Should I have been insulted or am I just old and grouchy?

[Ruud Van Driver]

I'd like to think I'd have handled it a bit calmer than that but I know damn well I wouldn't have.

Mahoosive respect for serving your country

[iazrollie]

You don't meet a war pilot everyday. You are more the exception than the rule. So, in most cases he is talking to a non-pilot about his GMT.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

I had a similar experience with a snotty guy. I'm just a "kid" working retail at the time. I see he's wearing a white dial Daytona, and I slide in and say "hey, now that's a nice watch." Without skipping a beat, the guy holds up his wrist and goes on about "oh, you like that? This one's hard to get..." and as he looks up, I'm holding my wrist out with the same watch on. He just stops, and tilts his head back "ohhh man."

There used to be waiting lists and you had to" know someone" to get on the list. Each AD got one or two per year max and would often mark the price up or reserve them for special customers only. In those days a white dial Daytona really was a status symbol simply because they were so hard to get.

[pfg1]

Wow, loads of testosterone and short fuses among us! Too bad. In the end, we are all watch enthusiasts.

I would like to hear the Cessna Pilot's version of how this encounter went down. Both pilots were equally unimpressed each other.

[Rags]

Great story Paul. I would have paid to see you go off on the idiot. Thank you for your service my friend..

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by pfg1

Wow, loads of testosterone and short fuses among us! Too bad. In the end, we are all watch enthusiasts.

I would like to hear the Cessna Pilot's version of how this encounter went down. Both pilots were equally unimpressed each other.

You are forgetting that we can't ascertain the tone and non verbals this guy was sending. I'll give Paul the benefit of the doubt he was being a real condescending prick.

If not, you're right but no reason to doubt Paul.

[Bluside]

To me it sounds like the guy was just a bit nerdy and proud of the fact he was a Private Pilot. There is nothing wrong with that.

I'm sure if he had known you are a decorated combat pilot, he would have been in complete awe and still would have talked your ear off and asked a million questions.

I have been in the aviation business a long time. I started flying Cessnas when I was 16. I'm 60 now and ended my career flying Boeing 767s. You definitely meet all kinds of aviators.

Thank you for your service.

[Prestige_Swiss]

They are definitely out there. Interestingly enough LT, I am in the Air Force Reserve Med Squadron, Optometry Tech, and when I do the flight physicals on the pilots they are the coolest guys. I think you handled it tactfully.

Thank you for your service

[Prestige_Swiss]

Funny some of the experiences people have had. I had a customer come in who to this day laughs when he comes to one of my stores, He owns a pretty big Dodge dealership where I live and at the time I was in one of my stores, he walked in with a Sub. I always give watch compliments to people because I just love the hobby. This was our first interaction and after I complimented him he says these exact words, "Oh you like my watch? Do you know what it is? This is a Rolex." Interestingly enough he said it a little loud on purpose since there were other customers in the store. I said "yes sir I am aware of the brand." That part isn't what bothered me, he might've needed that for is ego but what really got under my skin was when he said, "That has to be worth 4 months of your pay" I chuckled since I assumed he thought I couldn't afford one and I pulled my sleeve up and said, "I myself have a Submariner but you see, mine is two tone." It was a dropping the mic type of feeling I had lol Sure there was so much more I wanted to say, but I left it at that and shook his hand and left.

[tkerrmd]

Funny story Paul but more importantly thank you for your service to our country

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Prestige_Swiss

I think you handled it tactfully.

Okay, i just spit up my drink looking at this and I can't just not respond anymore!
Tactfully... Really? That adjective belongs nowhere near the story

I will preface this wth the obligatory thank you for your service and all that but I'll be honest and say that serving in the military doesn't have a thing to do with being right in this situation and I'm wondering if that's why so many people are giving high fives or if this many people lack reading comprehension.

The OP, Paul, laid out his mood coming into this; he was tired and moody and even going so far as to say it's his usual state.

Based on the responses I've read up until this point, this may come as a huge surprise to many but the other party to the conversation did nothing wrong. He was give a compliment and asked a question. His answer may be long winded and self absorbed but guess what? He didn't initiate contact and was merely responding.

Did he know that Paul was a pilot? No and just because he didn't care enough to ask doesn't make him wrong- he just wasn't interested. There is no social rule that says if asked a question you can only answer if you counter with clarifying questions beforehand.

So while many of you think that this guy learned a lesson from this exchange, he didn't. What he took home, as well as everybody else that witnessed the little tantrum, is that some guy initiated a a conversation and then lost it. They probably had a nice chicle about it after storming off.

Sorry, I call it like a see it. No sugar coating from this guy




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[Rock]

Maybe I'm just 'old-fashioned' but I grew up in a society where it was not unusual to speak to a complete stranger and expect a friendly and relaxed response.
Surely 'pompous', 'rude' and 'dismissive' are the same in any culture.
A completely unexpected response such as Paul received would come across like a slap in the face and I think most people would be offended, or at least bemused.
I am beginning to think that with the development of the 'Internet Society' and the obsession with Mobile 'phones, people are losing the ability to communicate appropriately face to face.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Rock

Maybe I'm just 'old-fashioned' but I grew up in a society where it was not unusual to speak to a complete stranger and expect a friendly and relaxed response.
Surely 'pompous', 'rude' and 'dismissive' are the same in any culture.
A completely unexpected response such as Paul received would come across like a slap in the face and I think most people would be offended, or at least bemused.
I am beginning to think that with the development of the 'Internet Society' and the obsession with Mobile 'phones, people are losing the ability to communicate appropriately face to face.

I think the setting has a lot to do with it. I have and see other people having completely normal exchanges with complete strangers all the time. but if I'm in the airport lounge, I don't want to speak to anyone more than perhaps a quick question or hello. The same goes for an airplane. Now I f I'm at an airport bar, that's an entirely different scenario where I am much more open to a conversation with a stranger.

Remember that we are hearing one side of the story. If I'm tired and moody, I have a short fuse. For all we know, the guy might have said the triggering words "if you were a pilot" once. And if Paul wanted to let hm know that he too was a pilot, there was no better opportunity to say it after hearing it the first time. I have yet to meet a serviceman who didn't assert themselves (or insert themselves) when the time was right. How hard would it have been to say, yeah I know- I'm also a pilot


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[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Rock

Maybe I'm just 'old-fashioned' but I grew up in a society where it was not unusual to speak to a complete stranger and expect a friendly and relaxed response.
Surely 'pompous', 'rude' and 'dismissive' are the same in any culture.
A completely unexpected response such as Paul received would come across like a slap in the face and I think most people would be offended, or at least bemused.
I am beginning to think that with the development of the 'Internet Society' and the obsession with Mobile 'phones, people are losing the ability to communicate appropriately face to face.

That and some poeple are just

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I think the setting has a lot to do with it. I have and see other people having completely normal exchanges with complete strangers all the time. but if I'm in the airport lounge, I don't want to speak to anyone more than perhaps a quick question or hello. The same goes for an airplane. Now I f I'm at an airport bar, that's an entirely different scenario where I am much more open to a conversation with a stranger.

Remember that we are hearing one side of the story. If I'm tired and moody, I have a short fuse. For all we know, the guy might have said the triggering words "if you were a pilot" once. And if Paul wanted to let hm know that he too was a pilot, there was no better opportunity to say it after hearing it the first time. I have yet to meet a serviceman who didn't assert themselves (or insert themselves) when the time was right. How hard would it have been to say, yeah I know- I'm also a pilot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How hard would it have been? It was impossible. I tried many times... but the guy would literally not stop talking. I know all about GMT, and every other aspect of flying he was lecturing me on. If he wanted to have a discussion about aviation, I would have been eager to hear all he had to say about his flying, but having a discussion implies letting the other person get a word in, and not speaking down to him on a topic you ASSUME he knows nothing about.

[PerioBear]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

Okay, i just spit up my drink looking at this and I can't just not respond anymore!
Tactfully... Really? That adjective belongs nowhere near the story

I will preface this wth the obligatory thank you for your service and all that but I'll be honest and say that serving in the military doesn't have a thing to do with being right in this situation and I'm wondering if that's why so many people are giving high fives or if this many people lack reading comprehension.

The OP, Paul, laid out his mood coming into this; he was tired and moody and even going so far as to say it's his usual state.

Based on the responses I've read up until this point, this may come as a huge surprise to many but the other party to the conversation did nothing wrong. He was give a compliment and asked a question. His answer may be long winded and self absorbed but guess what? He didn't initiate contact and was merely responding.

Did he know that Paul was a pilot? No and just because he didn't care enough to ask doesn't make him wrong- he just wasn't interested. There is no social rule that says if asked a question you can only answer if you counter with clarifying questions beforehand.

So while many of you think that this guy learned a lesson from this exchange, he didn't. What he took home, as well as everybody else that witnessed the little tantrum, is that some guy initiated a a conversation and then lost it. They probably had a nice chicle about it after storming off.

Sorry, I call it like a see it. No sugar coating from this guy




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Once again, Renato +1. I still think OP could've just politely excused himself and walked away. What does that cost him?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by pfg1

Wow, loads of testosterone and short fuses among us! Too bad. In the end, we are all watch enthusiasts.

I would like to hear the Cessna Pilot's version of how this encounter went down. Both pilots were equally unimpressed each other.

Thing is, this moron didn't know Paul was a pilot until he'd annoyed him beyond the point of no return because he didn't keep his mouth shut for more than one nano-second. So how would he have know Paul was a pilot?

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I think the setting has a lot to do with it. I have and see other people having completely normal exchanges with complete strangers all the time. but if I'm in the airport lounge, I don't want to speak to anyone more than perhaps a quick question or hello. The same goes for an airplane. Now I f I'm at an airport bar, that's an entirely different scenario where I am much more open to a conversation with a stranger.

Remember that we are hearing one side of the story. If I'm tired and moody, I have a short fuse. For all we know, the guy might have said the triggering words "if you were a pilot" once. And if Paul wanted to let hm know that he too was a pilot, there was no better opportunity to say it after hearing it the first time. I have yet to meet a serviceman who didn't assert themselves (or insert themselves) when the time was right. How hard would it have been to say, yeah I know- I'm also a pilot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had an experience a few days ago that reminds me a lot of this thread. Flying Hong Kong to Seoul, the man next to me was really talking my ear off. He was telling me about Korean culture, the quality of Asian airlines, places in Hong Kong and NYC real estate.

I felt a little pissed, since I'd spent more time in both Asia and NYC than he had. But I decided to stay polite and let him talk his thoughts out. A few minutes after leaving the plane, he ran up to me in the airport, gasping for breath. Turns out I'd accidentally left my wallet behind, with my credit cards, 1000 USD cash equivalent and my HK ID card. It was my final destination, and he was connecting, so he went out of his way to find me.

I'm not moralizing or anything. I'm just saying that this guy came off as self absorbed but deep down was a good person. I don't equate bad social skills with bad intentions.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

I had an experience a few days ago that reminds me a lot of this thread. Flying Hong Kong to Seoul, the man next to me was really talking my ear off. He was telling me about Korean culture, the quality of Asian airlines, places in Hong Kong and NYC real estate.

I felt a little pissed, since I'd spent more time in both Asia and NYC than he had. But I decided to stay polite and let him talk his thoughts out. A few minutes after leaving the plane, he ran up to me in the airport, gasping for breath. Turns out I'd accidentally left my wallet behind, with my credit cards, 1000 USD cash equivalent and my HK ID card. It was my final destination, and he was connecting, so he went out of his way to find me.

I'm not moralizing or anything. I'm just saying that this guy came off as self absorbed but deep down was a good person. I don't equate bad social skills with bad intentions.

Good post. Food for thought

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

... I don't equate bad social skills with bad intentions.

Well stated.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

I had an experience a few days ago that reminds me a lot of this thread. Flying Hong Kong to Seoul, the man next to me was really talking my ear off. He was telling me about Korean culture, the quality of Asian airlines, places in Hong Kong and NYC real estate.

I felt a little pissed, since I'd spent more time in both Asia and NYC than he had. But I decided to stay polite and let him talk his thoughts out. A few minutes after leaving the plane, he ran up to me in the airport, gasping for breath. Turns out I'd accidentally left my wallet behind, with my credit cards, 1000 USD cash equivalent and my HK ID card. It was my final destination, and he was connecting, so he went out of his way to find me.

I'm not moralizing or anything. I'm just saying that this guy came off as self absorbed but deep down was a good person. I don't equate bad social skills with bad intentions.

Great story and I completely agree

[Prestige_Swiss]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

Okay, i just spit up my drink looking at this and I can't just not respond anymore!
Tactfully... Really? That adjective belongs nowhere near the story

I will preface this wth the obligatory thank you for your service and all that but I'll be honest and say that serving in the military doesn't have a thing to do with being right in this situation and I'm wondering if that's why so many people are giving high fives or if this many people lack reading comprehension.

The OP, Paul, laid out his mood coming into this; he was tired and moody and even going so far as to say it's his usual state.

Based on the responses I've read up until this point, this may come as a huge surprise to many but the other party to the conversation did nothing wrong. He was give a compliment and asked a question. His answer may be long winded and self absorbed but guess what? He didn't initiate contact and was merely responding.

Did he know that Paul was a pilot? No and just because he didn't care enough to ask doesn't make him wrong- he just wasn't interested. There is no social rule that says if asked a question you can only answer if you counter with clarifying questions beforehand.

So while many of you think that this guy learned a lesson from this exchange, he didn't. What he took home, as well as everybody else that witnessed the little tantrum, is that some guy initiated a a conversation and then lost it. They probably had a nice chicle about it after storming off.

Sorry, I call it like a see it. No sugar coating from this guy




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I definitely read his post out of context, I understood that he almost shouted as in he did not make a scene and with that I assumed he left peacefully. Tactfully does not belong there and you are correct. I can admit that. 👍


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[james1787]

I think I would have done the same if I were in your shoes. That guy had to be put in his place. Thank you for your service

[Sunny Arizona]

Airborne! That was awesome if you make it to my AO drinks on me..

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

So... here is the scene... actually, before I begin let me tell you (as some of you already know) I was a US Navy Pilot for 12 years. I served in Desert Storm. Now, my life has not been perfect, and there are things I am ashamed of, well, I have made mistakes... but something that I AM proud of is my service to my country. I am not better then anyone else, but I flew combat missions, lost a friend, was there when my country called; and I am proud of that. Ok, back to the scene.

It was about 10:00 PM in an airport last night, I am returning home from a long business trip. I am tired and grouchy (hell, my usual state anyway) and I spot a guy sitting in the lounge wearing a YG GMT. Looking forward to a possible conversation with a fellow WIS I compliment him on it, ask him how he likes it, and those were the last words I was able to speak. He went on:

Excellent, the GMT hand tells you something called Greenwhich Mean Time, you see I am a PILOT, I fly a Cessna 172. IF YOU WERE A PILOT you would understand that all flight planning is done on something called GMT, so the flight controllers are on the same time zone. If you ever get to talk with another PILOT he will tell you the same thing. I have over 200 hours in the CESSNA 172, am working on my Instrument Rating, if you were a PILOT like me you would know that was flying IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, when you can't see enough for VFR, or Visual flight rules..... etc.... etc.... etc....

The guy went on and on and I literally could not get a word in. I think recreational aviation is great, and him flying a Cessna around... more power to him, but he kept talking DOWN to me. He must have said 20 times: "If you were a PILOT LIKE ME YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND.... " I seriously.... could not even say a word to tell him I was, he was SO full of himself he just kept talking.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, I stood up, looked down at him and almost shouted: "Lieutenant Paul Dragos, 67 combat missions flown over Iraq during Desert Storm, how many combat hours do you have Mr. Cessna 172 PILOT!?" And stormed away.... It was loud enough to cause a scene in the lounge and I had to walk out to cool down.

Hey, to those of you that fly Cessna, Piper, or a kite, I mean absolutely NO disrespect at all. I wish you all the best and enjoy the aviation experience It's just this guy was SO FULL OF HIMSELF.... talking down to me like I was an idiot... I guess... I don't know... Maybe I shouldn't have blown up like that...

[jcd]

I can tell you a few stories of encountering folks like this.

The American ATCs on this forum are familiar with some of my work, lol. I know it's a watch forum, but still, you could figure out the fellow I'm talking about if I told my best story on this topic. I'll just say this. I feel your pain, but sometimes it's best to keep it to yourself and walk away. I'm glad I did, I've encountered the individual and people he knows frequently since. It's a small world sometimes.