but eventually, the truth could sink in and change them for the better.

One day they could come to their senses and think or say, "That crotchety old guy with the super foul mouth was right. I need to be the best I can be. I'm going to try harder from now on."

Do the best job that you can,
at every job that you have.

This is a quaint, old-fashioned
idea involving a work ethic and
as such looks terribly dated today
where the Kardashians are WINNING.

However, it's up to you to choose
if you want to be a Kardashian or not.

I don't pay much about them but, maybe the Kardashians are presently the best at seeking attention because even we are here talking about them. I kind of doubt you mention them because you're a fan.

Aargh!  The f@$king Kardashians polluting everywhere!
Sad thing about that whole saga is that the only one of the whole lot who's done anything that required talent, training and consistent effort (Bruce Jenner) and thus should be recognized for doing so, is now the biggest soap opera of them all - and for completely the wrong reasons...