Re: Planespotting
 

Shit one. I'm either too old (ATC/Air Force), or too poor (pilot by conventional means).

We can all start a "My dream of being an ATC/ATP is dead" support group :(

Re: Planespotting
 

I applied back nearly 20 years ago, so it's definitely changed. When we questioned the age limit at the selection, they basically told us that it cost them £100,000 (so what it costs now, God knows) so they wanted their money's worth. I know it's definitely changed now, as there were 2 people that left from my old ops job to start training who were both older than that.
Of course, looking back, I'm not too bothered I didn't get in, as I almost certainly would have been stuck in the radar room at West Drayton as it was. The top performers are taken to the towers that are needed, with Heathrow covering first dibs, then I suspect Gatwick second as the two busiest towers. I'm never t sure I'd have found the radar room half as much fun as being a tower controller.
Incidentally, Heathrow now has an awesome training simulator. It's a 360 degree virtual tower that lets you control the airfield, much like an airline sim. The only thing it doesn't do is swag like the real tower LOL.

Re: Planespotting
 

I never thought about the cost aspect. I think the FAA had a more flimsy reason than cost though (even if the cost does make sense) but going back to check what it is will only make me sad.

That being said, maybe it's for the best I was too old anyway. I make reasonably decent money now compared to what I was on back then and it's not like I'd actually be posted to O'Hare, or Chicago Center anyway, I'd probably get relocated to the middle of nowhere and we'd all have to up sticks :lol:

Re: Planespotting
 

I can't be a pilot either because of medical stuff, I did start private lessons back in 2000 as I could have gotten that medical, but I figured not being high income, no point in learning since I'd never have money to actually ever rent a plane to fly....lol


train engineer (not called drivers in US/Canada) I would love to do, but it's not entry level job in Canada, and it's difficult to get an interview with any of the rail roads, I applied constantly for a good 10 years every time I saw an entry level position posted, but never got an interview, now I am too old, not because of any arbitrary age limit, just not capable of doing the heavy manual labor required in the entry level jobs nor the long days they work with no life since it takes years to gain seniority to not be on call 24.7

Re: Planespotting
 

Don't look past the spoiler....



Doesn't appear Nav Canada (it's not a gov't job here, ATC is privatized however it's a not for profit corporation.) has an upper age limit, if they do it's not posted on their website, however it may be against the law here to discriminate based on age if over 18.

One thing you do need if hired is to be able to start training within 18 months and be able to relocate for training at your cost as well as have the funds to support yourself in training as it's completely unpaid.

Don't know how long the training is, but it's 5 days per week 8 to 12 hours per day according to their website.

Re: Planespotting
 

Ah, it's OK - I'm 36 now, I've come to terms with it. Though I think the first part is probably a bit of a generalization rather than a hard and fast rule and the second part (plus the shortage) can be pretty easily fixed by scrapping the mandatory retirement age.

But that's another thing for another time.

Re: Planespotting
 

Tonight (Friday 10/16) is the last US Airways flight. Operating as flight 1939 which is also the year the original predecessor first commenced operations.

Flight will operate San Francisco to PHL, once it's lands in Philadelphia, US Airways will be no more and all flights will operate as American Airlines tomorrow.

They are also changing over systems to AA tonight/tomorrow so hopefully goes well without any major issues.

Re: Planespotting
 

I've seen this, it really is incredible.

Singapore to resume non-stop to/from US
 

Singapore Airlines are going to re-take the longest-route crown by 2018 with their new A350-900ULR.

Singapore Airlines To Restart Nonstop US Flights In 2018 - One Mile at a Time

We're opening up an office in Singapore next month, and while I won't go too often it will be more of a schlep than it needs to be when I do, so I'm very much looking forward to this new flight (assuming I'm still in the same job when it starts).

Re: Singapore to resume non-stop to/from US
 

Hubby used to fly non stop from Newark to Sing with Singapore Airlines. We will be flying back in a few weeks...unfortunately we are changing planes at Heathrow.

Re: Planespotting
 

The cross border airport bridge linking Tijuana's airport to San Diego is expected to open in December. They expect approx 2 million passengers per year to utilize it.

Despite being on the border, San Diego is very lacking in flights to Mexico, so a fair amount of people go to Tijuana airport to catch flights when traveling to Mexico. 60% of Tijuana airport passengers last year were from So. California.

The facility is privately operated.

Only passengers going to the airport can use the bridge which is 390 feet long, and tolls will range from 13 to 17 each way.

There has been opposition, mostly from those paranoid about terrorists.

Re: Planespotting
 

United Airlines is still keeping quiet about the status of their CEO who had a heart attack on Thursday. Has only been in the position for about a month after the previous CEO was abruptly let go.

United remains silent on medical condition of airline CEO | Reuters

Re: Planespotting
 

I suspect there is a redneck in Kansas somewhere fuming that his beloved Chiefs are flying a foreign airline and on a foreign plane (Airbus A340-600 apparently).

Re: Planespotting
 

Well, it's all over, the Vulcan as a display aircraft is no more.... Saw her an Yeovilton a couple of years back, truly an awesome sight to behold.

:(

Re: Planespotting
 

:cry_smile:

I saw a Vulcan at several air displays, mostly in the 1980's. It was a sight to see, as well as to hear/feel. The only plane I have every seen with the aura of the Vulcan is the B2, yet the Vulcan pre-dated the B2 by 30 years.