“Let’s go. It’s time.” With this self-admonition, I stood up, glanced in the mirror, straightened my tie and left the hotel room. It was only a quarter to 7, but there was no way I was going to risk being late today. To my surprise, the lobby was already filled with 22 men and women whom I surmised were my new classmates, given their virtually identical “aviation interview” attire. Nobody was chancing it this morning. We rode the shuttle van to the training center in pensive silence, those of us who knew each other exchanging muted pleasantries. You would have thought we were going to a funeral, not the first day of class at one of the world’s largest airlines. It was a big day, and everyone was clearly on edge.
Taking Wing: Training Days
Key Takeaways:
- The author details his first day at a major airline, a significant milestone achieved a decade after starting his regional airline career, characterized by nervous excitement among new hires and a standardized initial indoctrination process.
- New pilot training is comprehensive, involving extensive academics, intensive simulator sessions for specific aircraft, and initial operating experience (IOE) under supervision, all while navigating personal challenges and intense scrutiny.
- A probationary period follows, demanding meticulous conduct and consistent performance from new hires, yet the author emphasizes his enduring passion for "hand flying" jets, underscoring a continued love for the core act of piloting.
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