The First Step Is Always The Hardest

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I finally got all of my ducks in a row. Resume done, logbook totaled, records & certificates up to date and airline chosen.

Yesterday, I met the head of pilot recruitment for the airline I have chosen. He happened to be in Phoenix and it just worked out. We chatted for a few minutes about my qualifications and where I stand. He asked for my resume. Yes! He said to apply immediately. Yes!

Application sent. Mike, hold southwest of ***air. One minute legs. EFC: when we're ready to get back with you.

I'm just a little bit anxious. It's driving my wife crazy.

Time to start reviewing CRJ performance, limitations and systems. I'm sure that's the aircraft I'll be grilled on during the interview.

Vacation Over. The Hunt Is On.

Carnival Pride

The family just returned from a relaxing seven day cruise on the Mexican Riviera. Our family vacations are predominantly cruises. They are a great value and a lot of fun.

This trip, we were on the Carnival Pride. We really like this ship. There's plenty for the kids to do and it never felt crowded, even though it was at 100% capacity.

In Puerto Vallarta, we spent the morning with the kids at a water park. After dropping the kids at the ship, my wife and I enjoyed a nice lunch along the Malecon and some shopping. The next day in Mazatlan, we took the kids horseback riding along the beach and coconut groves on Stone Island. My daughter has been taking riding lessons and I was proud of how well she handled her horse.

We couldn't believe that we got all the horses together and kids smiling.

The next day we were in our favorite port, Cabo San Lucas. We've been there four other times, always on a cruise. We keep saying that we'll actually fly there and spend three or four days at one of the beach resorts. Free airfare will be a great incentive.

In Cabo, we rented a Wave Runner and took all the kids out. They really had a blast and enjoyed being close to sea lions in the open ocean.

My daughter had been begging me to try para sailing at every port and I finally caved. It is very easy in Cabo. They take you out to a custom made boat and you launch and recover directly from a platform on the boat. No water. No risky beach landing. Just a nice, smooth flight to a height of about 300 feet.

My middle son with a very serious look on his face.

Daddy and daughter soaring over San Lucas Bay. Where's the yoke?

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The airline decision has been made. The application process is just a few days away. Sun burned, well rested with some quality family time. Let the stress begin. Wish me luck.

Home Sweet Home

After being away from home for 31 days, it really feels good to be home. I spent the entire month of April in Denver completing the final phase of my flight training and it really feels good to be home with my wife and kids.

Things at home got a little livelier while I was gone. There was a death in the family and I came home for a day and a half. While the circumstances sucked, it was good to see my family. We had been talking about getting a puppy for the kids and this is what we found:

Piper

Well, from a lazy man's perspective, the timing couldn't have been better. Get the puppy now so my wife and worry about the 2 a.m. potty training while I'm away! As believable as it sounds, that wasn't the true reason. We were driving home from lunch and passed by a sign advertising Lab puppies. My wife actually was the one that made the big deal about it.

Anyway, her name is Piper (my wife's idea, actually). The name fits her perfectly. She was 10 weeks old when we got her. In the three weeks we've had her, she's doubled in size...and energy.

The dog thing is a little O.T., but her name is Piper.

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So now it is time for the long awaited family vacation. We all need it. When we return, it's time to start looking for a job. Wow. One year has passed. My goal was to be ready for a job in 18 months, and it happened in 12.

I'm looking at a four different airlines: ******, ********, ******* *** and **********. The airline I was originally looking towards just won't work for me. They currently have about a 7 year wait for upgrade. ******* *** sounds great, but they fly Embraer 145's. All of my training has been focused on the CRJ. I'm sure it wouldn't be bad to learn the Embraer. My friends all tell me it's a dream to fly.

At my age, the most important thing is time to upgrade. Quality of life is also important and I might have to sacrifice a little to get the upgrade faster. The quicker I can upgrade to captain, the quicker I can build the all important turbine Pilot In Command time that is required to work for Legacy carriers, or premier global freight companies. One of the above airlines just lowered its upgrade requirements and that is why I am giving it such a serious look.

If all goes well, there could be a few interviews this month and a June class date. That would be exciting, huh? Ugh. I forgot how much I hate looking for a job. Resumes, cover letters, letters of recommendation, interview prep etc. Just writing about it is making me tired.

I hope all is well with everyone. Happy flying. Safe flying.

The flash overpowered the CRT's of the PFD, MFD, EICAS 1&2 & FMS.

No flash. Too blurry. This camera sucks.