The Great Gig In The Sky: 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.