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!

[@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

[@byronjaffe518]

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

[@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!

[@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 !

[@roddy2753]

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

[@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.

[@alanwelch7297]

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

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Dave is the man!

[@tommydi4618]

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

[@sjwecks]

Capt. Dave seems like a gem.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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 🎉✈️

[@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

[@MrBDub]

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

[@akeemmanifold819]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

You can now grow your first Captainstache!

[@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!

[@shiyuks]

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

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

🎉

[@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.

[@drrodz]

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

[@Ryan-719]

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

[@tonywaters737]

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

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Dave is awesome.

[@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.

[@Lil-Tee1988]

Congratulations from a MCO based Flight Attendant. 💙❤️💛

[@kingj1399]

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

[@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!

[@nhlhighlights1429]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@jrobinson4281]

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

[@CAPEjkg]

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

[@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.

[@Troopbus]

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

[@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.

[@dwoodygura]

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

[@lmartinez3633]

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

[@Leland189]

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

[@jonathankenduiwa8580]

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

[@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!

[@1derol]

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

[@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 !!!

[@PilotWanderlust]

Congratulations, Cpt Ern! 👍 Always happy landings!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks again!

[@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.🇨🇦

[@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

[@Ljet600]

Congratulations!!!!

[@PapaRomeo068]

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

[@snafons]

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

[@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.

[@loriwalker5179]

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

[@phillipbaritone3843]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@professorr.5427]

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

[@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! 👊🏾

[@lebuulittler8645]

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

[@73av8r5]

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

[@JohnSwanagon]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@notboeingnotgoing5483]

My first day in the left seat, I just sat there and smiled and took it all in and yes it did feel weird at first. I am now on the rapid downslide of my career thanks to my age and I have enjoyed all the ups and downs in this volatile but rewarding industry, oddly enough I have never transported passengers just always cargo. I wish you all the best ..... congrats Ern.

[@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!

[@LukeW-we8ub]

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

[@natewilliams3279]

Congrats Sir!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences over the years.

[@richarddelgado8913]

Big congratulations to you " Captain Ernie " you definitely earned it because of all the hard work work you've been putting towards 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.

[@alanbodker6508]

Congratulations Ernie, you're going to be a great captain....All the best in your career, SW is lucky to have you as their "official" spokesman and captain.

[@jonathanw08]

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

[@colleenmathers4186]

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

[@cadefoster9279]

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

[@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.

[@lorij1072]

Congratulations with your promotion to Captain Ernie! Really great video, thanks for taking us along. Thank you Dave for all of the excellence of flight officer training. First class all the way. Great team work!❤️🛫

[@jbreezy101]

Y'all have great chemistry. Love this video not only because you made it to the top but because you show passion and that chemistry. Congratulations sir. If I fly swa (might not be for awhile but we'll see), I would love it if you were piloting.

[@jbreezy101]

I did fly SWA recently and did look for you but you were conducting interviews. Funny but they had you fly Missouri 1 three days after I was on it

[@clifgee]

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

[@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.

[@kenp4727]

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

[@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

[@ewilson22683]

So happy for you and thanks for taking us along. I love the Marriott at IAH, too -- fantastic hotel and airplane views. And appreciate how positive and supportive Dave was as your check airman. And the LUV at the end from the Southwest FA's. Congrats, Captain Ernie! Appreciate your humility, enthusiasm and insights.

[@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!

[@tsegakassaye8093]

Congrat Captain Ern! It was nice to see every step of your progression to the left seat! I find all of your content very motivational and inspirational so thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate that!

[@tonybeam]

Hearty congratulations Captain Big Ern. Wishing you a fabulous future at SWA, and good weather along your path.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you kindly!

[@frankfarrelly5215]

Headed to the hangar this morning all I can say my friend looking real comfortable in the new seat. Congratulations and hope to see ya at MDW. Safe travels Captain ✈️

[@honda0105]

Congratulations Skipper! Richly deserved Ernie and wishing you all the very best for the future. Take care.

[@richcibelli1445]

Congratulations Captain, well deservered. Continued success. See you again soon!

[@flycow69]

Congratulations Captain Ernie . You have earned it. Fly a safe and Stay humble. God Bless you..