ATP Written Time

I was instructed to bring the results of the ATP written exam with me to day one of class. Now that's several weeks away but, I don't want to waste any time.

I'm taking the ATP at ATP. Huh? ATP Flight School has a one-day cram study/test taking session that costs a little bit more, but I have yet to run into anyone that has scored lower than 90 from ATP Flight School.

It starts at 8 a.m. They have a special bank of questions that eliminates CFR Part 135 questions. You basically spend 8-10 hours cramming on a computer and then take the test.

I've never scored lower than 90 on a rating exam. Hopefully the trend will continue.

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When I get time, I want to post about the cognitive test. It was interesting to say the least.

One Year, Two Months, Fourteen Days

441 Days to be exact since I decided to change my life. To go for the job I've always wanted. Well it happened. Today, I was officially offered a position as a first officer.

If anybody is ever feeling good about themselves, may I suggest taking a cognitive test? It will take you from hero to zero in 1 hour. After completing the test this morning, my self esteem hit a new low. I felt stupid, uncoordinated and a victim of memory loss. The guys taking the test with me said that I was hitting the keyboard so hard that it was shaking the entire cubicle pod. I guess that anxiety and an intense type-a personality really came out. However, the baseline must be low because I passed.

After the cognitive test, we were all given lunch vouchers for the company cafeteria (very nice and great food). After lunch, it was time for the other guys to interview. The pilot recruiter that was handling the group came in and told me in front of everyone that they were offering me a position with the company. It was a little embarrassing, since the others had yet to interview. To make matters worse, they were informed that they wouldn't have an answer for a few days due to timing. Everyone was gracious about it and offered congratulations, but it was still a little embarrassing.

I some ways it seems like it's been such a long journey. In reality, it's been a blink of an eye. It's time to pause and realize how quickly this happened and how fortunate I am to be in this position. Just a few years ago, becoming an airline pilot in one year was pure fiction. There are thousands of people that spend years upon years paying dues to get where I am now.

My goal is to be the very best pilot that I can be while continuing to learn with every flight. A friend told me that a good First Officer 1. Gives the Captain accurate, useful information 2. Enjoys flying with a passion 3. Is always in training to be a Captain.

As it stands, the official class date is August 27th. There's a strong chance of starting earlier. I'll be flying Bombardier CRJ-200, 700 and 900's primarily in the East and Northeast. Training is about 90 days, with the ground and simulator portion lasting about 6 weeks and IOE (Initial Operating Experience) another 4 to 6 weeks. Flying in the Northeast will be great experience. It doesn't get any more difficult than that.

I would like to stay current over the summer and spend as much time with my children as possible. The next year is going to be a busy one and time away from family will be the hardest part.

Fly safely.

The Final Hurdle - For Now

Well here I sit at Sky Harbor in Phoenix waiting for a space available seat on a flight that is terminally oversold. The airline I'm flying has only two daily flights to Cincinnati. Right now, the flight is oversold by 4, which leaves me here to wave goodbye from the terminal.

Oh well, there are other less convenient ways to get there. No complaining. I chose this and had better get used to traveling non-revenue status. The benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.

Wait, I think there's a chance I may get on board after all. The just announced that they don't need volunteers to give up seats. Maybe there will be one seat for me? Maybe?

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I've spoken with as many people as possible about the cognitive test and the concensus is that there is no way to be prepared for it other than having a good night's sleep. The goal of the test is to find out if a prospective pilot is capable of multi tasking in the cockpit of an ailiner.

Nerves are tense...relax...just breathe.

Well, Thanks For Coming Out

We appreciate your interest in XXXair ...























and would like to invite you to our corporate headquarters for the final hiring process!

Seriously, the HR guy that called me gave me the news with a Simon Cowell delivery that went something like this: "Mike, first of all I want to thank you for coming out today. We appreciate the effort you made. That being said, there's really no easy way to tell you this ... ... ... (big dramatic pause) ... ... ... we think you did a great job at the interview and would make a great addition to our team and we'd like to invite you to Northeastern City for the final stage of the hiring process. Congratulations."

I had been doubting my performance all day long and was really dreading the phone call. I honestly thought they were going to pass on me. The Simon Cowell bit actually worked as I sank into the couch only to be followed by total elation.

It's hard to believe how much has happened and the progress that has been made in just a little more than a year. One thing is for sure, without the support of family and friends it would have never happened.

My wife has been the pillar in our home during the last year. Her strength and love has made all of the difference.

So, in the next week or two, I'll be headed to company headquarters for a quick overnight. The final stage involves a cognitive computer assessment, background check etc. If all goes well, I should be starting class on July 30th.

If you want to become an airline pilot, NOW is the time to do it. There hiring conditions out there right now will not last forever and could take decades to repeat. The brass ring is closer than ever.

BTW - This is what my daughter drew for me and left outside of her bedroom last night. She is the sweetest thing in the whole world.

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.