Airline Pilot Life 2021 | What Do Airline Pilots Brief Before Pushing?

In this video I fly my last Cancun trip with Check Airman Dave! We packed a lot of information in this video from what we brief before a flight, checklist and time zone adaptation techniques. It was really enjoyable flying with Dave for the month. I hope all of you took something from his advice and suggestions. You can follow him on his KZbin channel: “The Yellow Belle”
Hope you all enjoy it. Cheers!
Follow me on IG: flyingwithbigern
Filmed with: GoPro 8 with the Media Kit.
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*All videos on my channel are for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is not intended for flight instruction.
This is a personal vlog. Any views or opinions presented in this vlog are personal and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the vlog owner may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated.

[@nicogagliardi4780]

Man, did I ever strike gold finding this channel!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks for the compliment Nico! Happy to hear you’re enjoying the channel. Cheers!

[@annaliesebuchan]

a 45 minute video from Big Ern = DAY MADE!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Glad you enjoyed it Annaliese! Cheers👍🏽

[@jamesbruzgis9476]

CA Dave is as OG. I just got back fm my 4 day just to watch your trip. I’m such a nerd. I remember 15 years ago when I used to work out on overnights. Now a days I’ll be drinking a brew growing my belly with ca Dave 👨🏻‍✈️😎

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

😁 it’s all good! Yeah Dave is a great guy to fly with. Loved every min of it. Cheers!

[@jakecostello8400]

Dave seems like a really cool calm and collected captain. Hope you’re able to pick his brain and eventually become a captain one day and who knows I could be your Fo!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I hope so Jake!

[@deckerfletcher6611]

I know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost my password. I love any assistance you can give me

[@nathanaelbishop5480]

@Decker Fletcher instablaster ;)

[@mattthompson8487]

Imagine being an avgeek sitting in the first row overhearing all of this...I would be so interested lol. Nice video Ern!!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks Matt! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@sally2395]

I do almost everyday pushing back haha

[@ctbt1832]

They have a great working relationship. That’s good

[@benjaminmartz3595]

I flew the mad dog 80 home from daytona beach in 1991. The captain left the flight deck and he left the door open. It was an eastern airlines flight. Never forget that flight. I wish air travel could be like it was back in the day. Thanks for what you guys do.

[@rianregi788]

WHOOOOO yesirrrrr can’t wait to watch this when I get home!!!!! And it’s a lot one too

[@allenchandler3488]

I worked for Southwest in Las Vegas for 20 years. Was a provision agent. Did a lot of interacting with the pilots and flight attendants. Also with the passengers. Had a great time doing so. Enjoy your channel, keep up the good work. God speed.

[@f3nd13y]

You both are a gold mine of information. Been a 135 captain for a few years now but considering moving over to the 121 world and this seems to be the best and most informative view of what the job entails. Bravo

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I’m glad you thought so! That was the goal of the channel. Cheers!

[@andrewjacobs1055]

Another hit big ern. Videos getting longer each time, loving the extra content!

[@imbingewatchingrn9779]

I like seeing the behind the scenes type stuff professional pilots do, not just the take off and landing videos most youtubers do. Awesome video.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate that👍🏽. Cheers!

[@IHaulBoxes]

I'm actually starting to NOT enjoy my off days anymore... You're showing me why I want to go straight back to flying!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

It’s a great career we have for sure. I miss flying on my off days too!👍🏽. Cheers!

[@dmack1827]

This is such a good channel. As a 40 year(still working) military, airline, corporate pilot, I still love seeing other crews working, hearing other operators procedures and philosophies because, it is never too late to learn something new. I love your humility and awesome attitude towards the job BigErn. If young guys emulated you, the industry would benefit immensely.

[@slamandgo]

This was like a tv show(45 mins)!! But no complaints from me and pretty sure anyone else. Fantastic stuff Ernie.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Ha thanks Nishal! I appreciate that👍🏽. Cheers!

[@bryanrogers1166]

I love it when these 2 fly together.Captain Dave seems really cool . Big Ern is living the dream

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Hope to fly with him again before I upgrade. Cheers!

[@theippster8891]

32:54 Dave’s laugh cracked me up! These guys have a great working relationship and it shows, they can have a laugh and take a razz. Thanks for being real BigErn ✈️ and Captain Dave for the insights, it’s been a good series w him!

[@thecomedypilot5894]

As of now, 650 likes, 0 dislikes. That's when you know that you are a legitimately great, fantastic channel that does everything right. Nice job!

[@mattagui5718]

Seems like flying with you is tons of fun man. Very relaxed personality that’s great Earn cheers

[@noahstabler3561]

This channel is literal gold for aviation enthusiasts/aspiring pilots, so underrated!

[@lovesanthro]

Luv ❤️💙 this very informative video, Ernie! Nice to see my hubby Dave making appearances!

[@find5348]

Only found your channel a couple of weeks ago, and I appreciate the work that goes into it. Greetings from the UK!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks you Find. Happy you’re here! Cheers!

[@frankfarrelly5215]

Frank from MDW thanks for taken us along guys. I’ll check out Captain Dave’s page.. 👍

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks Frank! Cheers!

[@markmccann8032]

As an Airbus driver I have to say that I love my cockpit table!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

😁 I would too! Cheers!

[@soulsurvivor1001]

Hi Ern! I was just watching your last video and then you drop this one! Thanks for all of the great videos. My uncle is a SWA captain and that is my dream too, so I treasure your videos as I can see what it is really like to be a pilot for SWA. Your videos are one of the things that motivate me to work hard to obtain my dream. Thanks Ern!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks Zach! Go out there and chase that dream my friend. All the best! Cheers!

[@soulsurvivor1001]

@@FlyingwithBigErn Thanks Ern, I will! Thanks again for all the great videos!

[@XX-166]

I work in an occupation that requires being in close confines like you and Dave for 8-12 hours a day so it’s enjoyable when the person you’re sitting next to is cool and meshes well with your likes and personality. By the same token those hours can be unbearable when that person is a jackass and you watch the clock go backwards during your shift. Cheers my friend and I just subbed dave and we will enjoy some GA flights of you both separately and together. 👍🏾

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

He was great to fly with. Hope to do it again someday. I totally agree with you. Cheers!

[@v1rotate391]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who's preflighted the wrong plane Love the vids. Keeps me fresh!

[@allenchandler3488]

I was stationed in Diego Garcia. Really enjoyed my time there. Used to eat pizza at the ex-pat club, and see the planes on final approach. We were an emergency landing field for the space shuttle

[@keithdavis9897]

fantastic video. I'm getting hooked on these now. I am a former GA pilot............miss flying but I live vicariously through you guys. Thanks

[@Ryanboy2020]

Ern thanks for the latest update. Cancun is beautiful but I cant wait for the day Southwest flies direct to Havana from Phoenix, Oakland or Miami. Blue Skies my friend. P.S. gave Captain Dave my subscription.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Hey Doc! I’d be the first one to sign up for that trip! Sounds fun. I appreciate you subscribing to Dave’s channel. Cheers!

[@Ryanboy2020]

@@FlyingwithBigErn Not a problem. I love aviation and all who inhabit our tiny world. 👍😁

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Happy Easter to you and your family. And yes, Happy Easter to Captain Dave a well....

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Happy flying as always.

[@lmartinez3633]

This video was awesome, very good information presented, you are becoming a Cancún resident expert, going to suscribe to Dave channel

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you so much! Yeah I’m working on my Spanish for sure. Cheers!

[@GabeKassel]

Pretty cool to see this video out of order after watching your upgrade check ride with the same copilot.

[@alessio272]

You mentioned Air Force and I was in the Air Force myself. I always wanted to be a pilot so I joined and wasn’t able to qualify due to my sight. I served my first term and got out to pursue my ratings. I was thinking if I got accepted into flight training I wouldn’t of progressed fast enough. I went to ATP for the Zero to Hero in 9 months. I had to withdraw from the fast track due to not progressing fast enough. Now I have my ATP rating and a couple of type ratings. I have a learning disability but I never forget. I also never failed a check ride in my career. Being a pilot is not for everyone and it certainly wasn’t for me; I just made it for me by reshaping that square peg to fit in a round hole.

[@czcait]

This captain is great!! Excellent explanation

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Well, you layover there looks very good. Everyone's layovers are different. There in Ft Lauderdale we have stayed at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper on the beach. So, there in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami there I am the same way. I love the beach to go one all the time.

[@gasparm]

I mentioned in a comment on another one of your videos that I came across your channel a little while back. I didn't realize you are an Air Force veteran. I'm also an Air Force Veteran and as it relates to your military experience I was a 605/2T2 working PAX in Guam and ATOC in Italy. I've worked many many C5s and so many others over my 7 years. Great to know that about you and thank you for your service (virtual salute to you sir).

[@nicklane8680]

45 Minutes! I have a permanent smile on my face seeing the length of this video. And to think that just a couple weeks ago, you weren't sure if 25 minutes was too long.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I know it Nick! Thanks for the feedback and happy you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@ericm333]

Learnt a whole lot on Captain Daves’ brief today. Thanks Big Ern for sharing

[@iflyplanes687]

It can't be coincidental that I requested a glimpse into a departure briefing in the last video, and voila! This channel is gold. Thank you for taking us with you. 🙂

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate the idea Joshua. This channel is for you guys so I try to provide what you guys want to see. Cheers!

[@smithnyiu]

Just subscribed to The Yellow Belle. Looks like a fun airplane and Dave's a great pilot. I'm finishing up an RV-8 in Tucson, maybe we can all meet up sometime. Great video. Lucky to get all your routes via ACARS. Not so lucky for us GA people haha. But in a few years ...

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

That would be awesome!

[@MasterChrister]

Thank you Dave and Ern. Appriciate you sharing the professionalism in the cockpit as well as these longer vids from time to time. 👍✈️

[@aviatoralex4774]

Delta 6 gate is where I boarded when I flew from Phoenix (KPHX) - Long Beach (KLGB)!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Love that gate Alex. Actually any of the D gates😁

[@imbowser]

You didn’t pat the heart when you boarded... we always do. 😂 but seriously this is one of your best vlogs. Love the camaraderie between you and Dave.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Ha! Sometimes I do😁

[@imbowser]

@@FlyingwithBigErn can’t wait for the next vlog. Do you have patron members?

[@allenchandler3488]

First plane I ever flew on was a tail dragger(DC3 )Really enjoyed the experience that was about 69 years ago.

[@jimmyjamesjames2347]

I’m waiting for my CFI-A Checkride. Wanted to say thanks for sharing your thoughts on how the industry is coming back. That’s the kind of stuff that keeps me going. Keep living’ the dream and keep those videos coming!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Oh yes Jimmy! I think it’s coming back in a big way. The airports are absolutely packed to the gills this weekend. Good sign for sure. Keep up your hard work. Cheers!

[@hubermarcelo4273]

Pretty interesting stuff!! It's amazing how many things a pilot must have on their heads at the same time

[@thalesgabriel3026]

Wow, you flew the c5, what an amazing plane

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I miss flying that big bird. So fun! Cheers!

[@josephthibault9153]

Nice to see you on the east coast, I worked ramp (Sup) for a few years in FLL, now in MIA. Hope to see you there some time!

[@flyingvirtualwithdax4898]

45 min video awesome! Love the content thanks for all the hard work you do. Dave seems like a awesome captain as well as a person to fly with. Got a kick out of Cirrus 180. Look forward to seeing you around!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Ha! Thanks Dax. Yeah Dave’s a great guy to fly with. Looking forward to doing it again before I upgrade. Cheers!

[@azjoe_6310]

I enjoy all of your videos but this one was one of the best. Your captain was tops! Thank you for your service in the USAF and being a very professional pilot. And thanks for taking us along.

[@azjoe_6310]

That was obviously an assumption about the USAF-either way thanks for your dedicated service to our country!

[@vanallen9453]

..as always..glued to the sceen watching another great and excellent Big Ern video this evening..just got back home this week..after sitting right across the aisle from 2 enthusiastic SWA pilots chatting away with each other.. for two whole hours ..gotta luv this stuff..thanks again for sharing..and continued success...

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Ha! Sound like Dave and I on our way back from Cancun!😁. Cheers!

[@tannercrim4774]

Love the longer vid

[@stevek4408]

Thanks for the insight to the best two seats on the 737. I get to fly with Capt. Dave in his off hours. Met him when he purchase Yellow Belle. Hope to log some desert Kitfox adventures soon . Thanks to both of you for your dedication and professionalism. Oh and Yellow Belle is a blast to fly too and I get to sit up front in her.😀👍

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I can’t wait to give it a try! Cheers!

[@tbarky123]

Why did you have to do this to me 10min before going to bed?!😄 Keep em coming! You’re the best, stay safe up there!✈️

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Ha! Sorry Tyler! Cheers!

[@ianallen1948]

Another great video. So right re check list discipline. Re time zone change...we used to fly NZ-HKG-LHR and NZ-LAX-LHR....was brutal by the time we got to London! Thankfully we had up to 4 days off there. Start 787 training next month so will be back into big time zone changes.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Man I don’t think I could go back to those big time zone changes Ian. I’m such a baby with just 3 zones😁. Cheers!

[@ianallen1948]

@@FlyingwithBigErn paid to be on holiday...was brilliant, had 3 nights in Hong Kong on the way up to London and 2 on the way back. After pandemic, hopefully we will be back to Houston and Chicago which will be a tough one in one shot!

[@mariamediatrix7732]

I love watching your videos once a week ..still looking forward to see you and Captain. Jeff together in the cockpit. Fly safe,Big Ern!

[@javloggs2322]

YESSIRRR LOVE IT MAN SWA FOREVER!!

[@a.l.419]

Thank you Ernie!! Great video once again. I also subscribed to The Yellow Belle. Take care and be safe.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate that! And I’m sure Dave does as well. Cheers!

[@MACHALTSTAR]

Best Video yet Ernie! I really enjoy the insight into the more technical/procedural stuff.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you Mach!

[@napalm3728]

This is definitely my favourite channel. Awesome work my friend!

[@d_ylan]

This channel is so underrated, keep up the great content! Love this stuff, thanks for sharing.

[@UTarcher72]

Nice Vlog Ern. I always appreciate your Friday videos. Keep them coming. Someday soon I hope to plant myself in the right seat at SWA.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you! And I’d be honored to fly with you here. See ya soon! Cheers!

[@TheMrandreslopez]

Ern never fails to bring amazing content. Keep up the good work my friend and big shoutout to Captain Dave for explaining his part on the pre-flight. You guys are a great duo, I can really see the amazing teamwork you guys put out.

[@colbym2538]

Haha, I live in Albany. Agreed, I would rather head to Cancun then here in the winter. Just snowed on Friday🤣 Appreciate all the advice, and the longer video! Happy Easter!

[@ydsimulations]

Always love to see a new video Friday!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Happy to provide them. Glad you enjoy them👍🏽. Cheers!

[@n1msu]

Thank you both for taking time to explain everything today. it's always a pleasure to see you working with Dave, as he shares the same enthusiasm as you. I guess a thanks so Southwest is in order too for allowing you to create this videos whilst you're 'at work'. I hope they see it's a positive thing that injects some much needed enthusiasm and info into line pilot life. All the best from England!

[@danielaristizabal5705]

...and, in this video you did not turn around after going back in from the balcony, you noticed that the camera was in contrast from last video, well done !!

[@jasonc9610]

I would love to see you and Dave go for a $100 hamburger to Sedona. Beautiful area that I would love to see vlogged and would love to see him in the Cirrus or you in his "Yellow Belle"!

[@MrSmileurena]

Love it wow ! Thank you and thanks Dave !! Learn so much! Gave me so much inspiration to get there

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Happy to hear that. That’s what this channel is all about. Go chase that dream! Cheers!

[@sailormike1089]

Flew C17's. COOL!. I live under the flight path of Niagara Falls AFRS and all we get is KC 135's and older variants of the C-130 along with an occasional C-5 that comes from Westover. Thanks Ern. Have to go check out Daves channel.

[@Troopbus]

The briefing was very very interesting . Great work Ern

[@randyeno2525]

Great video. Thanks to you Ernie and also to Dave. What a great Captain to fly with.

[@boeingdriver7375]

These videos are top notch quality. Thank you so much for going over the briefing in such vivid detail! This is great for all aspiring aviators to see what its like setting up a 737! Your channel is the real deal, Ern! A's Off B's On brotha! :)

[@sarah_smithyolo]

Great video Ernie! I really enjoyed it.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Cheers Sarah!

[@roncleminson9005]

Very interesting, informative and totally enjoyable! Thank you for putting this vlog together. Look forward to the next!

[@Airplaneobseesed9937]

That was awesome

[@ryanearl6912]

Best videos highlighting todays airline pilots! Keep it up!

[@ryanseifert5144]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post these videos ! Learning lots, safe flying. 😁

[@joyu1132]

45 mins of pure luv!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

🙏🏽

[@Nicetrybrobro]

45 min video!! Let’s gooooo!!!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Yeah I was thinking that was a long one. Just had so much I wanted to show you guys. Hope it wasn’t too long. Cheers!

[@Nicetrybrobro]

@@FlyingwithBigErn It was fantastic!! :) Super awesome video man! No such thing as a too long video coming from you!

[@wgeffon]

Hey Ern, the clearance out of Cancun read back was almost 100% correct. “UBVOV” - you read it back as UBVAV and she didn’t catch it. No big deal. Just flipping you some sh*t. Great video.

[@truckertim2958]

FTL was by far the craziest landing I ever been apart of. Felt like he was doing a carrier landing.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

It happens to the best of us sometimes😁. Cheers!

[@coleossenmacher7228]

I learn so much from your videos. Huge inspiration for me to work hard to get to do what you do someday! Thank you for all your insights.

[@ethanrob5714]

Your videos motivate me every day to become a commercial pilot when I grow up!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I’m happy to hear that Paul! Keep grinding my friend. Hard work always pays off. Cheers!

[@haribotomeb]

These are absolutely brilliant. A great insight!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Cheers Thomas!

[@essbe7158]

Thanks for your great videos. That was really awesome to see you and the captain doing checklist stuff. Really appreciate you taking the time to give us all the insights into pilot life.

[@SimbaC2007]

Great that you aced it! another nice flight.

[@DEllisMusic]

Your videos keep me excited and pushing with full steam ahead through my own training at the regionals! I'm just finishing up procedures training and will be going into maneuvers next. ATP ride in a couple weeks! Training is tough but I'm honestly having a blast and learning a lot.

[@PaulGarthAviation]

9:57 - Do list? You could throw in a "Roger, Wilco" - just to really mess with them. 29:27 - Everytime I see that crane/whatever coming up, I'm thinking it's either someone to wash the windows, or ask for a credit card...

[@tylercolvin8737]

I absolutely love the long videos. Keep up the awesome filming!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Awesome, I’m glad to hear that Tyler. Cheers!

[@brandonmitchell6151]

Cancun never lets you down lol. Great video once again sir! You should pick up a trip out here to HNL. I work for United but whenever I walk through the concourse I'm always keeping my eyes open for a Big Ern sighting lmbo. Keep the awesome content coming, and us up and coming aviators really appreciate the knowledge you share. 🤙🏾

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I love Cancun Brandon! But going to Hawaii feels like going home to me. I’m very much looking forward to flying those trips. Maybe next year for me👍🏽. Keep up your hard work. It will pay off. Cheers!

[@ajdijkvan7831]

Another great vid...Morning Ern! (and yes a long vid) You are always enthusiastic, I love it! Fantastic team in the cockpit...thanks for the brief... thanks for All Ern;)) I hope you have a Happy Easter! Sun greetings Betsy.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you so much Betsy! Cheers!

[@ajdijkvan7831]

@@FlyingwithBigErn ....Hi Ern! Very nice to riceive your response, very much appreciated! Great weekend....Kind Regards....X Betsy.

[@adamchase14]

I Love these videos, and take so much inspiration for the dedication to physical health and professionalism. I must ask, what's with the clip-on tie?

[@matthewkeenan8698]

Amazing video as usual!! Love these videos so much! When you were done reading the clearance at Cancun the face you made had me laughing so hard😂😂

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I was just happy to get it right!😁

[@simba1768]

new videos from Big Ern always great...even better when its a 40 minute upload

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate that Simba. Cheers!

[@jasonmfr]

Awesome video! Love the content, love the longer video.

[@lefthandedfenceguy4924]

SWA flew over several times yesterday and I thought "Hmmm, one of those might be Big Ern!"

[@viktorbarkovski2226]

Always leaning something new! Great information

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Happy to hear that Viktor! Cheers!

[@simonediquattro7034]

This video is litt well done Big Ern!!!!!