Spirit Airlines to United: The Big Leap from Senior A320 Captain to a Junior B737 First Officer

[@Bananasssssssss]

(Sorry about the background noise, my hangar neighbor had is propane Jet engine heater going, lol) I forgot to mention, I much prefer the "Auto Throttles" on the 737 compared to the "Auto Thrust" of the Airbus. I love the fact that the Throttles move and we can intervene by manually moving the throttles while still keeping the Auto Throttles engaged. The moving throttles increase situational awareness IMO.

[@alexmcintosh4783]

Same! I also like the yoke. I made the jump from Spirit to Delta on the 737.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ nice! NK 4LIFE! 😂

[@skyserf]

Just watch your knee with that trim wheel. 😮 😏

[@jamesculwell8628]

Hey man, aviation enthusiast here. Not sure how I ran across the video, but I did. I found the transition that you made, and the ends and outs of it very interesting. I'll have to subscribe to your channel so I can follow your journey. Hope it goes satisfactorily...

[@MB-xx6xc]

The VNAV is good on the B737 but it definitely has its challenges. Generally depending on where you are the airplane will stay on the path all the way just like the AB but it needs to meet certain parameters that as you get more hours you will realize. (Too long to write unfortunately)

[@CanyonBlue737Capt]

This is my 28th year of airline flying. One thing I've come to understand is that it really doesn't matter what type of airplane you fly. It really doesn't matter what destinations you fly it to. But it matters very, very much what airline you fly for. Quality of life is everything, and one of the biggest factors in quality of life is job security. Congratulations on the new job, and enjoy the 737.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@@CanyonBlue737Capt thank you! (And well said, agree 100%)

[@globalste]

This 100%

[@solarpoweredafricanvegansp178]

Thank you very much for this comment! This will be career 2.0 for me, just finished 15 years in the NAVY. Any tips from seasoned pilots, will always be greatly appreciated!

[@ianhart356]

Thank you for the "little details" comparison between the 737 and A320. Really paints a picture. My son went from CRJ left to 737 FO two years ago and I really enjoy hearing about his working environment. All the very best for this next phase of your career.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@NJMikeyFishing]

Congrats Joe. ACY mechanic of almost 9 years here I used to see you often. Always a tough decision to start over and this is becoming a reality for us mechanics now as Spirit is closing down ACY, PHL, and TPA maintenance. Years of loyalty and building seniority only for it not to matter in the end. It never felt like work with the family like bond we had here, making it really tough to see everyone go their separate ways. But that’s the airline industry for ya. Anyways, glad to see you are doing well and landed your dream job! Good luck at United!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! I tell everyone that I’ll never have a job that was as great as Peak Spirit right before COVID. It was really amazing, especially ACY. It’s really a shame whats going on there. I need to reach out to Keith, haven’t seen him at Pemberton in a while.

[@NJMikeyFishing]

@@Bananasssssssss Spot on. Unfortunately it just isn’t the same Spirit we used to know and love. I’m actually sitting next to Keith as we speak. He said see you at the pancake breakfast lol. And he’s headed for retirement so he’ll be doing a lot more flying this summer.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ ha! Glad to hear it! I’ll be there Saturday!

[@RTRider.MaxCaptain]

Joe, give it a little bit of time and practice, and you’ll make VNAV shine. The 757/767 at EWR is some of the best flying we have. You have plenty of time to try on all fleets and seats. Lots of growth coming our way. Welcome to United.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@maxreynolds2181]

Really enjoy your J3 content Joe, Many of us have been in the same situation. I’m a 777 CA for a legacy carrier. I arrived thinking I was late to the show as I put off joining due to my situation at the time . I have flown most types and enjoyed them all. ( love the one your with. ) My advice to all professional pilots is enjoy every aircraft and operation and be able to say to yourself. If this is all I ever do I am ok with that . Regional flying is a great way to support your family as is corporate . Everyone’s journey is different and that what an aviation career is a journey. If you always are looking for the next step you will not enjoy the ride. Easy to say I know. Hard to do. But try.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you for this! Really well said and appreciate the insight.

[@ayyrecks4718]

Welcome to United! Great summary of training and the differences between the bus and 737! I was hired in August 2023 and have been incredibly happy. From my experience, the company does a fantastic job helping with anything going on at home. Had a death in the family after a couple months on the line and they got me home right away with paid time off and then had a great experience with paternity leave not long after.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it so far! That’s great to hear about the support from the company if needed.

[@CaptainT8TR]

10 years at UA and I'm still in the honeymoon phase. I'm biased, but I think United is the best! Welcome Joe. We've come along ways since XJT.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Glad to hear it! Nice to finally be on the winning team for sure 😂

[@ExtremeRecluse]

I was in the Army. One of my flight school classmates stayed with the army until his 6 year contract was up. He had a four year degree, so he applied to the Air Force before leaving the army. He went through Air Force OCS. He chose C-17s. He flew for the air force until his contract was up. He applied to United before he separated. That was 25 years ago. He is now a senior captain assigned to JFK to Honolulu and JFK to London. My army graduation class had a reunion at Mother Rucker. He was there, and he told me he loves his job.

[@markg7963]

These Spirit pilots are great additions to our company. They are great pilots and don’t get razz led by stuff. They don’t complain, and they are smart. What more can you ask for? Although they will take a hit in seniority if spirit doesn’t survive, I think most of them understood there was a risk. Hopefully they will all get back to where they want to be.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Nice to hear that! Hopefully all those NK pilots who wants to end up here can make the move!. Always nice to see familiar faces

[@thefiringpin3489]

What a big jump for you! Giving up a ton of seniority and pay to finally grab hold of a dream of yours is truly admirable. I’m in a similar situation now. I’m a full time firefighter and paramedic with over 10 years seniority and amazing pay and benefits. I’m also a private pilot with my own float plane and just over 500 hours. I have finished my commercial pilot ground school and am seriously considering taking a leap of faith and chasing my dream of being a professional pilot. I’m also married with 2 young daughters at home. Thanks for the content and transparency. All the best in your new adventure.

[@Bananasssssssss]

It's tough for sure, especially with young kids at home. I have a friend in IT who is thinking about pursuing it as well and I told him, "listen, worst case scenario you gain a ton of experience and ratings and if you don't pursue it, you.ll at least be a better pilot for it". Also what do you have on floats? My retirement goal is a Log Cabin and a Cub on floats somewhere in Maine....

[@thefiringpin3489]

@ haha I’m also chasing the log cabin dream. Fly in access only, preferably. I have a Hawk XP on Edo 2440s. Basically a 172 with a 210hp fuel injected engine. I use it for everything from family beach days to moose hunting with buddies. Versatile machine. A bit boring to fly on wheels in the winter though. Cub would be more fun.

[@bmhayes11]

Its really great to hear about what its actually like to get into the airlines from a personal perspective, excited for you brotha congrats on the move.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@MrStewieLewis]

Love the transparency about seniority challenges and humility etc. I’m a military guy retiring in 4 years and had the same line number/seniority challenges when I made the decision to stay active duty vs get out and get a line number. All my airline friends say “it’s great” and never acknowledge the downsides, challenges, or issues they have faced.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Yeah it’s an odd thing. I definitely am thankful and feel fortunate but am painfully aware that there are a quite a few midd twenty year olds faaaaaaaar senior to me that started their flight training while I was as a CA at Spirit. Again, was completely my choice to stay but one of the brutal realities of airline seniority systems

[@rsoxfan123]

Love the video. Would love to see you make more airline content! Keep us updated on your journey at United and some of the trips you take etc… I am an aspiring pilot and love these types of videos!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Absolutely will do!

[@kevinfraser7815]

Thanks for such an in-depth video on your process. I’m 37 years old and just getting my commercial rating now. Big career change and I’m more excited than ever.… Would love to fly for United eventually but I’m just grateful to get up in the air. Thanks again for the inspiration.

[@Bananasssssssss]

My pleasure! anytime anyone tells me they are working on their commercial, I have to tell the, it was my favorite training by far, lol. I feel like Commercial training has all the fun stuck and rudder flying maneuvers.

[@LJDRVR]

I am so glad you’re here, Joe! You’re going to really enjoy learning the airplane and mission. And the best thing about United is you’ve got other options. FWIW, I would head over to the 756 at the first opportunity. You’ll kick yourself if you miss flying the 757/767. I’ve been here 18 years and I feel like it’s still a honeymoon. Best job I ever had.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! Definitely hoping I can head over to it soon. Bids in, just have to wait it out!

[@mkiv1501]

As a 500 hour CFI, watching this makes me excited for my future. Thank you for all of your insights. Just subscribed! Can’t wait for future uploads!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks, I appreciate it! and let me know what else you'd like to see or learn about and I'll gladly make a video

[@Plain_Pilot]

Good move! It sucks to lose so much seniority, but you can be a United captain in a couple of years.

[@darrenlucas9017]

Well done Joe, so glad your happy, miss flying with you, I hope spirit stays, I love it here, good luck to you matey!!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks Darren!. It was always a pleasure flying with you! you made the job enjoyable and easy!. I think Spirit will be fine, just a have to pick your way through some Heavy precipitation!

[@ljthirtyfiver]

Yea I can’t believe you made the jump ! I wouldn’t have but family first . United is now a much better airline with you around. Welcome, happy to have you!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! Yeah I honestly don’t know what the right move is. I think about all The Summer Vacations and being 30% in Base and captain pay and mannnnnn I hope I don’t regret it 😂. Only live once I guess

[@yeller95vette]

We really enjoyed attending the wing ceremony. It was cool meeting the other families too.

[@Apollo580]

First off. Congratulations. It's not easy making a jump from somewhere you're senior back to the bottom. I think you made the right call.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@junktionfet]

I really enjoyed this comparison of the two aircraft. I'm a student pilot and you really explained all of this so well.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I’m probably missing a bunch of things but generally speaking these are the things that kind of stood out to me .

[@airmailman1971]

You truly are a unique guy. Love the update.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Appreciate it!

[@gwenyfred1743]

737ng is a weapon, I love it, hope you do too! Upgrades will come in time, I’m sure the grass is greener for you in this case.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@JohnLemieux]

Me, a student pilot with 26 hours total in 172s: “hmmmm, yes, I agree with your thoughts on the a320 vs the 737.”

[@jcostabal]

You will get there, enjoy the process.

[@and15001]

The ground speed mini is a thing of beauty ❤

[@jetPower1960]

Congratulations on the big move. Looking forward to hearing your progress.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@martind181968]

Congratulations Joe on this new adventure in life. As I have said to my kids, " embrace change, it is 98% of life's challenge " . You as a pilot and a caring father/husband are making great choices, don't try to second guess, just keep moving forward and drifting with the currents in life ( they always take to where you were meant to be ). Also, in regards to money, it is finite and you can adjust to it, unknowns such as in job security are not, so I reckon you are indeed on the right course in your personal journey. Happy Holidays to you and family----- drift my friend !!!!!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Appreciate that, thanks for the kind words! and well said! Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@pa60pilot]

Congratulations on your move to United, and thanks for sharing your perspective on the difference between the Boeing and Airbus narrow body airframes. It was nice to hear you mention Comair, where I spent 7 1/2 years early in my career.

[@brookeanders0n]

Congrats and welcome to the globe from a ORD flight attendant!!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks Brooke!

[@arosenweig]

I am glad you decided to leave Spirit to join United. I have a feeling you will be much happier with United since they are a much bigger company and they offer more room for growth.

[@DTWobserver]

You're going to have a great career at United, congratulations. No looking back

[@Bananasssssssss]

@@DTWobserver thank you!! I sincerely appreciate that

[@JetFuelOnly]

Nice recap man! Very fair and accurate. I feel even more grateful now coming from the corporate world. I started in February. Welcome to United!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! Hopefully Boeing can get their act together and the economy keep plugging along so I can bid off this thing, lol

[@skyserf]

Congratulations. Welcome to United. Hope to see you in the hubs.

[@ronshillum4897]

Thanks for the update. Hope you get back soon to some other fun flying in your J3 and the Chief.

[@737pielit]

Welcome to United. I took early retirement when COVID started in 2020, due to my wife’s chronic illness. I was there for 27 years, 22 as a Captain. It’s a great place to be. Enjoy the guppy, it’s a fun airplane.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Appreciate the welcome! Thank you! Do you miss it? I often wonder how I'm going to feel when the time comes and just curious. I think I'l miss the "flying" and the camraderie but not everything else.

[@47colton]

​@@Bananasssssssss ive been here 38 years with two more to go and you are correct...love the flying but wont miss the rest of it. Be careful about the 75/76, you wont want to go back to the guppy after flying those jets!

[@Bananasssssssss]

haha thanks! hopefully I get the chance to before they're all gone

[@frankfarrelly5215]

Great story and transparency. Never look back and regret, take your experience and know the left seat with your new company is only a matter of time. Safe travels ✈️

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@Lt_Tragg]

This was a really well done brief Joe and the background wasn’t bothersome at all. My son who is active duty Air Force recently attended a career fair in Oct. He’s 32. He was very impressed with United - warmly received and encouraged to apply. Delta, UPS to think of a couple were much less so inclined. He has an interview scheduled next week. Interestingly his AF (active duty) exit won’t be until 7/2026. How long was your application - hire process comparably?Congratulations on your successful UAL on onboarding. You’ve a great career. Keep up the great podcast while you enjoy UAL!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! I started applying in January and updated my application almost after every trip but did not go to any career fairs (which are HUGE!!). I received an Interview Invite in early June and got a Job Offer mid June and a class date in September. They are very accommodating to the Military folks who have further out availability dates. Also, Thank your Son for his Service!

[@WarfRat]

Congrats Joe. Great to see you back and look forward to sew you progress on your flying journey.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! Looking forward to getting a little bit of seniority so I can start flying to some places I've never been. Alaska is on top of my list initially.

[@rgmrealtyinvestments470]

Hey Joe! I think we might’ve flown together back in the day at XJT. I feel the starting over part, I left XJT for Cathay Pacific back in 2007 and had no intention to ever leave. Enter Covid…and I made the decision to start over after 15.5 years there. Been at American for a little over two years and should’ve made the jump a lot sooner. You undoubtedly made the right decision and don’t look back. The pay cut hurts for a while though. I’m on the bus now and might be making the jump to the 737 for upgrade so I appreciate the opinion on the aircraft differences. I’m used to Boeings but not THAT Boeing. Congrats and keep the blue side up!

[@Bananasssssssss]

@@rgmrealtyinvestments470 thank you! And welcome back to the states! 👍

[@3gpatrick]

Congratulations on the transition and best wishes on the 737. A former Continental Airlines Operations Alumn. Always passionate about the industry and Aviation. 🙏🏻❤️✈️

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you !

[@glhsakd07]

Really great summary of the transition from ULCC to a major (and the CA to FO jump)! Glad it is working out well for you so far!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@TWA88T]

Over 10k hours in 737... you'll get a good feel for the vnav, it's a great plane, you'll enjoy it!

[@PiSkiS320]

Great video!, Im more sorry for you going to 737 from the bus than all the seniority you had to sacrifice... I totally understand your position right now, former A380 captain now on the right seat of the 737 at a major AAirline...

[@Bananasssssssss]

I just wish the thing was a tiny bit bigger up front, lol.

[@Kiwi0Six]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying your new gig. Congratulations on making the switch when you did. I know it’s tough with cereal, seniority. Thanks for the comparison between Boeing and Airbus! I found it really interesting. I grew up with little planes and never made it to the airlines, but I enjoy that part of your story. (Almost as much as I love your videos of the Cub, and hopefully more of the Chief.)

[@Bananasssssssss]

Appreciate that, glad you’re enjoying the content! Thank you!

[@ronaldhines8085]

Thanks for the update. I enjoy your Cub flights. I’m an old guy that doesn’t fly anymore. I have about 300 hours in a Cub. You know what a Cub smells like when you are flying it with the door and window open. The first time I saw one of your Cub videos I swear I could smell the airplane. I have a brother-in-law law (now retired) that was senior FO at United flying international, never wanted to give up his schedule to bid Captain.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! I also always tell people that it's hard to put into words what flying a Cub is like on a summer afternoon. It really is the things like the smell, the sounds of the fabric, the sound of the small continental engine, the burning oil etc It's truly incredible.

[@ronaldhines8085]

When you taxi the Cub up beside a King Air or Citation often those pilots come out and talk about how much they wish they had a Cub. I would look over at their planes wishing the same. Many years ago I had a rocker arm break on the way to Wilmington NC. Ended up landing the Cub under power lines on I-40 near Wilmington. It’s funny how the mind works when you are in a jam. I knew if the wheels were on the pavement and I wasn’t bouncing then the tail wouldn’t catch the lines. I still scrunched down in the seat as low as I could when passing under the lines. I miss the flying but I miss the people more. Aviation people are the nicest and most generous in the world.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@@ronaldhines8085 well said. The people are awesome and such a small community

[@Kam_MD11]

just discovered you and really enjoyed your unbiased recount of the journey. As a "retired" GA pilot and now a home sim enthusiast I must say I enjoy flying the 737 over the Airbus(the MD11 actually is also very similar to the airbus as far as overhead automation goes. That plane is in a class of its own). You definitely are much busier in the Boeing. how about standing on those brakes to release the parking brake? LOL Great time to be alive. Sub'd and Liked :) - Kam

[@Bananasssssssss]

Haha thats funny you mentioned that. I just shake my head when the CA has to stand on the brakes to release it via the much more civilized electronic parking brake in the Bus 😂

[@byronjaffe518]

Happy for you Joe. I am retired AA this year, flew with quite a few ex-spirit folks in Miami the last 2 years. All good people. All the best !

[@Bananasssssssss]

Congrats on your retirement and yup! A lot of good FLL/MIA friends of mine made the jump to AA and couldn’t be happier!

[@byronjaffe518]

@@Bananasssssssss - and guess what , I went thru a similar career with 9/11 and the lost decade . Was ex Piedmont, ex Usairways . As long as you have your health and family……you can survive any challenge in aviation. And ps ( don’t tell any UA folks - but your South America flying at night , terrain and weather is probably way more experience that anyone at UA has because they don’t have a lot of South America routes ) 😀

[@lirending1]

Very good information. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@Tom-ih8gr]

Fantastic video Joe, really really well put together. Fascinating insight. Keep doing this sort of format, it’s pretty unique actually. Usually it’s gym selfies and talking into a camera on a walk round. Glad you’re happy with the decision you’ve made, I think long term it’s definitely the right one

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! I appreciate it. Any other topics you want me to hit on, please let me know. I never know what to talk about, lol.

[@joelee4796]

Joe, awesome video. I love your insight and detail of a part of the business that is hardly ever talked about. I throw bags on the ramp right now for United in Denver and I’m working through my commercial rating on the side. Maybe someday I can right seat for you in the 73. Blue skies, sir welcome to the United family. I’ll wave when I plug in your power!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks for that!

[@RogerLaFrance]

Welcome aboard UA! I work EWR Ops and am waiting to hear from you on the radio. Or EZchat.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! you.ll hear me fumbling on the radio, lol

[@troybabz]

I really enjoy these chats, mostly because I have a very similar resume/age and I get to see what it would be like to make a move even though I'm staying at my ULCC. Hopefully you're never junior to your prior self if there is an acquisition but that seems unlikely and I think you made a great choice that wasn't easy for you.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! Yeah it would be quite a kick in the gut if that were to happen but stranger things have happened

[@JeffWiggins-o3d]

Hey Joe, no skin in your game for me, I am just an A&P that fly's my 182 around from job to job. I watched your video of slipping the cub in a while ago and this video just happened to pop up on a Sunday night while watching football. The Cub video was amazing and a shout out to you for an interesting perspective on the Airbus and Boeing! Good job making interesting content, I think I'm going to subscribe.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! Appreciate that

[@RoverAirlines]

I live right next to Newark and love United. This is a very helpful and informative video for me. Hope to see you fly for UAL soon. 😉

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! Glad you find it helpful

[@jantoniolaboy]

Greetings from AA DX. I have a buddy who is NKS EWR CA. Going to show him this. Maybe he comes over. Cheers.

[@jeffboatright]

Congratulations in the move and for having it all come together.

[@philippeheer4181]

Excellent and honest narrative.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks!

[@BRTardiff]

I’ve been going back and forth between the Airbus and Boeing for the last 24 years. You can always upgrade to the bus. Welcome!

[@fly4fun]

Having flown both the 737-800 and the Airbus, I agree that managed in the Bus was better than the 737’s VNAV. Only weird thing was that the airbus would prioritize the speed at a crossing restriction if it couldn’t make both the altitude and speed, unlike the 737 which nailed the altitude restrictions and let the airspeed creep up. Also, I found it helpful to get comfortable with Flaps 40. 7 knots or so slower REF speed means it’s able to shave off some distance in the required runway. A little more margin. Slightly more challenging to do 40 flaps, as it’s more sensitive in roll, but you get used to it. Have fun in your new role!

[@zevnafte5168]

Just stumbled accross your channel! Subscribed and looking forward to following your journey… currently a 67 cargo driver! Looking to possibly follow your footsteps… big decision to make. Would love to see what’s next for you, how line flying is and what the monthly bids are like. Cheers!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks for that!. I'll probably throw something up here in a month or so. I never know what to post or what people want to watch so this is helpful

[@AnthonyMartinez]

Cool to hear the compare and contrast for a guy who will only ever ride over the wings!

[@MrSeebsy]

ULH on 787 or 777 from EWR isn't too shabby. Tokyo, Brazil, South Africa come to mind. Not to mention the dozens & dozens of Europe destinations.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Can’t wait. I’ll be a bunkie for life and not mind 😂

[@schoolio64D]

From another former XJTer, 756 is the best flying in the company (unless you're senior to me, and then it sucks lol). Welcome to the company!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Haha, Thanks! Hopefully I can hold it before it’s gone

[@FSXairpilot]

Hey! I saw your post on Facebook, glad you made a vid talking about the experience! Hope i can reach similar position someday.

[@theflyingfrog]

Good to see you back!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

A couple of points. First and foremost congratulations on United. Two, yeah the 737 is a tight fit. I warned a friend (former-Virgin American) to watch his/her head. Your knit cap covering the bandages banging your head on those overhead switches ? Three, how was the interview atmosphere. The reason I ask, my regional pilot crew members who I thought would be a perfect fit at UAL, were crushed to be rejected. I debriefed them for our gouge book at our regional. Hopefully HR department made some changes(ditched one name that crept into the debrief). Four, VNAV is truly a learning experience each time. Five, happy to see more regional types make it there at UAL. SIX, I flew left seat for years like you prior to a major. When I was asked the same type of question on flying with a 24-year old Captain , my answer was “Does a 24-year old captain have a problem flying with an old fart like me ?” You’d left-seat experience helps in ways that younger pilots will eventually appreciate and your discretion on when to ask/inject yourself is invaluable. Sorry this so long…have fun.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks for all the feedback!. I think I'll slowly learn to love the 737 but my back and head may end up hating it, lol. My interview experience was a really positive one. I had an Airbus CA and a great HR representative who made me feel really welcomed. There were no surprises, I did use an interview prep service and really dialed in my "STAR format" answers. It was odd, it was something I had thought about for over 20 years and it felt surreal to be walking into that interview room but I felt prepared and fortunately it went well.

[@icecreamsodasundae8309]

Hi Joe, Glad it's all working out for you. FYI, we have Sky Path now. Have a great holiday. Lou

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks Lou! Figures, I leave and they get the good stuff 😂

[@stevecrim4249]

Congratulations! I’m out on ML and can’t wait to get back to UAL. Hope to fly with you sometime.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks for your service 🇺🇸 and beers on me if we fly together 😁

[@stevecrim4249]

@@BananasssssssssML=Medical Leave…but I’m going to be so psyched to be back so no chance you can buy 😂

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ ahhh. Well damn 😂. Sorry to hear but hopefully back soon.

[@Jet_Pilot525]

We just got Skypath at Spirit. I like it. Glad to hear you’re doing well at UA!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Figures….. they waited for me to leave 😂

[@rexm7497]

I'm going through something similar in learning the 75/76 after 6 years in the bus at F9. There are things about the bus I miss and learning the Boeing has been a challenge. Luckily the cockpits in both are much bigger than your 73 but learning to fly with the yoke again is different.

[@Bananasssssssss]

yeah hopefully I can jump over to the 756 soon, I had a 10+ year F9 guy in my class and we both basically just talked about how great the Bus was the entire class, lol.

[@rexm7497]

@ hahahaha, I may know your classmate. I had similar conversations with a NK classmate of mine during my training. Btw, The 76 is a sweet flying a/c … the 75 is a truck. You think it’d be the other way around because the 757 is a beautiful looking aircraft but nope.

[@FrankP846]

Hey Joe! I had dealings with Spirit when it started out as Charter One Airlines back in the Eighties at Atlantic City. I worked at a truck leasing company that rented trucks to their Charter One Van and Storage to them and they were pretty shady then. Always late paying bills.

[@Bananasssssssss]

ha!That's the real OG Spirit! Charter 1. That's funny. Hopefully they pull out of this and get back to some form of growth etc

[@edwardoshoemaker7712]

Super tough situation, those 6,000 plus hired in the last few years will always be ahead of you. Will stunt your entire career. kind off a bummer. I know it happened to me 33 years ago.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Yeah I mean it is what it is. “Timing is everything “. I also had one hell of a run at Spirit and spent more time with my kids than probably 99.9% of people I know so not all bad. Like anything in life, ya live and ya learn and “comparison is the thief of Joy”

[@bflewis9713]

Sounds like you love the new company, but miss the a320! I was a freight locomotive engineer, and switched companies to passenger service. I don’t miss my old company, but miss the freight equipment!😄

[@Bananasssssssss]

Pretty much nailed it!, lol

[@wtt8914]

Admire your strength to go for your dream and just look at the positive but at the same time share the reality of what you went through and still going thru.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Appreciate it.

[@ericlozen9631]

Congrats!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@noytheya]

SOMTO, I haven't heard that fix for 13 years. When I left XJT in 2011 I saw the writing on the wall. Unfortunately, nobody was hiring and I had 2 little ones with another on the way. I left the FAA for XJT and had to leave XJT for the FAA because of the industry uncertainty and to do what's best for my family at the time. I've got 4 years to go to retire from the FAA and plan to return to flying. I've pondered going back to the airlines but prefer not too (It's scary seeing the behind the scenes on this side), I'd rather do international flying as much as possible. Regardless, I'll be in the same boat as you (well, not quite) being an older (56 year old) FO hanging out with a younger CA will take a bit getting used to but I'm up for the adventure and can't wait to get back in the cockpit. I think you made the right choice especially for the long haul and wish you all the best.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you! All the best to you as well!

[@robertATC60]

Good for you! That's a tough move when you have family.

[@Bananasssssssss]

My wife has been pretty awesome throughout the process. No way we could have done it, if she wasn’t so supportive

[@robertATC60]

makes all the difference

[@fastmph]

Best career move you could have made! Those yellow planes will be history at some point.

[@kymw7833]

Hey Mate just discovered your Channel ,i love anything Aviation ,pilot was a dream as a you bloke but never happens so now i follow all you guys ,oh and michelle Dutch pilot girl😊,looking forward to your v/logs Cheere Kym Adelaide

[@Bananasssssssss]

@@kymw7833 thanks!

[@Marcfyve24]

Hey dude, im still fairly new to the 121 world, former AF guy. Very glad to hear you guys coming over from Spirit are landing on your feet. That F word scares the tihs out of me.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks! and it keeps me up at night as well, lol. terrifying when you think about it.

[@Marcfyve24]

@ agreed man! Also glad to hear you’re enjoying the 73 as well. I enjoy flying it, although the flight deck is fairly small for me (6’3 230lbs) but I still enjoy it.

[@emeraldeyesireland]

Congratulations

[@johnmajane3731]

When I was a young pilot there was a United Captain that flew his Stearman out of CGS. He was a B-737 pilot. Always referred to it as the Boeing Sport model. The only issue with United is it is so big and the trip up the seniority chain is going to be very slow. A friend of mine is a B-737 captain with United, it took a long time for him to get there.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Yeah upgrade time is very cyclical. Those who are currently in upgrade have been there around a year but for myself and my classmates I think it will be a little longer.

[@johnmajane3731]

@@Bananasssssssss good luck with it. I am not an airline pilot but it sounds like in the long run you made a good move.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ thank you! Really appreciate it

[@johnmajane3731]

@@Bananasssssssss one of these days I want to land at Andover and then hop on over to Blairstown for a Reuben. I flew at Blairstown a few times as a substitute tow pilot and glider pilot. Beautiful airport.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ well let me know when. Would love to buy ya breakfast’ you can check out the Cub too

[@MB-xx6xc]

Welcome to United

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks!

[@kevinmalloy2180]

Congrats Joe. Smart move it seems. Hope to take a United flight (as a passenger) sometime with you up front. (Kevin the Champ pilot at VAY)

[@Bananasssssssss]

Hey Kevin! Thank you!

[@stevenhanna242]

I have flown just about all airlines with the 737 I haven’t seen nobody land the 737 better than Bahamas air pilots

[@drewm4914]

Thanks for the video, Joe. I have been following you for a short time, and am working on commercial multi add-on. Im also in Aviate, and enjoy hearing and getting wisdom from all pilots I follow. If I may ask, I would love a video about how CRM works, or if the whole DEI in aviation results in safety issues. Looking forward to the next video.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Hey! thanks for that!. I'm actually anxiously awaiting my 6th month mark so I can apply to be an AVIATE coach! It looks like a great program that I definitely want to be a part of. (how's it going so fr btw?) I'll definitely come up with something in regards to CRM. As far as DEI, It doesn't impact Safety. The standards for all airline training are all pretty well defined and you either meet the standards or ya don't.

[@drewm4914]

@@Bananasssssssss It has been great so far. My coach is an absolute all-star. He has helped me with a project in one of my classes where we had to plan out a trip to Europe with the Track System and everything since he is a 787 FO. It is in the works, but he invited me out to his place to meet and fly his T-6. As for the other parts of the program, I am satisfied overall. I have only used my flight benefits once, and it went well. When I get the time, I will try and do one of the meetups where they fly us to some base for a few days and we get to see the sims, and meet people and all that. I originally planned on trying for Delta, but I think United was the better option. During my interview, while I was anxious as it was my first interview, everyone was overwhelmingly pleasant and helpful. As for the DEI, I think its always people with little aviation experience that have the greatest bologna opinions on it.

[@drewm4914]

@@Bananasssssssss It is going great so far. My coach is an absolute all-star. He has helped me with some class projects with the North Atlantic Track System, as he is a 787 FO. It's in the works, but we plan to meet up sometime and go fly his T-6, so I look forward to that. I have only used my flight benefits once and it worked out well. I haven't gone on one of the trips where they fly us to some base, and we get a whole tour and meet people and stuff, but I want to do that as well. It's good to hear about the DEI thing. It seems like the people who have the most to say have the least flight experience.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ glad to hear it’s going well! And have fun in the T-6! Yeah that is definitely the case about the loudest in the room with the least amount of experience

[@johnmccormick2883]

Very nice video Joe… career changes are never easy but in hindsight they’re usually realized as positive decisions 👍🏻 As you may have picked up on from my comments, my view as an ex-GA pilot is that the more feel of the aircraft the better. Sounds like the Airbus to Boeing 737 has you closer to “feeling” the aircraft which is a plus in my opinion. The IT improvements / enhancements sound positive in that they make it easier to gauge each aircraft you climb into condition-wise. When I see GA accident reports of wealthy GA pilots that buy a heavily automated plane like PC12 and never have the true feel of the aircraft… only to have the autopilot disengage at night in a snow storm, I shake my head. I’ve been in maybe your position where I went to a new “big” company and had to do training or be effectively FO with younger people who I was to learn from, and had to bite my tongue on occasion… that can be something to keep in perspective and on top of. I think United are getting a great pilot and if I ever fly out of Newark (or more likely my daughter is) I’ll feel a bit better knowing that you are perhaps at the controls 👍🏻 Congratulations!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thanks John!, I really appreciate that.

[@Micg51]

17:50 I’ve been on the 73 for a year and a half I it’s not consistent because the path is based on idle thrust. So any change in wind or TAI is going to screw up the path. It would be much nicer if it was geometric VNAV instead of sometimes being an FPA of 3 and sometimes 4 degrees, then it would hold speed and path better. Also not sure if your fleet is like this, but on mine in ARM mode, it won’t wake up the autothrottles or give a DRAG REQUIRED until 15kts off. But you’ll get all of its quirks in a short time. The only real ask I have of the 73 is that the CB panel was a bit further back so I could both push the seat back and recline, and for it to have EICAS. Other than that, I actually really enjoy flying the 737, as mentioned, it handflies very well, try out CWS and it’s like flying an airbus, it will autotrim for you.

[@Bananasssssssss]

I did learn to tell it TAI will be on to help with descent! Ha. I also 100% completely agree with you about the CB panel. Just another foot would be great

[@Micg51]

@Bananasssssssss forgot to mention, if you have a tailwind prior to T/D I add about 20 or 30kts on the descent forecast page, adding the QNH if its above 29.92, and I assume the check airmen told you about "softening" the descent by clicking alt intervention just before it intercepts the path. All these techniques i found will prevent or reduce the amount of times you have to scramble with the dreaded "VNAV SPD"

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ thank you! Big fan of the Altitude intervene button 😁

[@UAL320]

The NG flies like dog doo….as if there were huge bungees attached to the yoke. The MAX, for whatever reason, is much, much better.

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ I thought the MAX did fly really well, but at this point it’s hard for me to really tell the difference lol.

[@dm19881]

Congratulations Joe now all you need to do is come on over to the 777 or things are more automated than the airbus with a really comfortable flight deck

[@Bananasssssssss]

That's the Goal! literally a dream come true to fly that all over the world...

[@Flying4Film]

I’ll definitely say hello if I see you out in the line and welcome to UA!

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@skyserf]

@Flying4Film Hey 👋🏽 Where are you based?

[@readytotaxi]

best of luck!

[@cyruswhitney3]

Hi Joe- love ALL the content. Forgive me if this is a dumb question- given your decade plus experience in the airbus why not bid for a UAL A320? Worded differently- did you purposely decide to learn a new plane or was it assigned to you as a matter of circumstance?

[@Bananasssssssss]

Great question! So when we bid for our initial equipment A320 in EWR wasn’t available. I could have bid it in another base and traded into EWR but part of me figured, “why unlearn the Airbus, when I can start from scratch in the 737”. Also the eventual captain upgrade will come sooner in EWR in the 737 than the A320. I do hope eventually that the A320 XLRs come to EWR and I can bid that.

[@cyruswhitney3]

@@Bananasssssssss Makes sense...figured it was likely base related. All the best in this exciting new chapter... please keep all of us posted!

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ thank you!

[@scudrunner100]

Big decision…but not really. My career was smack dab in the middle of the deregulation era. 3 bankruptcies, 4 furloughs and 2 buyouts. It took a lot of the joy away from why we all do this. I’m betting the commute is pretty much the same for you right now, but with more options for your family and professionally down the road. A true win. I too went from Guppy to Fifi and then back to Guppy at the end. Not really a 737 fan overall. It’s a box of bandaids. You’ll miss Ground Speed Mini. The electric seat. Crossing your legs. lol. VNAV is archaic. That’s OK tho…it won’t be for long. Good luck, congrats, and keep us posted.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Thank you!

[@tottenbecket9198]

When you can hold the schedule you want on the left seat of the Guppy bid the right seat of the 777/87. If you don’t like it then jump to the left seat of the Guppy. All it cost you was 5 wks at TK. Three day Europe trips are easy. Asia, Middle East, and Deep South are challenging on the body.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Good advice. Probably what I’ll end up doing.

[@herrfinke1]

Congratulations! Hit the lottery!👍

[@johnmajane3731]

As a passenger I always thought the 737-700/800 of SWA were real hotrods. The acceleration felt much faster on take off then the Airbus.

[@Bananasssssssss]

The 700 does feel like a little sports car, it's like the 319 but climbs better IMO

[@johnmajane3731]

@@Bananasssssssss I can only give you the experience as a passenger. I flew on a 319 from BWI to ORD on a 319 which happened to be United and thought it was a bit slow compared to my usual rides on SWA.

[@gnobes9677]

Hey thanks for the awesome video and great content and the transparency. You talked about some of the things that you wish spirit improved on like the ipad, crm, and stuff and just wanna know from ur time at the airlines if that’s the same at like frontier or JetBlue? Additionally how come you didn’t go the delta route and fly a350 or 330?

[@Bananasssssssss]

Hey!. I think the lower cost airlines have to cut costs where they can. They don't sacrifice safety so they probably look for other ways like not paying for additional features with Jeppeson, or having a centralized Crew App where it's a one stop shop etc. They have a smaller training footprint etc. I think Delta is a great airline but growing up, it was always UNITED I wanted to work for. I do wish we had A350s though, lol.

[@gnobes9677]

@@Bananasssssssss Thanks for the reply, with being captain status, was there any opportunity to go direct entry captains to like frontier, sw, or another carrier based out of phl? Since your in ac area?

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ unfortunately not. Closest was United with a 6 month upgrade but I missed the window for that

[@gnobes9677]

@@Bananasssssssss Dang. That stinks! I know it’s hard to say but how do you reckon the hiring will change in the next 2 years. Currently a cpl and working on cfi

[@Bananasssssssss]

I think it all depends on if Boeing and Airbus can keep up with scheduled deliveries and the economy stays strong

[@alexmcintosh4783]

You’re right, the VNAV on the 737 is goofy. I have 1200 hours in the bus and 400 hours in the 737. Managed decent is much better than VNAV on the 73. Especially because VNAV only draws one path and it’s a lot more work to “re-draw” the vertical path.

[@Bananasssssssss]

Glad to hear it isnt just me 😂

[@nicholasmoyer2313]

I’ve heard not everyone has it but….If you guys have the option to force it into geopath early by setting or crossing a hard alt it will stay in vnav path with selected speed changes rather than floundering btwn speed and path all the way down. Some swear by it some don’t care either way

[@Bananasssssssss]

@ interesting. I’ll certainly find out