First flight as an Airline Captain!

[@JasonB95]

All of us "Ernie Geeks" were waiting for this moment. Huge congrats to you Big Ern! Thanks for taking us on the UOE. Those four stripes look good on you! Can't wait for the LAX vlogs now.

[@nope_not-showing-my-name]

"Waiting"?! I was checking his channel 10 times a day to make sure Y.T. didn't miss popping his video on my stream....

[@tommydi4618]

Ernie geeks, lol I like that

[@census3370]

It rhymes with his last name too lol

[@kurtreber9813]

The professionalIsm of "keeping your head in the game" by only recording between each flight leg really impressed me and stands out among all the content creators. WELL DONE.

[@scotthagapac]

Dave was a great example of a true mentor.

[@amccall999]

You can hear the pride and excitement in your voice.. the 4 stripes are well earned, congrats Ern!

[@jaym3240]

Congrats Ern!!! We have been waiting for this moment.

[@abdulazizahmed838]

Is there a way for a passenger to use that ipad software while on flight as an enthusiast?

[@chuimershark]

@@abdulazizahmed838 u can choose normal jepp fd, but not fd pro( which requires an email activation directly from the airlines) or foreflight, both works great except there’s no amm function.

[@carolynsteed3649]

So good to see you was just wondering if you were flying,you've got this.Have a happy trip!!

[@carolynsteed3649]

You look marvelous, like you were meant for that seat, sure you wife is excited for you.

[@nellfamily]

Congrats Captain E, I'm a huge fan . Keep doing what you're doing. Awesome Awesome Awesome.

[@bullwinklejmoos]

From one captain ( more than 20 years) to another. Congratulations! Wishing you all the best in your new seat.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you! You too!

[@Kam_MD11]

Seeing you walk off the plane with the 4 stripes was definitely a moment that washed over me (and I am sure may of your other followers) with a deep sense of pride. Have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet but hope some day we all would be lucky enough to shake the hand of our good Captain Big Ern . (I just have to stop scheduling Airbus flights :) :) - Kam P.S what a gentleman and scholar Captain Dave is. You could not have asked for a better mentor/check airman

[@sjwecks]

Capt. Dave seems like a gem.

[@lisacochrane5570]

Congratulations Captain! As a passenger I’m extremely grateful to all the hard work and dedication you (and fellow pilots) apply to this job. You also had an amazing check pilot. Super happy for you

[@TheSoftballstar1261]

^^^

[@larrysproul9424]

Southwest is one of my favorite airlines . MDW is a great airport !

[@JSBriggs]

Loved seeing 4 stripes on you at the end! As a long time friend of Dave's I know it was was well earned.

[@byronjaffe518]

Congratulations Captain Ern! Really liked “Dave’s” positive attitude and motivation as not just your UOE Captain but as your Mentor😀

[@roddy2753]

That 4th stripe looks real good on you Ernie, congrats on making all your hard work pay off!

[@tommydi4618]

Congrats Captain Big Ern!!!!! Nothing but smooth air and blue skies for you my friend!!!!!!!!

[@tonywaters737]

The star of this show is Dave! What a wonderful check airman! That’s how it’s done….

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Dave is awesome.

[@dabigcat73]

Wow.. this is the most awesome and honest video ever. (I am a pilot also.). For pilots that want to know what it is.. This is amazing. I think that your nervousness doing a different seat for the first time, and Dave's confidence of having your back, honestly makes all Southwest Passengers feel better. It shows the human side, and how hard you guys work to keep everybody safe and share the knowledge. I love this video and love Dave!!!

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

You can now grow your first Captainstache!

[@Evulnation]

As a fellow pilot (corporate pilot for me) it is inspiring hearing how tired you might be, how exhausted you might feel, but you still set aside time for working out. I try to as best I can but there are many days when I pass on it to sleep and rest in my hotel room. Seeing you push through it encourages me to not let the workouts slip.

[@Lil-Tee1988]

Congratulations from a MCO based Flight Attendant. 💙❤️💛

[@MrBDub]

Congrats BigErn! Southwest is lucky to have you in the ranks of Captain!

[@stevebaker3550]

Been looking for new blogs? My Granddaughter and I are big fans as she announced that her studies will be aimed at becoming a Pilot

[@Dstew57A]

You can tell your such a stand up guy. Very experienced, hard working and most deserving of this move to the Captain seat. Those 4 bars look just right on you! Congratulations Cap 🎉✈️

[@alanwelch7297]

Congratulations You deserve it. Sorry we won't get to see Dave again.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Dave is the man!

[@akeemmanifold819]

10 longs years… congrats cap. I like when Dave said your also a mentor now. A true captain at heart.

[@shiyuks]

Congratulations Big Ern on earning the 4 stripes. Job well done skipper

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

🎉

[@medicalopsgirl]

Sir, heartfelt congratulations! You are an officer and a gentleman. Looking forward to Captain Ern's adventures.

[@sarah6478]

Did you forget? If your not 15 min early you are late. Congrats on first successful flight.

[@coreyjordan2745]

I had to stop at 1:55. And say. You got this brother. God, put you in that seat. Do every thing you have done before. Keep moving, keep smiling and keep learning.

[@IdeaBoxful]

I have huge respect for Airline Captains. Their job is full of responsibilities. Safety of the passengesrs, the crew, the plane and finally flight economy. Everything is great on a modern aircraft when all systems are working and weather is great. But it is during crisis that they prove their mettle. And that happens often, crew may have problems, systems can act out. Weather can get nasty. Most of them do long hours. Its a great job flying the world! So many of them have saved so many lives entrusted to their care in the air. Good luck to you Captain Ernie!

[@nhlhighlights1429]

This is the one we have been waiting for. Best of luck!

[@Ryan-719]

Congrats Ernie!!! You earned it, can’t wait to see you in the sky!

[@Bill_N_ATX]

I’ve never flown SWA into KIAH. I grew up in the flight path for Hobby and my mother was one of the original Southwest commuters. She flew up and back three days a week from Hobby to Love Field for work. She did this for three years from 1974 to 1977. It was cheap, it was quick, and it was easy. It was an entirely different airline from the traditional airlines back then. It was like a fast bus ride to Dallas. I went with her a few times. After a year, everyone knew her and she knew everyone. It was a pretty small company just flying the intraTexas routes. Good times.

[@Ljet600]

Congratulations!!!!

[@nawinbravs]

Congrats Captain! So glad you captured this great moment in an airline pilot’s career. It definitely motivates the rest of us to get to this point. Thank you!

[@snafons]

Ernie: I’m an ER doc… have tremendous respect for you guys and THANK YOU for your service to our country🇺🇸

[@Ryanboy2020]

Big Ern! Congrats bro!! You earned it. I feel like a proud friend. I've been on this journey with you for the past 2 years and to see it come to fruition is amazing! I cant wait to fly with you.

[@Troopbus]

Congratulations to a well earned promotion. Your passengers are in good hands

[@brandonrixstine7370]

major congraulations are in order! I just started my PPL training and this gets me so excited!

[@danielfreifeldtaisen]

Congrats Ernie from a fellow ‘37 captain. I remember this first flight on left seat. My biggest issue was parking the aircraft at the gate… next one will be the first one with a real F/O. It felt like the first Solo flight back on the SEP at the flight school. You will do just fine. Keep the Nose high and blue skies! (And by the way… I also did 10 years in the left seat. Definently happy to have done that. It helps a lot for the big step) It’s a small step over to the left seat, but a Big step becoming a commander!

[@jrobinson4281]

Congratulations, Captain! Hard work, steadfastness and perseverance always pays off.

[@dwoodygura]

Congrats Captain! You deserve it. Wondering if the SWA flight attendants get tired of flyers asking if Big Ern is in the cockpit?

[@dwaynevanmeerten9696]

A big congratulations to you Ernie! Well deserved! I'm looking forward to being your First Officer and getting that photo with you one of these days. Anything is possible being that I am a new LAX guy on reserve!

[@rvrnnr987]

Dave was one of the guys who talked to me and inspired me to follow his lead, give up on my Land Rover Defender, my dream car, and to try to get back into aviation. I'm glad I did! Good video, thanks for posting.

[@richardvarner6636]

Congratulations, Big Ern. What an awesome moment for to have received that 4th stripe. You have earned it with dedication and experience. I know your family is so proud of you. May God continue to Bless you, give you safe flights, and be with you, as you provide the flight safety for all the passengers under your care. Happy Flying, and Always Safe Landings!!

[@c.j.morrison1386]

Congrats on the Upgrade!! You’re a consummate professional and your endeavors are a joy to be a part of! Thanks Big Ern!

[@mrjayjaydee]

Major congrats to you Sir. I have been following your channel since mid 2020 during the early stage of the pandemic and have watched every episode and seeing your journey to captain as well as observing your professionalism, poise and character has been amazing to see. You have let us into your world and as an aviation enthusiast like myself, you have really made this such a cool experience and grown, even more than I already had, my love for aviation. Congratulations, Captain.

[@Leland189]

Congratulations Captain Ernie. A nice guy like you really deserve it! Keep um flying!

[@PilotWanderlust]

Congratulations, Cpt Ern! 👍 Always happy landings!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks again!

[@donaldcornwell1151]

One thing I notice, and I have an aviation background, is that I have never seen an ounce of arrogance out of this man. He is always learning and upgrading his tradecraft. Another thing I notice is how he treats other crewmembers with respect. I think a lot of FOs will learn a lot from this gentleman and they should be appreciative. I am sure Big Ern would totally disagree totally with my statements and that exactly why he is in the captain's seat. Humility and respect are underrated. Go Big Ern!

[@kingj1399]

“No Excuses… I suck… Get better”. Love the commentary Big Ern! Congratulations on the upgrade! Happy Flying :)

[@colleenmathers4186]

Have been waiting for this Day!! Congratulations!!!

[@RICK-te3qh]

Ben buddy you’re glowing. So beyond happy for you and we appreciate the humble and candid content you share with us. Sunny side up Skip.

[@lmartinez3633]

Nice to have a, honest, supportive and knowledgeable check Captain as Dave. Congratulations on your fourth stripe Captain Ern!

[@1derol]

Congratulations Capt Ern! Captain Dave is correct, you'll be mentoring the next generation of aviators now :-)

[@danieltopham5911]

It has been an honour following you these past few years. Congratulations achieving your captain stripes. Southwest should be proud to have you as a spokes person for them. Congrats again.🇨🇦

[@drrodz]

Captain Ernie!, Seeing the 4 bars at the end made me extremely happy for you, Congratulations, you earned it!

[@73av8r5]

Awesome congrats! I start CA school next month. 👍🏻. I was in Nashville and Boston last week. 😂

[@CAPEjkg]

Lots of hard work ,determination and the belief to never stop learning does pay off in the end! Congrats!

[@jonathanw08]

Don't ever get to fly SW, but would be proud to have you as a Captain! CONGRATULATIONS Ernie!

[@stevek4408]

Big congrats Capt. You Ern’d it, deserve it and will be a great Captain. Hope to ride behind you someday. Hey, I’ve had Dave in my right seat a few times. Always a hoot but always an education. Once in a 737-800 sim . Did one Cat 3 landing with the H.U.D. Pretty cool system. Also did an approach with a major wind shear event and one landing with 30 knot direct crosswind. Dave put me through a workout. The sim was reusable after all that so not too bad for a private pilot. Keep learning and enjoy the world view from the left seat.

[@jimmcclain6255]

Proud of you brother Ern, I’ve followed you for a while, met you and the Doc last Fall at The Migration. I’m also a proud Sun Devil. Be blessed and safe Skipper.

[@phillipbaritone3843]

I’d be honored to have you as my captain any day! Cheers 🍻

[@loriwalker5179]

Congratulations! You're going to be a wonderful Captain for Southwest and a great mentor to those coming up.

[@jonathankenduiwa8580]

Congratulations Big Ern. In my eyes, you’ve always been a Captain… happy days. Enjoy it. Cheers 🍻

[@mysho6317]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!! SO Excited for You. Great to see a Good Person, who works VERY hard, has a Positive Attitude and presents himself as a Professional Role Model for those coming behind + all of us who sit in the back. Fly High & Safe Captain !!!

[@PapaRomeo068]

HUGE congrats Captain Ern!! Can’t wait to see more!!

[@eaglepowersports6155]

Hey Big Ern! Seems like yesterday you were my First Official. You were actually the second guy I flew with when I became a Captain 👨🏾‍✈️. Life has come full circle for you. Congrats! 👊🏾

[@jivefx]

It reminds me of that feeling after SIM training and after IOE etc long ago in the L-1011. I’m sure you feel really great; accomplished and relieved. Congratulations Ernie. Much respect

[@ZachSmit]

Congratulations Ernie! Such an accomplishment, thanks for sharing your journey. Fly safe!

[@nathanmclain9027]

“Fuel is great, unless you’re on fire.” Gotta start selling the swag Captain Ern

[@wntu4]

🤣🤣🤣

[@danburgdorf6428]

Congratulations Captain Ernie!!! A ton of hard work put in with the most humble of attitudes, you should be very proud of your major milestone accomplishment! Thank you for taking us along your journey!

[@unrealisticallystupid7185]

Hey man, just wanted to say Congratulations! You have inspired me throughout the time as an FO! Love the content man, keep it up.

[@clifgee]

Congratulations! ... thanks for taking us along on your journey to Captain!

[@professorr.5427]

An "eye-watering" landing means something different to passengers than it does to pilots, Dave. 🤣🤣

[@debbiestephens1370]

My son just did his first flights as a new Southwest first officer. Good news he might be able to be a captain in 5 or 6 years. Congratulation on your promotion. I love your honesty as you describe your flights. I hope my son gets to fly with you soon. I feel like I understand so much more about what happens when he is in the air. This is one thankful mom. I have always loved aviation. My father was a pilot in the Air Force.

[@phillipbaritone3843]

I love when pilots always have an explanation for a less than perfect landing although in the wake of a large freighter it’s justifiable haha

[@Michael-md1sz]

My discussions goes like this, “well, that stunk. Where are we eating dinner tonight?”

[@phillipbaritone3843]

@@Michael-md1sz haha so true- so long as the cabin door wasn’t shut after the landing, it was good enough lol

[@charlesbryson5112]

I was so happy to see your with that fourth stripe! Great site and I enjoy learning about the 737 and Southwest operations. Keep up the great work!

[@JustinC-et8th]

Congrats! A friend, Charles Bourne, from flying at my "waterski" days just upgraded to the left seat at SWA last week as well!

[@MikeKobb]

Woo-hooooo! Congratulations, Ernie. Well deserved.

[@lebuulittler8645]

Congratulations and well done Captain! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@richardsaunders3082]

Thanks for bringing us along on this grand adventure !!!

[@JohnSwanagon]

Congratulations Ern! You’ve got a great shine! Would love to fly with you!

[@kenp4727]

You look so happy. Captain Dave's professionalism and mentoring skills really come across on camera. Congrats.

[@Yankeejumpman2352]

A huge congrats to you Captain Big Ern for your promotion now being official. I look forward to the honor of having you be the captain of at least one of the Southwest flights my family and I have planned for the future!

[@mishmish1968]

Congratulations...all the best .

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Same to you

[@n1msu]

From experience, having a real friend who cares about your success will possibly give you even more of a hard time, not in a bad way but wanting you to be the best you can be, especially as they're not even doing the checkride.

[@Utahforrest]

You can tell the trainer really cares and knows how to provide feedback and coaching in an encouraging way.

[@mattmay4583]

Congratulations Ernie, wishing you all the best

[@briang8995]

Congrats Big Earn 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@craighayes3316]

Congratulations. Great achievement!

[@earlclicker1]

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BARS! PRAYING THAT ALL YOUR TRIPS WILL BE LOVELY SAFE AND YOU'LL ENJOY FOR THE NEXT SO MANY YEARS! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS KEEP THEM COMING

[@marksanderson8827]

Fantastic video Ernie, really great, Dave is a bit of a legend, exactly the type of bloke you need along with you. Massive congratulations to you (i know its been a year or so now). Great stuff Captain.

[@josehernandez4743]

Congratulations ...all you followers waited for this moment ERN 👌👍

[@fedcopp]

Capt. Ern CONGRATULATIONS on officially ranking up to capt. I've been following your channel on Utube for over a year now and I think I've been waiting on this day to come as much as you. Now the time has come, and you finally did it. Left seat jock. Again, congrats, u deserved it.

[@ThatCodeBlue]

Congratulations, Ern! It’s an honor to be a fan and to truly be inspired by you. You’re proof that men from our similar heritage have broken the barriers and that is fantastic for the future.

[@sgav8r]

Way to go, Captain! Aviation is the branch of engineering that is least forgiving of mistakes. Keep on striving for perfection, and your competence will be there to see you through. Fly safe!

[@LukeW-we8ub]

Congratulations Caption Ern!!!! You have worked so hard and dedicated so much for this! Glad to see it pay off!

[@cadefoster9279]

Congratulations Capt Ern! Too long coming for such an accomplished US Airforce pilot.

[@Spitfire194]

So proud of you Ern! Congratulations Sir! Southwest is blessed to have you behind the controls.

[@jonhafezi6161]

Big Ern, congratulations are in order. I have been watching your channel for a while and am impressed with your professionalism and enthusiasm. The four strips look good on you. I wish you and your passengers safe skies.

[@MacTonight50]

Congrats Capt Ernie!! Thanks for giving us the privilege of riding in the jump seat on this special trip!