Simple Question for PMDG

[pager94]

Hi PMDG Staff,Just out of curiosity, does the majority of PMDG development crew have a full or part-time day job to pay the bills or are most full-time PMDG employee's?I noticed the Level-D crew stated they have full time day jobs to pay the bills and Level-D development of B757 was ongoing but soley when time allows AFTER work and family priorities.Cheers,BillyBob

[PHXMD-11]

I would try a search of the general forum... From what I read though, I think Robert is/was a commercial pilot before he tried his hand at politics. Ryan, in the previous update thread if I remember correctly, is in a band but I'm not sure if that is full-time or not.

[theshack440]

I would try a search of the general forum... From what I read though, I think Robert is/was a commercial pilot before he tried his hand at politics. Ryan, in the previous update thread if I remember correctly, is in a band but I'm not sure if that is full-time or not.

Yes, that's as far as I know. And I recall Jason (I think it was) saying that he worked/s in the construction business. Can you imagine that if one day you're on a flight and hear, "ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, I would like to welcome you aboard flight ______. My name is Robert Randazzo..." I would run into the cockpit and give him a hug haha. -- and then promptly get tackled and arrested.Worth it.

[pager94]

I would try a search of the general forum... From what I read though, I think Robert is/was a commercial pilot before he tried his hand at politics. Ryan, in the previous update thread if I remember correctly, is in a band but I'm not sure if that is full-time or not.

I think Robert was a ATP rated captain on several types in the regional and possibly national or major airlines. Also, I think here has several type ratings including B747. If experienced and typed in an A320, I bet Robert could have water landed Flight 1549 in NY like the Iconic Chesely Sullenburg III.I was just curious as a whole does the PMDG development crew work full-time on the aircraft or there were a few lead full-time developers and the rest part time etc.BB

[Chaos81]

I believe Ryan said his main job was his music transcription company.

[Tabs]

I believe Ryan said his main job was his music transcription company.

That's correct - I do that, PMDG, and my band. I'll let the other members respond if they wish - many of us do have other jobs.

[mcbellette]

In my spare time I'm a wannabe Qantas pilot flying the friendly skies to all sorts of exotic places! :(

[JasonB]

Yeah I work in the construction business but I also juggle several jobs as well as I've been with PMDG almost 3 years now. Currently I am in-between construction jobs so at the moment I am involved in a small scale web-development contract (14 years web-developer semi-retired) and also helping design the front-office for a company that my wife works for. When I am not busy bringing home the bacon, I am working for PMDG. Actually I work for PMDG almost 7 days a week some long days, some a couple hours here and there. It IS fun working with the guys here at PMDG, we have a great team camaraderie and its like family. Thats what makes PMDG what it is, our passion and dedication, we're tight :( Anyway, we look forward to delivering the NGX to you guys, its gonna be a spectacular experience.Cheers,P.S. Right now I'm flying YVR-YYC in the -800, it is heaven up here at FL370 in the cockpit (sigh)

[rsrandazzo]

BillyBob-Right now, PMDG is comprised of a mix of full and part time employees and a mix of dedicated contractors. (Using that term for legal tax reasons...)Describing some of us as "Full Time" is actually unfair- given that the average workday right now is 13-18hrs depending on who you are. So it is kind of like having two job. :( Some of us have outside work in the real-world aviation industry... Dr. Vaos (yes, the same Dr. Vaos who hates it when I call him Dr. Vaos in the forum) consults to a number of different industries and entities in his capacity as an engineer. I provide operational efficiency and flight safety consulting as my "professional sidelight" and there was a brief stint trying to help save the state of Nevada from itself... I've been offered a few flight manager positions over the past year- but haven't accepted any of them. Right now PMDG offers me the opportunity to spent a significant amount of time with my wife (the lovely Dr. Randazzo) and our daughter. (Those of you who are father's will understand how easy it is to turn down a job that would take you away from your children.)On the flying front: I've got something up my sleeve but I'm not able to talk about it just yet. :( Some of you may not know that Vin provides graphic work to the major US networks, and if I recall correctly something he did a few years ago was nominated for an award... (But I don't recall the details... i'm such a horrible listener. :( )Anyway- I am being vague about all of us just because this is the internet- and while we all enjoy interacting with you guys- we are all pretty private... I'm sure you understand.

[pager94]

Robert, James, and Ryan,Thanks for you thoughtful responses. It's interesting how hard it is to find a career that you love to do and stably pays the bill to support family.Yes, full-time (40hr/week) positions are deceiving. I'm officially full time too, but generally work 50-60h/week and in highly competitive situations in excess of 80+.My commercial pilot career collapsed after 911. I was out doing some final prepping for my commercial check ride on 9/11 just outside of KDVT (near KPHX), and ATC told me and everyother plane in the airspace to get down NOW! It was very weird. Within 2 month nearly every previous graduate (2-4 years prior) came back looking for work after being furloughed from the regionals. Anyway, it was fun while it lasted. I used my BS degree and moved to biological research. Now 10 years later I'm a successful immunologist. Second to flying I love immunology because the immune system is like a biological cosmos, infinite discoveries abound. Currently I'm fishing for a $1 million dollar startup package to move my research lab to Florida. The myriad of politics should be done soon, and looking to move the great state of Florida next year. I'll have to get those Hurricane simulations going with Active Sky!Looking forward to the NG when she is fully ready for line operations.Best Regards,Billybob