Well here we go, I’ve decided to fly the…
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A340
My reasons are:
1) Much as I love the 747 it is old technology compared to the bus. I want to move with the times and I need to adapt.
2) In long haul flying you use the controls for 1% of the time so why have a great big control column in the way for the remaining 99%?
3) Virgins route structure gives the A340 fleet a much more varied and interesting selection or routes.
4) As Virgins A340’s tend to do longer sectors than the 747 I will average working 3 times a month as opposed to 4.
5) Nearly all my flights will be from Heathrow (not far from home) whereas the 747 does half its flights from Gatwick.
6) If it all goes pear shaped or I choose to leave long haul I have a rating that can get me into most decent airlines. There isn’t much opportunity to work in the UK on a 747 ticket.
7) There is a good chance I could get to fly the A380 in the near future. 😀
8) The average age of the A340 flightcrew in Virgin is lower than that of the 747.
9) By flying an Airbus type I feel I will be better qualified to offer an opinion on which manufacturer makes the better product. The majority of pilots who criticise Airbus have never flown one. Those who have tend to swear by them.
10) My wife is concerned about operations to the US due to increased risk of terrorist attack. The Airbus fleet does less trips to the US.
11) I adore South Africa! This is almost solely served by the A340.
The funny thing is that there is only really one significant point that really draws me to the 747. When my kids are in the school playground and they tell their friends that daddy is a long haul pilot, every kid knows what a Jumbo is but no one really knows an A340! That sounds really stupid!
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