Airbus FO vs 777 FO vs....maybe Airbus Captain?

[@MBNeal]

You can always go to the Bus. I say stay with 777 a bit longer to get the full experience of holding a line. After you've held a line on 777, then choose.

[@scottkennedy2280]

Darren, Darren, Darren....EVERY video {please keep them coming) you always start by saing "I am a Dad". That is really significant. Parenting properly is more challenging than any flying. They will only be with you a very small portion of life. Why not be "the best that you can be...as a Dad ? You are very responsible financially, so no worries. Please be a Dad first, a pilot after you have done your very best for them. Long run the dividends are exponential.

[@connorhale599]

Oh how I dream to be in the same conundrum one day😅

[@kevinlewis8604]

Darren, you are on FIRE! Thank you for the content, very, interesting.

[@0100page]

Dealing with the same situation right now- I went from Hawaiian 330 to one of the big three legacy carriers on the 320- now I am junior FO on bottom of list commuting to reserve. Its a lot harder work, more legs, more landings, more pilot stuff. Not crossing 8 time zones or international date line is much easier on the body clock and family time. Hiring is slowing down, but retirements especially at AA are in full swing. I say stay on WB until you can hold a line and see how you like it then. Your seniority will keep going up on NB and you will be that much closer to holding a line as NB captain when you decide to switch back.

[@kennyadvocat]

Staying on 777 sounds like less stress to me. Wow, 45 pairs of glasses. I think we need a glasses video.

[@captain77]

One of your best videos. I really appreciated you breaking down the choices and what the potential impacts would be. Including the what if I stayed on airbus with the same schedule. Thats exactly how I would look at it too. As an aspiring pilot, your videos are a tremendous resource as I learn more about the industry. IMO the best pilot videos out there for a person like myself. Thanks for the content and information, its greatly appreciated!!

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Thank you. I was very concerned I’d come off like I was whining.

[@mononya9075]

I would stay on the 777 personally, or maybe bid on the 787 if possible. Great insight as always and thank you!

[@christofferrosenlund4055]

For me the only thing that would matter is QOL and that’s very individual but if I were you I would try to be home as much as possible doing 777. However the downside is the jetlag. But for me QOL is less “flying” and more home time with family while the children’s still living at home. Great video as always Darren!!

[@christofferrosenlund4055]

Money comes and goes but time won’t 🙏

[@ubuntu6929]

Hey Darren! You mention in most videos you like flying the airbus. Which signals you had a plan when crossing over and like the airbus a lot. So to hear you say you are thinking about staying 777 means you kinda like the wide body life more than expected! You do what you will sir, but I think if you stay in the 777 you will only get to be off more, fly less, but go to more and more diverse places as you slowly gain seniority. your upgrade may not be captain, but will be more diverse locations and easy flying. You were already bored doing the narrow. Switching would be the same aircraft you got bored in. Just with more responsibility and time with the company. What makes you think it will be any different in 2 years later in the left seat of a narrow body? kinda sounds like a choice of immediate goal of captain life vs long term of international captain life, eventually. delayed gratification. Do what your future self would appreciate. my humble opinion.

[@YAJBEATSofficial]

Awesome response man.

[@KayAviator]

I totally agree couldn’t have said it better. I know it’s silly but when it comes to conflicting decisions I need to make in life I ask myself what would the 10 year old me want go captain on a narrow body or bide my time and be wide body captain with variety of destinations across the globe.

[@chrisbungostudios]

Except ubunto6929: AA has a very limited number of international destinations that they fly the 777 to. They're not like DL or UA, both of which have a much larger international network served by their largest plane (777 for UA, A359 for DL).

[@TB-um1xz]

I've been a 747 FO for the last 7 years. Just stay on the 777, so much easier flying. Captain domestic is way too much work.

[@runt0th3hills11]

Your transparency is awesome Darren!

[@kobyparrish6049]

As an airline FO myself for a UAX carrier, I would personally bid Airbus CA. I love the idea of the pay, international flying, and flying the 77, but not doing TO's/LD's when you geniunely love to fly the plane as you said does start to really suck. I would transfer back to the bus, enjoy a few more years of the NB grind and likely a quicker increase in QOL seniority wise and then bid the 77/78 when you can hold a line in base or truly just want to fly LH the rest of your career. Absolutely love the videos, keep up the good work.

[@flight633]

My vote is for whatever seat gives you the best quality of life (QOL). That statement has one caveat, when you move to the left seat, you get to fly with your favorite Captain every flight. Ask me how I know…

[@enriqueosuna]

The B737 in the background and the fact that you were indicating that as a B737 Captain you'd be higher in the seniority vs the Airbus, was a great tease! I think that you have already made up your mind, after the boring long-haul trips and lack of flying time, to the hustle of domestic flying in the Airbus, albeit as Captain. You would look great with 4 stripes in your pilot uniform, and as captain, you could have more flexibility in your KZbin videos. You could always get back to the B777 at a later age. Good luck!

[@kilik92]

Brilliant, thanks for sharing the details!

[@ChrisHrich]

My vote is Airbus Captain! It sounds like it’ll provide more varied work, higher pay, and more butt in seat time. Not to mention, life should slowly get better as seniority gets higher! And your videos would have more variety! Keep up the great work!

[@aviator3144]

It’s all about lifestyle, choose what works for you.I totally agree if you want to fly bid airbus left seat, you are still young and you don’t have to worry about being jet lagged all the time.

[@Emdoc1]

Airbus captain would be my vote! Thanks for the videos. I wanted to be a pilot growing up but was steered into medicine by family members. Sometimes I wish I had followed my dreams.

[@CJ-fh5xq]

Great breakdown analysis

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Thank you. I was seriously concerned it would sound like I'm whining.

[@davidschleck8915]

Those looks like old seats from Midwest Express when they were around. They had Dc-9's two by two leather

[@mertgumus4927]

We have a saying in my airline that may cover your situation. “If the airline offers you a captain seat position even on the Cessna 172, you take it” 😂 First officer is not an actual job title, it is a position for on the job training for the left seat. Since you have had your taste of the ER flights, accepting the captain upgrade is the way to go Darren. Safe flights!

[@Carterrwp]

Hey Darren what’s your big deal with the 737 it sounds like that would be the best option for captain in your situation ? Lol thank you !

[@magicmagnificent8862]

Fire video. Tough decision. Its gonna all boil down to since you've crossed the pond already numerous times, is it still a feeling your're looking forward to out of this career......that's what your decision should be based off.

[@morganbernard9899]

While it is amazing to have the choice to be a narrowbody captain vs a 777 FO. If you were to go be a captain on the airbus or 737, would you be able to work the system as you said to maximum the money per month. You were very very senior as an FO on the Airbus and as you said, almost any trip you wanted, you could get. But as an airbus captain you would be much less senior so your ability to work the system would probably be less. But you would do more actual flying and captain pay all the time is nice. Excited to see what you decide

[@josbren8943]

Love the videos. How old are you now? I like the analysis of the two options. Tough option. Will be interesting to see what you choose.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Started learning to fly at 29, airlines at 30 now 47. Thank you for the kind words

[@mikhailswartz]

Option 3: Stay on as a 777 FO until you can hold 777 Capt. Buy a 4 seater GA plane and get the flying/landing fix you want with the added advantage of adding to the repertoire of cool family trips. 😬

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Many do that but again I could have better QOL as an Airbus Captain.

[@Le0n14]

Stay on the 777 and enjoy life and free time. Plus you get to get paid to explore different countries.

[@noob.168]

It's amazing that you got a bird in your house

[@puzzleluvr]

Seems to me that you like the 777, just not thrilled with how often you get to actually fly. If it were me, I'd wait it out a bit longer, hoping for a line spot. If you dont make enough ground to do that, then reconsider in say 6mo-year. Love your videos, keep it up Darren 😊

[@shakey2634]

I’m not sure I believe the statement “…….I was hustling to do it but I had a good quality of life”. Let’s ask your family if they agree with that statement. Nothing comes for free. I appreciate the lack of stick time if all you can hold is FB or FC and running back to the school house for landings isn’t quite the same as flying that’s for sure. How far from holding FO are you? If you’re close I would consider waiting to upgrade. Widebody FO is pretty sweet. I also appreciate wanting to upgrade. It is the pinnacle of all you’ve worked for. Once you upgrade remember, the Captains still an A-hole, you just don’t care anymore😉 You’re faced with “No simple solutions, only intelligent choices”. Good luck.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Believe what you want. I made multiple videos last year in my other platform with specific examples of dinner with the family flying to SAT/AUS/TUL/OKC then taking the first deadhead back or flying to LAX reading a magazine/napping taking the red eye back and home with donuts before they woke up. To each their own.

[@shakey2634]

@@geekontheflightdeck Absolutely! Like I said. No simple solutions, only intelligent choices. I only did a year in the wide body before upgrading, and was senior enough to mostly hold FO. And I commuted for most of my career so your experience will be different. Living local has its advantages. As you said, this is a first world problem. Retired off the triple in DFW in January 22. Loved my career. You are clearly enjoying yours!😎

[@PIPER338]

As a Junior Airbus captain, I think you should stay on the 777 or bid 737 CA.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Hahahaha.

[@RobertHansenRob]

Congratulations on a great channel. I really enjoy your channel and your content. Have you ever flown to Australia? Rob

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Not yet. Is on my list. Thank you for the kind words

[@SpeedNAngels431]

QoL more than anything man! I bid off the 777 for a 737 and couldn’t be happier. Plus all those times, crossing the ocean will catch up with you and shorten your life span. Also, regarding pay, live below your means! I cant tell you how many pilots out there spend their pay on new fancy “toys”. Then, when the economy takes a dip, and unpaid leaves, or worse, furloughs happen, they can’t afford anything! They’re broke and can’t understand why. Cheers mate!

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Yeah we live far below our means. Most of my paycheck is sent to savings

[@nhwedge]

Does the 60k added salary change your quality of life significantly? If not I would take more time home with my kids and family while they are the age that they currently are.

[@AnApacheMedjai]

Can you see what your seniority will be on a new plane before you bid a different aircraft? Or do you find out after? How many more years as a FO 777 would you need before you could start hustling again, like you did on the airbus?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I can see ballpark. Let’s say you are ten numbers senior to me. Both thinking about bidding Captain Airbus. I have no idea you’re bidding it unless I know you. I can see right now I would be number 215. By then you bid it as well. When the final list comes out I’m 216. Make sense? Thanks for commenting!

[@shellybrandon9]

Hi Darren, I reallly enjoy your travels. Just a thought, since you love piloting so much why no pick up a nice Cessna or similar for flying with your family. It would be a good way to introduce your girls into flying. All the best,

[@fernandoorellana6356]

Fly as much as you can while you still young.

[@JanitorIsBack]

new subscriber I personally had a hard time following but the text was helpful.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Thanks for subscribing. My previous content had much much much much much more text.

[@davidhood2200]

Bid for Captain! You’ll never know if you like it unless you try it!

[@petey33x]

At the end of your life will you wish you flew more or spend time with your family? If flying is what you’d do in your off-time then pick up more flying. If there’s hobbies you wish to pursue then start pursuing.

[@jasoncapecod]

if you love to fly, do what you love

[@keenaanstratman5568]

Have you thought about GA to help QOL in the 777?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I have no desire currently for GA. Nothing against it…. Maybe an electric plane

[@EJWash57]

Going to the Bus means you'll always fly with your favorite captain!

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Clarence Oveur retired a long time ago......great guy...him and Roger Murdock were an amazing team....oh wait...you meant...me?

[@EJWash57]

@@geekontheflightdeck But of course! 😁

[@LivingEasy]

I'd go Captain. Flying seems critical to you.

[@MrCubsfan3]

Have you considered the issue of balancing your meal on your lap vs. having a tray table? 😛

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Yes. I miss my table dearly

[@philipsebunya5614]

That is a good problem to have. Enjoy it. Pray about making a good choice

[@groundopsnick2758]

If it’s not about the money, then I’d stay 777 FO, I’m sure there are others above your seniority looking at the same opportunity. Then reassess in the new year. Besides, I’m sure there’s new 777 routes that will come on line out of DFW in the future.

[@ritchieb1612]

As you say'' I like my quality of life'' so you have some decisions to make. At this junction WHAT ARE YOU TRULY FEELING ABOUT THE PROCESS? AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PILOT?

[@eliotwilliams7987]

Get an LSA and fly for fun while you build 777 seniority?

[@Angelus01]

You said it last year you were going to make less money!! Is amazing who well you understand the game.

[@88112ful]

Ok youre flying less etc but you seem quite happy seeing new places and having time with your family, wait for a little longer maybe

[@TyVil]

Also - when are you trading up to a Taycan?!? We love ours.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I looked at getting one. Waiting for the NACS /Tesla port. Plus ordering one has so many options!

[@user-el1rx4is7f]

I would hold out and see how you feel in a year

[@daniel_ellery]

I'd go back to the airbus. Landings are the funnest part about flying. I'd rather land more than like 6 times a month.

[@christophercharley9135]

You like flying age is on your side Airbus Captain....

[@KatharineBlackburn]

Is there an option to go back to airbus FO and if so would you consider doing that? You were pretty senior there, and you could hustle again, but that is a lot of work. I understand where you are coming from when you are talking about not flying a bunch, and its your job. However, if you get senior enough to hold a line I hope that would give you more flying opportunities!

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I have to sit out my seat lock to go back to Airbus FO. That means April 2026

[@papatango2362]

I personally hope you stay on the 777 but do what’s best for you. Also I hope that Kirkland is going to order the 777x.

[@puzzleluvr]

I get the feeling they're still waiting to see if it ever gets to market 😅 Otherwise they seem to really like the 787, I could see them just switching to all 787.

[@rgoubin1]

777 At least for my taste. At least you cross oceans while you’re younger and get to enjoy it. Domestic flying is domestic flying, there’s only so much you can get out of it. Even then I believe there are still some outlier wide body domestic trips

[@Timemachine429]

Bid for captain 👨‍✈️

[@adnanshaikh1101]

Appreciate the video!

[@darrenjohnson4420]

I just flew American through DFW yesterday althought it was an A321 and 737

[@alfredoorozco7391]

Could you pick up domestic triple 7 trips or that’s to senior at your company?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

There are no Domestic 777 trips from DFW currently. Next month there are Miami 2 day trips.

[@0321Sjoerd]

I think you have to make a future scenario: what will the situation be like in 5years? With added seniority on the 777 you’re experience will change over time I guess. Also: If you stopped flying busses because you got bored, will that be the same again after 5 years of being a captain? Another consideration: you have children. They only grow up once so you have only one opportunity to be a part of that. If you spend more time at home with your family on the 777 I would stay there for now if I were you. You can always bid later in your career. I don’t think 60k per year can compensate for far less time watching your children grow up. But that’s just my two cents.😊

[@and15001]

No rush... stay on the 777

[@richardglash3740]

Question. What happens if you fly with a captain on the triple seven that you don’t get along with. Is all professional?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

It happens. 99.8% can be professional. There’s always those people. There are procedures to get removed

[@danielayto4120]

If you cope well with all of the time zone changes / jet lag from the long hauls then I’d stay on the 777. Also incredibly jealous looking at your $ per hour. If only I had a green card 😂

[@papatango2362]

Woohoo, Darren Byrd posted again.

[@TyVil]

You’re like #9000 and FA on the 777 - what does someone who is #1 or 1-10 fly and where?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

They fly the 777/787 to wherever they like. Everyone has their own desires

[@papatango2362]

Also Darren, if you are more senior on the 737 as captain, why not go 737 captain????

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I would not be physically comfortable in that flight deck. Very cramped.

[@papatango2362]

@@geekontheflightdeckfair enough. I still think you would be happy with it. Very

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Every day I would go to work spending hours in an environment that I’m not physically comfortable. Hard no.

[@shonnie089]

How can you be truly happy if you are not flying as much as you'd like to? Ponder the answer and decide.

[@drewsters93]

How far off of holding a line in September for NB CA are you?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I would have held a line NB CA all summer (bottom end but still a line). With fall slowdown I’d be reserve in September on the NB CA bid

[@im_not_mad]

Let’s say if you go to Airbus, could you go back to 777? I don’t know beans about it, except what you have told us, but I’d stay on the 777, hope a line comes open and enjoy the good life, and the money part will come again. To me those trips look awesome. ✌️

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I could go back to the 777 after my 2 year seat lock. Thinking out loud I could hang out and bid 787 next fall or early 2026.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Thank you for the kind words

[@nyc6035a]

So I don't know what I don't know (as a passenger)...but it appears there will be some free 777 coming off JFK flying shortly (HND, DEL, perhaps others) being replaced with the 789. Not sure where those aircraft are going (it doesn't appear PHL as the Summer 2025 route announcement seemed 787 focused). Perhaps the freed up 777 will be going to DFW...given that your employer seems to LOVE to grow DFW. Perhaps wait around on the 777 for a bit to see where that equipment is going and if they grow your station and therefore boost your effective seniority on the equipment. I don't know how far up the list you'll have to get to come off reserve...but I'm sure that would substantially improve your quality of life. One last thought...not sure if you could win a bid to move over to the 787, but in my mind that's the future for the carrier as those 777-200 are getting quite long in the tooth and I think at some point before too long the incoming 789 will become the 1 for 1 replacement for those birds...leaving just the 20 777-300 throughout the system. Something else to consider...

[@geekontheflightdeck]

I am locked into the 777 until April 2026. I did bid 787 but couldn’t hold it in DFW at the time. Maybe next time.

[@maxflight777]

Airbus is far better when the weather is good ! For bad weather I prefer Boeing!

[@Tom-ih8gr]

Would it be a full rating to go the Airbus? You’ve still got it on your licence surely? Your lack of seat lock is wild. Europe you’d be lucky to move even every 5 years, some places you just can’t. To be able just chop the 777 in after a year is great, means you can dip your toe in the water without jeopardy. What would I do? The captain thing is fun. Trips aren’t as nice for you junior but a crappy trip in the left seat can be as fun as a great trip in the right seat.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Full training even though typed by of course no new type rating. I’m debating it but leaning towards staying a wee bit longer.

[@mxhusky5308]

I love your shirt 😂

[@highmath123]

Bid for Captain. You love to fly and you have the support of your wife. Yeah, you will have a bit more random overnights, but your passion is flying; not making crew rest bunks LOL!

[@c1d2e]

Captains the better seat 98% of the time, the other 2% you ask yourself, why me? oh yes I’m the Captain.

[@jeff122670]

Stay on the 777. It’s all about QOL.

[@GoProJack16]

Not only QOL, but also a MASSIVE pay difference between Airbus captain & 777 FO haha

[@geekontheflightdeck]

One extra 3 day trip closes the pay difference while maintaining the QOL. Not sure what’s with the haha?

[@chrisbungostudios]

You're too young to be taking it easy on the 777. CA on the Airbus is the way to go right now! 🙂

[@mach2will]

Get that captain pay man.

[@ConcordeForever]

Why is nothing ever simple?

[@captainorry5895]

Another point… The left seat is soo much better than the right. You’re a pilot! And the long haul will kill you (slowly). Good luck with the choice!

[@jeffmckelroy4876]

I'd put my money on you going back to the Airbus.

[@davowe]

45+ pairs??????????? OMG

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Listen……I have no excuse

[@88112ful]

Morbid but when you are on your deathbed will you be saying i wish i had spent more time monitoring the flight or spending time with my kids?

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Not morbid. I get it. I’m home a lot as is. Though I’m a dad and husband I’m still a pilot.

[@kaimeier8528]

Go back to the bus! Have fun in the left seat

[@Ryan-719]

I say bid 737!!!

[@maxflight777]

Verbose

[@davidcole333]

When it comes to making a decision, always go to God in prayer first. What's your priority in life? Money? Time off with your kids? Flying? This decision is requiring you to prioritize your life. I can see how you only get to be a pilot making a big salary for an infinite amount of time, so maximize earnings to set up retirement. But, I can also see that your kids are only little for a brief moment, and you don't want to miss out. I can also see that at heart, you are a pilot, and you just want to go fly. Personally, I would do what's going to allow me to maximize earnings since you only have a finite number of flying years left. Those kids are going to need cars, weddings and college. Retirement will be upon you sooner rather than later.

[@numberLuan]

Just cash your paycheck, that kind of flying is not really flying when youre engaging the autopilot at 400 ft fully automated and disconnecting it at 50ft.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Hmm. We are encouraged to hand fly here as much as we want and using the appropriate level of automation. I’m sure you were kidding about 50 feet. I’ve never seen it that low before except in CAT 2 approaches in the 145.

[@numberLuan]

50-100ft depends on the automation and the category but even on beautiful days I’ve seen Pilots go dual autopilot mode and drive it down until it flares itself and the auto throttles disengage automatically.

[@geekontheflightdeck]

That’s the exception and not the rule. For the 17 years and 11000 hours and 6 different type ratings I have seen that on VFR days fewer than 5 times.

[@JDK3728]

73 Capt better seniority 😅

[@geekontheflightdeck]

Cramped and antiquated flight deck though.