Need to take a job that requires flying on small planes

Re: Need to take a job that requires flying on small planes

feeds@kickapps.com (UndueBurden) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:31:04 PST

Eury 1 -- I know exactly how you feel. I was there just 1 year ago. I took a job transfer that I knew would require extensive travel on turbo-prop planes and regional jets all operated by regional carriers (Mesa Air, Sky West, Express Jet, etc). I was debating whether it was worth it. Since then, I have completed more than 70+ flights in just 12 months!! If nothing else has been gained, I am grateful that I have grown accustomed to flight (and airports, and the stress of just traveling!), and am happier than ever to have challenged my fear head-on. Plus, my job and career are fantastic! Don't let this fear hold you back. It is NOT worth it. Take the job!

Re: Need to take a job that requires flying on small planes

feeds@kickapps.com (Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:04:07 PST

When people think of regional airlines, they remember the turboprop those airlines used to fly. Turboprops were noisy and their flights were often bumpy because they flew at lower altitudes in the clouds, not above the clouds.

But the regional jets are not at all like that. They are the same as other jets such as the 737 or A-320 or MD-80. They ride just as good, if not better. The interior is smaller with one seat on one side and two seats on the other side, but -- and this is really important -- the amount of room you have IN your seat is greater than on other planes.

Everyone seems to be distressed when they first think of flying one of these smaller jets, but it has been my experience that once a client tries them, they like them, and many like them better than larger planes -- once they try them.

Re: Need to take a job that requires flying on small planes

feeds@kickapps.com (Capn Steve) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:08:47 PST

Hi Eury --

Your pilot "friend" has a rather sick sense of humor. Or at least, he (she?) is highly insensitive. (I might suggest that you jettison this so-called "friendship" as soon as you can. Or, at least, give him/her a piece of your mind.)

He/she is certainly not helpful. At all.

First of all -- a primer, of sorts. "Small planes" are the two-seat Piper J-3 Cubs and Cessna 150s that I used to fly while in training, 40 years ago.

A 50 to 70 seat regional jet is -- NOT -- a "small plane."

Let me repeat -- for emphasis. It is NOT a "small plane."

These airplanes are flown by very qualified airline crews, who have had to undergo very stringent training. They are modern and sophisticated.

(Just an aside. Small Planes fly just as well as large ones do. They are all governed by the same laws of aerodynamics. The critical factor is the competence of the flight crew. As...

Need to take a job that requires flying on small planes

feeds@kickapps.com (Eury1) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:22:11 PST

I have not flown in 2 1/2 years. But now I'm faced with a horrible dilemma. The economy sucks. My husband lost his job. I may be offered one ... but it requires flying from Chicago to Fayetville, Arkansas. The only flights there are on small, regional jets.

I have taken the SOAR course, but it has been so long since I've needed to fly, that I feel like I'm back at square one. I NEED to take this job. I have never faced the prospect of flying on a small, regional jet. Never.

And now, I'm not sure I can do it. Yet I HAVE to.

I think I make up roadblocks for myself each time there is a new challenge. This job also requires occasional trips to SF. I say, "Okay, at least they're on big planes." But, I know I will still be nervous about those.

Any insights into dealing with small jets (I obsessively looked up all direct Chicago-Arkansas flights and they were Embraers of 50 seats - some 70 seats and Canadair).

...