Pilots who are avid brewers

[FxdGrMind]

"Aviaiton is a fickle beast!"


You said it!! I count myself lucky to be in the "Airplane" business at all. 7yr cycles seem never ending... but I've got 12 yrs in and not looking back.

It does mean there isn't a flying career out there for me, but that's ok.. I'm still building the stuff you are flying and that's close enough for me these days.

Cheers

 

[GLWIII]

Hey, welcome to the thread.

I am still with Republic, this is my first airline, I am going on 6 years here and I personally love it. The pay, eh, isnt bad for a kid who grew up on a dairy farm with no college degree!

Pol, two questions for you:

1. How did you go about becoming a pilot and getting on with an airline without a college degree? Did you amass a lot of hours flying private and get in to a flight school?

2. How did that Orange APA turn out? If I recall, we were brewing up the same recipe about the same time. Mine turned out fantastic and has aged extremely well.

 

[The Pol]

Pol, two questions for you:

1. How did you go about becoming a pilot and getting on with an airline without a college degree? Did you amass a lot of hours flying private and get in to a flight school?

2. How did that Orange APA turn out? If I recall, we were brewing up the same recipe about the same time. Mine turned out fantastic and has aged extremely well.

Hey... well this is how I did it. I worked as a computer programmer for almost 7 years, during that time I recieved my commercial/instrument/mulit engine ratings... Not at a school, but renting a C-152 at a local FBO and doing the "KING" test prep.
I then took a job for a year flying pipeline patrols for Michcon Energy (now DTE) in Michigan in a C-172. Once I had "amassed" 1000 hours I started flying single pilot freight out of KYIP in Michigan in 310R's and Barons. Then once I hd "amassed" 2000 hours TT I applied at my current airline. They were hurting for pilots, needed people who would work insane hours, 10 days off a month, for next to nothing. THAT WAS ME!

So, here I am almost 6 years later sitting in the left seat of the most beautiful "regional" (we go to Mexico, Jamaica and Alberta??) jet in existance. IMHO. I now have about 7,000TT, 5,000 turbine, 2,500 jet...

I have yet to meet another airline guy without a college degree... so I consider myself lucky. Not that you need a degree to fly, you have the skill or you don't, but they generally only interview those with degrees.

So, that is my story...

The Orange APA is GREAT, on tap now... I am brewing up another batch on my completed E-HERMS in a week or so. I intend to post a video here when I am finished!

 

[AirRageous]

I hope all you stick and yoke holders will forgive my intrusion here.

I am a hot air balloon pilot. Does that count? Yep, they actually require us to get a pilot certificate. I hold a Commercial LTA-FB (rating for lighter-than-air free balloon). Been flying them for 20 yrs.

Ballooning has always been associated with champagne but I now bring home brew along for the post flight festivites.

 

[MTpilot]

Just saw this thread today, I'm a 1200 hr CFI waiting for the hiring to return. I really want to stay in the northwest so I'm hoping Horizon or Skywest start needing pilots again soon.

I have students tues, thur, sat and am asst. brewer at a brewpub mon, fri, sat. Then there's the bartending job wed, fri sat nights. I'm ready to have just one job, preferably it will be flying jets, but if that doesn't work, there's always beer.

 

[BullF-16]

I just retired after 21 years in the Air Force. Flew the A-10 for 3 years way back in '89-92. Flew 11 years in the Viper from '92-'03. Flew 5 years in T-38 A and C model from '03 to 08. Now a civilian contractor instructing NATO fighter pilots in the T/AT-38C and collecting retirement and disability (3 herniated discs in the neck from the Viper). Lots of my neighbors are still active and mooch all of my beer. Thougt about the airline deal and had interviews with Southwest Delta united and Airtran. Decided not to bother. I found out they work too hard nowadays and are gone way too much. that would eat into my brew schedule. No Thanks!

 

[Lonnie Mac]

I just retired after 21 years in the Air Force. Flew the A-10 for 3 years way back in '89-92. Flew 11 years in the Viper from '92-'03. Flew 5 years in T-38 A and C model from '03 to 08. Now a civilian contractor instructing NATO fighter pilots in the T/AT-38C and collecting retirement and disability (3 herniated discs in the neck from the Viper). Lots of my neighbors are still active and mooch all of my beer. Thougt about the airline deal and had interviews with Southwest Delta united and Airtran. Decided not to bother. I found out they work too hard nowadays and are gone way too much. that would eat into my brew schedule. No Thanks!

Ha! Proud of your service Bull...

Flew the OV-10 Bronco here... Back seat, but accumulated many hours in the air... Otherwise, I guess I have around 200 hours in a Super Cub, J3, PA-12, the sort... I stopped accounting for it all... Not a pilot, just had a great A&P job where I could fly when ever I wanted after the NAVY...

Got my A&P in 81, long time ago! Yea, we had no special numbers back then! Anyhoo, I spent the rest of my life fixing airplanes in my 135/145 repair station. Then moved on to NASA at the start of the space station. After many parts in space, I now help design the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

I look back at all you pilots! I applaud you all! At one time after many hours, I was going to do the pilot thing but I jumped off a mountain one day in a hang glider... That was the bag after that for MANY years... I couldn't get enough... Now, I am getting into PPG just to get my kicks I guess...

Now I just look at the sky and dream man...

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Hey... well this is how I did it. I worked as a computer programmer for almost 7 years, during that time I recieved my commercial/instrument/mulit engine ratings... Not at a school, but renting a C-152 at a local FBO and doing the "KING" test prep.
I then took a job for a year flying pipeline patrols for Michcon Energy (now DTE) in Michigan in a C-172. Once I had "amassed" 1000 hours I started flying single pilot freight out of KYIP in Michigan in 310R's and Barons. Then once I hd "amassed" 2000 hours TT I applied at my current airline. They were hurting for pilots, needed people who would work insane hours, 10 days off a month, for next to nothing. THAT WAS ME!

So, here I am almost 6 years later sitting in the left seat of the most beautiful "regional" (we go to Mexico, Jamaica and Alberta??) jet in existance. IMHO. I now have about 7,000TT, 5,000 turbine, 2,500 jet...

I have yet to meet another airline guy without a college degree... so I consider myself lucky. Not that you need a degree to fly, you have the skill or you don't, but they generally only interview those with degrees.

So, that is my story...

The Orange APA is GREAT, on tap now... I am brewing up another batch on my completed E-HERMS in a week or so. I intend to post a video here when I am finished!

Pol,
My cousin is degree-less and flying for Continental Express based out of Cleveland. He's in college. He fits his classes in between his flight schedule as best he can.

used to fly in a C-421 on different ski trips. That was the way to take a ski trip. one and a half hour to Boyne or six to Killington

 

[Dilligaf]

I hope all you stick and yoke holders will forgive my intrusion here.

I am a hot air balloon pilot. Does that count? Yep, they actually require us to get a pilot certificate. I hold a Commercial LTA-FB (rating for lighter-than-air free balloon). Been flying them for 20 yrs.

Don't worry about the intrusion you guys always have the right of way

On a side note I don't know if I could fly a balloon, I think I'm scared of heights.

 

[The Pol]

Pol,
My cousin is degree-less and flying for Continental Express based out of Cleveland. He's in college. He fits his classes in between his flight schedule as best he can.

used to fly in a C-421 on different ski trips. That was the way to take a ski trip. one and a half hour to Boyne or six to Killington

The old charter operation that I flew for had a couple 421's... man those things are pigs. Comfy for a twin recip... but geared engines, and just pigs

 

[AirRageous]

On a side note I don't know if I could fly a balloon, I think I'm scared of heights.

Me too! That's why I keep my eyes closed when I'm flying.

 

[BullF-16]

Ha! Proud of your service Bull...

Flew the OV-10 Bronco here... Back seat, but accumulated many hours in the air... Otherwise, I guess I have around 200 hours in a Super Cub, J3, PA-12, the sort... I stopped accounting for it all... Not a pilot, just had a great A&P job where I could fly when ever I wanted after the NAVY...

Got my A&P in 81, long time ago! Yea, we had no special numbers back then! Anyhoo, I spent the rest of my life fixing airplanes in my 135/145 repair station. Then moved on to NASA at the start of the space station. After many parts in space, I now help design the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

I look back at all you pilots! I applaud you all! At one time after many hours, I was going to do the pilot thing but I jumped off a mountain one day in a hang glider... That was the bag after that for MANY years... I couldn't get enough... Now, I am getting into PPG just to get my kicks I guess...

Now I just look at the sky and dream man...

sounds like you've had a long and distinguished career in the aviation industry. Must have been cool working with NASA. I had a few buds who flew the Bronco before they went to the Hog. Awesome aircraft for its purpose.

 

[newrbrewer]

A320 pilot / brewer here. There are also about 5 or 6 guys that I work with that also brew. Looks like we are not alone.

Fly Safe - Brew Strong!

 

[polecreek]

I am no pilot but I got to fly a leer jet simulator a few years back. I have lots of respect for pilots now, that sh#t was hard. SWMBO works for Flight Safety is how I got to do this.

 

[The Pol]

FSI, eh? That is where we do all of our Sim training basically. Sometimes we use the US Airways Sims in Charlotte, or the Jet Blue Sims in Orlando... rarely we also use the Bombardier Sims in Montreal... And each one of them flies differently than the other!

 

[polecreek]

This was the Bombardier Sims in Tuscon.

 

[The Pol]

Bombardier builds a better Embraer SIM... they use the Embraer components and software, FSI does not, they attempt to duplicate it, and it doesnt work out so well... The FAA is looking into it out in STL due to all the complaints on how the SIM flies so much differently than the actual a/c.

Actually if you fail Hyd system #1 and #2 on the FSI sims, operating only on system #3... the plane flies JUST like the actual a/c. We discovered this during my type ride.

 

[Stratotankard]

Private SEL, Commercial MEL, Instrument Airplane with BE400/Mitsubishi DiamondJet type ratings here. I was formerly an instructor in the KC-135 with the Air Force, but got out about 2 years ago. I'm going back to school for my A&P now. I had planned on becoming a airline pilot, but now I'm following my wife (also a pilot in the Air Force) around.
I miss the flying and will probably get back into some private flying. Not sure if I really want to look for an airline job now. Ideally I'd like to get on with Lockheed or Flight Safety teaching in the AF simulators, but the guys at our current base won't hire me without any C-130 experience. Short of joining the guard, that's not likely to happen. Kills me because they are hurting so bad for instructors and I wouldn't be teaching the systems, I'd be running the box. Oh well.

Terje

 

[Dilligaf]

I was formerly an instructor in the KC-135 with the Air Force, but got out about 2 years ago. I'm going back to school for my A&P now.
Terje

What a small world. I was a crew chief on the KC-135R for six years at Robins AFB Ga, but got out two years ago to learn how to fly. If you enjoy wenching you'll like being an A&P, by far the best type of mechanic to be.

 

[Wing Nut]

I got my commercial ticket out of high school and flew seaplanes on the west coast for 5 years. Times where tough, low pay or no pay. Eventually got on with a good company on salary. Then joined the Canadian air force. I am currently going through basic flight training on the Harvard II (Texan II). There are a bunch of guys around here into brewing.

 

[The Pol]

Sweet, glad to have ya here Wing Nut!

We have a lot of brewers in our company, BUT some of them bottle thier beer in 2 liter soda bottles and dont seem to take it very seriously.

Welcome!

 

[BrewBrain]

I'm a private pilot, but it's been almost two years since I've flown. I decided I could no longer justify $100/hour to poke holes in the sky for no good reason other than entertainment.

I'll fly again if and when I can buy a C182 and pay all the expenses with fun money. Instrument rating will happen at that time, too.

 

[The Pol]

I'm a private pilot, but it's been almost two years since I've flown. I decided I could no longer justify $100/hour to poke holes in the sky for no good reason other than entertainment.

I'll fly again if and when I can buy a C182 and pay all the expenses with fun money. Instrument rating will happen at that time, too.

Brian, never knew!

I spend a lot of time on the flight deck contemplating new brew inventions, processes and recipes. Half the time you cant see where you are going anyway, so it gets boring.

 

[PavlovsCat]

Got my private at age 19 and have been flying ever since. Instrument followed some years later with multi close behind. I currently own a Mooney J model and mainly fly to my vacation place in Key West. I'm an avid kiteboarder and fisherman, and use my plane to chase the wind and the fish. Perfect combination. When it's too windy to fish, I kiteboard ~ when there's no wind, I fish. I recently took some of my home brew to the beach for my kiteboarding buddies. Some really liked it, but most are happy with the old Bud light. But nothing takes the salt water taste out of your mouth better than lawnmower beer. I save the home brew for later on at home, sitting on the porch.

 

[LooyvilleLarry]

Here's a Me Too post! Private pilot, instrument rated (not current ).

Interesting fact : I obtained my instrument rating at Wright Field, my final landing a few hundred feet from where the Wright Bros played. That was a hell of a day- nothing like losing vacuum FOR REAL on your check flight.

Used to use it a lot in business, not so much now. I'd love to tame my hobby ADD long enough to build an RV. Things get a little rosier around 1 November here, as my alimony is completed ( Yes, preparing to brew for that party! ).

 

[The Pol]

Here's a Me Too post! Private pilot, instrument rated (not current ).

Interesting fact : I obtained my instrument rating at Wright Field, my final landing a few hundred feet from where the Wright Bros played. That was a hell of a day- nothing like losing vacuum FOR REAL on your check flight.

Used to use it a lot in business, not so much now. I'd love to tame my hobby ADD long enough to build an RV. Things get a little rosier around 1 November here, as my alimony is completed ( Yes, preparing to brew for that party! ).

Hey Larry!! Been nice talking to you and helping you with the HERMS! I think that the precision and critical thinking that it takes to be a successful pilot, is excellent when it comes to brewing. Also, most pilots I know are broke, so we need cheap beer!

 

[PavlovsCat]

Here's a Me Too post! Private pilot, instrument rated (not current ).

Interesting fact : I obtained my instrument rating at Wright Field, my final landing a few hundred feet from where the Wright Bros played. That was a hell of a day- nothing like losing vacuum FOR REAL on your check flight.

Used to use it a lot in business, not so much now. I'd love to tame my hobby ADD long enough to build an RV. Things get a little rosier around 1 November here, as my alimony is completed ( Yes, preparing to brew for that party! ).

This is an invitation to another thread. "What's the perfect beer for a divorce/final alimony party?"

 

[Coastarine]

I had my first solo of sorts (first in a DoD a/c) last week.

 

[flyboy]

I'm a private pilot, building my own airplane, and brew. I started flying in 2000 and brewing in 2007.

 

[Newbeerbrew]

Flying the 767 to Europe three days a week is a great way to try all kinds of new beers and collect some great bottles. Started out flying F-18s and F-5s for twenty years in the Navy. Haven’t regretted any part of the career for a single minute. Even though airline benefits aren’t as good as they used to be, there aren’t too many jobs out there that give you as much time off with great pay. It’s kind of hard calling it work, but don’t let management know that.
This forum has been great help for getting me started with home brewing. Every question I’ve had has already been answered. Thanks for getting me started on the right track.