Almost Online

No, not on the Internet. I'm writing this so obviously I must be...oh, never mind. What I mean, is that I'm almost online as a flight instructor! It's been a few since my last post, so an update is in order.

After coming home from my CFI training, I contacted the two flight schools in the local area. RIC is the domain of ATP, and now that I sit here and think about it, I guess they could be an option once I get the -II (soon) and MEI (not on the horizon). At any rate, I contacted the two flight schools and impatiently awaited the opportunity to interview with the both. After what seemed like an eternity of a week and a few days, I finally had my two interviews scheduled. Now, as someone with an IT background, I've been to quite a few interviews in the last 10 years. Because of the demand for my IT skills, I never really felt any pressure going into an interview, because there was always "someone else" that would hire me. Despite the almost rabid demand for flight instructors, I was nervous as heck going into both interviews. Maybe it was because there are only two players in town. Maybe it was because it was it is a new endeavor and I want to get off to a good start in my new career field. Maybe, and probably, it was some of both. Whatever the case, I was nervous. Both were relaxed affairs, and, long story short, ended in my getting job offers. I should have expected it, with the demand levels, but you never know. Of course, it's always nice to be wanted.

After much gnashing of teeth, I chose the "other guy", as in the one that I did NOT do my flight training at. My home FBO was definitely disappointed, but understanding. The main two reasons I made the choice were 1) pay and 2) opportunity. I think it's hard to argue with that. My new employer is part of a larger entity that includes a busy charter department, and it's written right in the handbook that, if the need exists, flight instructors can transition into flying charters. That is a very nice option to have.

After another eternity of two weeks, I finally got into the aircraft this week for my checkouts. My flight school has a mixed Cessna and Diamond fleet, although they are about to become a certified Diamond training center, which is pretty exciting with the prospect of getting one or more Diamond TwinStars online and having D-Jets in and out from time to time. We were also recently awarded the distinction of being the sole distributor of Diamond aircraft in a 6 state area, which is also very exciting. The more I write, the better I feel about making the decision I did. So anyway, for my checkouts I had to go up in a DA-20, which I've never flown, and a C-172 which I've flown A LOT. One of our instructors is a retired airline pilot, and he did my checkout in the Diamond. It is a slick and slippery little airplane, and it's easy to get up into the yellow arc if you don't watch your speed. In fact, my first landing was actually not a landing, but a go around for that reason. I turned final at 90 kts, and could never get rid of it. I couldn't even get into the white for the last notch of flaps, which would have been just what I needed. On the second trip, we used approach flaps on the downwind, "just like you'll do it at the airlines" Jim told me. That sent a little chill up my spine. Jim likes to spread the Diamond checkout over two flights, so I've got one more coming up. I'm rather looking forward to it.

The Cessna checkout was a non-event, oh, except for me performing the worst steep turns I've ever done. It took four tries to get them to standard. And I'm supposed to teach people to do this??? I would have been really rattled if I hadn't just ripped off some brilliant flight at MCA at about 37 knots without losing a foot of altitude (yes, I'm stroking the ego to compensate for those nasty steep turns). Our chief flight instructor dismissed it as "rust"...whatever you say, you're the boss!

I also decided that today was the day to let the boss (the IT one) know that sometime in the near future I'd be leaving as a full-time consultant. It wasn't an official resignation, more of a heads up. My hope is that I can transition to a part time IT guy and fly 4 days per week. That will help ease the shock of giving up so much income, while letting me build my time at a faster rate. He seemed to be understanding and very appreciative of the notice. Just goes to show, too much communication is never a bad thing...unless you're hogging the airwaves, but ATC will let you know about it.

This is aviation cliche, but I can't believe that I'm getting paid to fly airplanes. If you can say "I can't believe I get paid to do this" about whatever you do, you are in a good place and be grateful. My wife is truly an angel sent to me - one with the patience and understanding of a saint. I would not have come this far without her love and support, and I won't continue without it. I give all the glory to her, and to the Man upstairs for planting this passion in my heart. I hope one day I can show her the same support that she has shown me. Although...I know what she wants, and it requires diaper changes...the day that our daughter was potty trained was one of the best days of my life, not looking forward to that part again....