Last Flight as a First Officer!

[@willyTB1962]

Just recently retired 34 yrs at UPS. 28 of those in the left seat of several fleets and finishing on the MD11. Been following your KZbin VLOG for a while now. Congrats on the upgrade Capt Ern!

[@freedomfan4272]

Also follow MY LAVOVER LIFE. Paul is a newly appointed captain for one of the major passenger carriers in the US. He is based out of Newark

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Appreciate that and congrats on retirement!👍🏽. What a great career!

[@davidcole333]

MD-11's are amazing. What a career to be able to fly those.

[@willyTB1962]

@@davidcole333 Flew the B727/B757/B767/A300 along with the MD11. The MD was by far my favorite!

[@nightfall22]

@@willyTB1962 you just named a ton of my favorite planes 😂. I’d love to feed you beers and listen to stories 🤣.

[@RAF_USAF.spotter16]

Congratulations on becoming Captain!! Those 4 stripes would look good on you. I’m 15 and I hope to be a pilot one day

[@sburrows142]

Don’t hope. You will be…

[@kaelflies]

@@sburrows142 facts

[@brennanwieber4114]

Study hard and take care of yourself mentally and physically and you’ll be golden.

[@ajcorreia5921]

Same age and same dream

[@frankkky7375]

@@ajcorreia5921 same age and same dream

[@jeffreyfrost3543]

Congratulations! My Pops flew for Delta...1957 to 1991...34 yearsout of Atlanta. Captain for at leaat 24..you had to retire at 60 then. Many more years for you!!

[@ajcorreia5921]

I love the community around aviation and how supportive everyone is

[@TheNastyboypro]

Congrats to becoming a CPT with SWA. GODSPEED

[@CaptainJCRage]

Congratulations Captain.

[@armyavi8tor]

Congrats! Took me 9 years to get to the majors, a lot of ups and downs in this job! No pun intended! However it makes you appreciate all those struggles and learning moments to the big boy job. Stay humble and keep making the job fun!

[@life_happens_reviews]

@brian you stuck with the dream,you made it to the majors,,all the fatigue and huge distances from home and cramped shared living to being in the big league, well done, your perseverance and determination paid off

[@enriqueosuna]

Congratulations to a well-deserved promo! Hope you can continue to do all these videos in your new role. It will bring a different perspective! Cheers!

[@ScottJLake1]

Way to go Big E. Appreciate that you cherish the folks you meet on your way.

[@davidpulaski5628]

Absolutely fantastic camaraderie shown in this video, sooooo happy for both of you and praise on that 4th bar !!! You know you've got a best bud when you can share wisecracks with each other. "6.5 landing out of 7" !!! Gotta love it. CAVU always.

[@TheSoftballstar1261]

20 years ago TODAY, I flew for the VERY first time!!! I was 8-years-old then!!!!!

[@mason9483]

Well done Captain! I’m currently flying the E120 grinding away the hours to hopefully be in your position one day! I love how humble you are, you are a great role model for current and future pilots.

[@billbargar2284]

Ern a big congratulations on soon to be PIC !

[@markharnish4231]

So proud of you Southwest has the best pilots in the world!!

[@soulsurvivor1001]

Hey Ern! Congrats on the upgrade! I'm a student pilot right now and you're a huge inspiration for me. Thanks for all the great videos that continue to inspire all of us. Congrats again Captain Ern!

[@davidwolf226]

So happy for your long-awaited promo, Ern! It's nice to know that you've made many friends along the way, both captains, flight attendants, and others during your journey. Not to mention the support of your family. Congratulations.

[@gindeman]

Congrats ! My son is starting his aviation career this Fall at UND and you are right, it takes a long time and dedication

[@krissackett1085]

How exciting! My son graduated from there (excellent program!) and was a flight instructor at Mesa-Gateway for a year. Nice reminder hearing the captain mention it.

[@faganfit572]

If not the most positive aviation channel out there. So happy for you man. Looking forward to sharing your journey to the left seat with you. Cheers brother.

[@renwoman101]

Congrats to you on becoming Captain!!

[@JasonB95]

Thanks Ernie for taking us on your last trip as an FO. Definitely looking forward to seeing you vlog from the other side of the cockpit. Congrats Captain!

[@Kwam-ER]

Congrats on your upgrade, BigErn! Your hard work and dedication paid off. Can't wait to see you with the additional stripe. You are a great aviator. Keep it up!

[@KeithDyer-do8gk]

Congratulations! Hard work does pay off! Appreciate the shout out to UND too guys! I attended UND 1977- 1982 with John Odegard being my Private Ground School instructor. It was his last class he taught because the school grew so much, and he needed to focus on being the Dean, and from there it has grown beyond imagine! BY the way, I would have taken 106 degrees over 20 below flying any day!

[@jtsjc1]

Congratulations Captain Ern! Great job man you seem to be a dedicated professional so you deserve to be rewarded. Be safe and make the next video from the left seat!

[@billrussell4832]

Congratulations !! Captain Ern! You are gonna be a great captain and your crew and FO will be lucky to fly with ya! I’m a flight student and I love your vids! Keep doing what u doing ern!

[@peytondodson5021]

Watching a video from last October to hear you talk about when this day comes is just amazing man. Believe or not man you definitely are a role model to some people, that's including myself. I hope to follow your footsteps man

[@papatango2362]

Congratulations now Captain Ern

[@alfvanderkwaak5751]

Congratulations, Enjoy your upgrade / captains coursem and many happy landings from the left seat

[@rickwestern7788]

Congratulations big ern. One young man i gave my pilot books to when he was a young man is now first Officer with a major airline. Im encouraging young men and women to follow there dreams in Aviation. Especially training as pilots. There is a huge need for pilots. So i encourage all young people to go and learn how to become a Pilot. Follow your dreams. If i can help With information i will. Good luck to you big ern.

[@blued8107]

Congratulations big Ern!!!! Best wishes on the upgrade brother and thank you for all the sharing of your experiences!!!!

[@ryanbrown3309]

Congratulations! Looking forward to the new chapter of your channel @FlyingwithBigErn!

[@grantrobertson4267]

Congratulations. Really enjoy your enthusiasm for flying and you will make a great captain.

[@sab001]

Congratulations from a passenger that flies from HOU often. I hope to be on one of your flights one day.

[@DG38594]

Congratulations my friend like I said before you are an inspiration to alot of people and you deserve this! Thanks for including us in you're journey! Have a happy and safe 4th.

[@murn20091]

Congratulations on becoming Captain!! My son is also going to do his last ride before going Captain next week. He is also getting checked out on a new a/c type this week. busy week for him. A "stay safe" goes out to all flight crews.

[@Saquilayan]

Congrats, Big Ern! FOs are gonna be blessed flying with you!!

[@Kreditz404]

Congrats on the upgrade!! Best of luck during upcoming training, but 100% sure you're gonna nail it!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks so much!!

[@mantoe9365]

Congrats!!! Can't wait for more videos about the life of a Captain!!!!!

[@ObjectiveTrade]

Congratulations on your promotion. You very much deserve this success! Best of luck to you moving forward, Captain!

[@ritchieb1612]

Captain!!! Has nice ring to it, sure looks good on you.My man you deserve it.

[@DickDangerMoto]

Congrats Big Ern! You've earned it and will be the best Capt. ever!

[@Yardnoc]

Big Ern, it's awesome to see you finally move on to the left seat! Well deserved! Thank you for allowing us to live vicariously through your journey as a SWA pilot. I hope the transition flows smoothly from FO to Captain.

[@scottmerkle2636]

Congrats Captain Big Ern! Looking forward to your videos from the left seat and watching how you inspire those new FO's you take under your wing.

[@SI-lg2vp]

Well one thing is for sure....you can look forward of those trips to LUV for training every summer when the flights are more than full. Bidding will be a breeze since you will be on reserve, and scheduling will use you to the max. Tell the family you most likely will not be home for the holidays for some time. Plan on vacations in the winter. Don't be surprised if you feel every problem that pops up is testing you to the limit. It just feels that way. Take your time, never rush, or bend the rules, and you will do fine and survive as a new Captain. In time all the problems become easier, since you will feel...been there done that. Nothing new to see or do. Closely check the logbook for every aircraft to make sure it is airworthy.

[@wespotter6985]

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

[@tommydi4618]

Congratulations CAPTAIN BigErn

[@Jade-lb3lp]

Congrats Captain Ern! What a great accomplishment, I know you will succeed in your new role! 👨‍✈️✈️🎉

[@SSAviation737]

Congratulations, Captain Ern!! You truly deserve it! Can't wait to see that 4th stripe!

[@JasonD09]

Congratulations on your upgrade Captain Ern!!You've earned it. Great channel videos!! Keep them going.

[@campingalan]

Many congrats, Captain Ern!!! And best of luck to your buddy, Kelly, on his check airman selection and training! De Opresso Liber

[@misterbonesontour4640]

Good luck Captain 😁👍👍

[@pilotbsinthesky3443]

Great job on the promotion! Capt. Ern

[@maxschwartz1365]

Congratulations, Big Ern! Thanks for sharing your last flight with us. I know you’re going to be a great captain. Will you be only on-call at first?

[@jamiecloud1897]

You've reached quite a milestone in your life. You've put in so much hard work to perfect your flying technique and management skills that you should be very proud of yourself. Piloting from the left seat of an airliner is quite an honor. And as an aside, thanks for promoting UND and their flight school. People don't know how good it is. If you can withstand 40 below in the winter, well, it's a good way to go! 😆

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Appreciate that Jamie! Big fan of UND!

[@TB-um1xz]

@@FlyingwithBigErn I did the UND satellite pathway. But once it came to transfer to ND, it was a big nope for me😅

[@Maverickf5e]

Congrats!!!! No doubt that you would be a wonderful captain! I wish you a smooth transition to a captain.

[@brianjohnson3444]

I hate to see an outstanding first officer go, but I'm looking forward to seeing an even better captain in the near future. Congratulations! You deserve it.

[@kbalch]

Congrats; well-earned! Southwest has to have the longest upgrade time in the industry. Kudos for your patience and positive attitude!

[@Blue-ru6ef]

Welcome to the club! As a FO we was used to look to the left side to see what the CPT would decide to solve a situation but now do not look to left because you will see the window and the sky 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂All the best for you. A big salute 🫡

[@lmartinez3633]

Good to see that the current Captains are genuinely happy for you…

[@hp8261]

Congrats glad you made it to captain.i hope to be there one day as well. I'm 45 years old hopefully I can start flight training soon . Thanks for all your videos.

[@honda0105]

Congratulations Captain! Richly deserved and wishing you all the very best in your new role. Take care 👍

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you! Will do!

[@flyhigh2987]

Congratulations. Captain, you deserve it.

[@fedcopp]

Yooooo BiG Ern, Last ride as an FO! CONGRATS Capt Ern. Wish u all the best on ur journey in the left seat. Hope the left seat doesn't keep you from continuing to make cockpit vids as you've been doing.

[@gary-oc9zi]

Congratulations

[@KaitlynnUK]

Congratulations, Captain.

[@MattyCrayon]

Well deserved upgrade. Enjoy the left seat. 👍

[@Boz_-st4jt]

My son Marc Stirton works for SouthWest as a F/O out of the Phoenix Hub. He's been with SW about seven years. Four of which have been in Phoenix.

[@Winglets68]

Congrats man! Gonna be a while before I’m in the left seat because I don’t think I’ll upgrade at my regional before leaving. Love the vlog and the positive energy!

[@flyingvirtualwithdax4898]

Congrats man! Happy for ya, and your hard work is an inspiration.

[@aneel4932]

Looking forward to seeing that 4th stripe on your shoulders. Congratulations!

[@ronyork9324]

Congratulations Ern I wish you all the best. Love your videos and looking forward to more from the left seat. BLUE SKIES MY FRIEND AND BLESSINGS TO YOU IN ABUNDANCE

[@KiloPapGolf]

Congratulations on your Cpt upgrade again Ern…well deserved my brother.

[@blessedmom3599]

Congratulations Captain!!

[@robertlafnear9115]

CONGRATULATIONS !👏👏👏

[@debbiestephens1370]

My son is in training to fly for Southwest now. Said he saw you in Dallas. I am a fan of your channel. Congratulations on promotion to captain.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

I appreciate that!

[@JeighEigh]

Congrats Ern! Looking forward to speaking with you on the phone in the near future! Don't hesitate to come say hi to us lowly dispatchers when you come through the NOC in upgrade class! -AJ, SWA Dispatch

[@Thatpilotdakota]

Hey!

[@frankfarrelly5215]

Humble and Hungry . Great advice for the next generation. Congratulations again Ern safe travels ✈️

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks Frank! See you around!

[@advorsky1]

I flew home from Chicago to Kansas City last night got up this morning and flew to Dallas and am home again always keep my eye out for you Big Ern but I do know you fly mostly west coast. Southwest is the VERY BEST in the air except last night we did have a Lead Flight Attendant who was having a bad day/week and took it out on me and almost every other passenger on the flight! I’ve flown SW for the last 20 years pretty much exclusively and have made companion status for the last 12 years so I have spent a few bucks with SW and every trip I book I fly Business Select! Thank you for your service sir and I hope you and yours have a Happy Independence Day weekend!

[@mannyaplus11]

Congrats on upgrade. I’m looking forward to flying with you as your FO

[@tnmaurer3033]

Outstanding!!! Congratulations

[@jasonborne4026]

Sure you will be a good Captain. Congratulations!

[@curtpadgett40]

Congratulations. ...Captain ...your the best

[@bradythompson4266]

Nice ties! And congratulations I want to be a captain on the 777 which is my dream plane but I only play Microsoft flight simulator 😂

[@paulcontreras3264]

Congrats! Captain BigErn! Looking forward to new adventures!

[@user-mf8xs2dg8j]

Congratulation Captain!!

[@knoxvideoproductions932]

Congrats CPT!!

[@f-18driver67]

Congratulations Big Ern on your upgrade. Keep up the good work.Take Care, and have a Blessed Day.

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thanks 👍

[@luislopez8085]

Thanks for your videos sir!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Glad you like them!

[@John-ww3ji]

Never give up! Keep the skies safe Aviation buddies. Prevent collision in all phases of flight Aviators.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@ScottysAir]

Congratulations Captain! You got promoted! I’m so happy for you! You went to my PHX airport. Someday I can meet you there. We lived in Phoenix for almost 19 years soon. We moved to Arizona in 2003.

[@ScottysAir]

PS. Can I ride in the jump seat? I would like to listen to it. I just want to listen the radio. I can watch you.

[@mariusz128]

Congrats on becoming captain!

[@TommyG11814]

Congrats Ern can't wait too see the first video in the LEFT seat.

[@drewhowevideos2362]

congrats on your promotion hope to see you sometime when i fly southwest

[@PlaneGeek007]

Congratulations Captain Ern!!!! Thank you for continuing to bring us along. It has been a fun journey watching you; looking forward to watching your next chapter. Congratulations!!!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Appreciate that!👍🏽

[@noneofyourbusiness5074]

This channel is so positive and inspiring, I love watching your videos!!!

[@Stufftowatch21]

Congrats 🎊🎉🍾🎈 hope to see you on the flight deck.

[@LCRider13]

Love your VLOG. I am an instrument rated pilot and fly a Saratoga. My day job is being a primary care physician. My son, who is in middle school, is interested in going to one of the military academies and flying for the military and eventually an airline or FedEx. You may have already done a video on the subject, but highlighting all of the paths to becoming a professional pilot and the pros/cons of different types of flying jobs would be very interesting.

[@CharlesJones-rd4jy]

Awesome! Congratulations!

[@FlyingwithBigErn]

Thank you so much 😀

[@charlesm.1638]

LOL!!! Gate 50 arriving into Houston from Oakland and same gate leaving for Pensacola.

[@delontereid7584]

Congratulations on your promotion to Captain.. 👨‍✈️✈️🎊🎉