May 2018 Aero Crew News
Your Source for Pilot Hiring and More..
Direct Entry Captains Earn Up to $45K Bonus at Envoy
Near Entry Captain? 500+ PIC hours flying Part 135 or Fractional Ownership OR Looking for stability? Envoy is growing! 500+ hours flying Part 121 Leverage your experience and benefit Also qualifies you for up to from fast career progression. If you have $45K 1000+ hours flying Part 135/Fractional bonus! Ownership, you may qualify.
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Envoy_AFW_ad_full_dec2016.indd 7 4/25/18 2:52 PM Jump to each section Below contents by clicking on the title or photo. May 2018
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24 38
26 Also Featuring:
Letter from the Publisher 8
Aviator Bulletins 10
Just Culture 34
The Perils of Falsification 36
Leading the Way into NextGen 46 the grid
New Airline Updated Flight Attendant Legacy Regional Alaska Airlines Air Wisconsin The Mainline Grid 46 American Airlines Cape Air Delta Air Lines Compass Airlines Legacy, Major, Cargo & International Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Corvus Airways United Airlines CommutAir General Information Endeavor Air Work Rules Envoy Additional Compensation Details Major ExpressJet Airlines Allegiant Air GoJet Airlines Airline Base Map Frontier Airlines Horizon Air JetBlue Airways Island Air Southwest Airlines Mesa Airlines Spirit Airlines Republic Airways The Regional Grid 54 Sun Country Airlines Seaborne Airlines Virgin America Skywest Airlines General Information Silver Airways Trans States Airlines Work Rules PSA Airlines Additional Compensation Details Cargo Piedmont Airlines ABX Air Airline Base Map Ameriflight Atlas Air FedEx Express Kalitta Air The Flight Attendant Grid 62 UPS
General Information Work Rules Additional Compensation Details
May 2018 | 5 THE WORLD’S LARGEST NETWORK OF LGBT AVIATORS AND ENTHUSIASTS
There’s still a lot of progress to make, and we’re ready for the challenge. The NGPA is a leader in helping aviators, whether it’s through career enhancement, advocating for civil rights, or having killer networking and social events. We’ve given away over $255,000 to aspiring aviators to further their education. We welcome everyone, gay or straight, to join us and
SEE WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER.
JOIN THE GLOBAL LGBT AVIATION COMMUNITY AT NGPA.ORG
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REACH AN AFFLUENT COMMUNITY OF LGBT AVIATORS AT THE NGPA INDUSTRY EXPO. E: [email protected]
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There’s still a lot of progress to make, and we’re ready for the challenge. Looks Bright The NGPA is a leader in helping aviators, whether it’s through career enhancement, advocating for civil rights, or having killer networking and social events. We’ve given away over $255,000 to aspiring aviators to further their education. We welcome everyone, gay or straight, to join us and Commuter Friendly Domiciles in Chicago O’Hare, Milwaukee, SEE WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER. and Washington Dulles
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NGPA_Advertisement-FullPage.indd 1 7/16/15 11:59 PM Dear readers,
Last month, our photo editor Melody, took a trip to Louisville, Kentucky to spend a day at UPS Airlines. There, she met future pilot Taylor Peef and Captain Gloria Hatcher and visited with Captain Larry Parker and Dan Thomas, Workforce Planning Manager. Jim Mayer, the Public Relations Manager, spent his day giving her the full tour of the UPS facility as well as providing access for her to shadow a UPS captain and first officer from the time they arrived at the facility until they took off in their aircraft.
Rather amazing to see is the enormity of the UPS facility which occupies over half of the airport in Louisville, Melody reports. She was able to get a sense of just how vast their operations are as she observed areas from the sorting facility to where the fireproof containers are packed before being loaded onto the plane.
Shadowing Captain Mark Reisdorfer and First Officer Jennifer Desserich gave her a great behind-the- scenes look at how their operations work. She sat in the crew room as they went over their flight plan and picked up their catering, followed them as a van drove them to the aircraft they’d be flying, and walked around the plane with Captain Mark as he did his walk-around. She observed as they loaded the containers onto the plane and continued to watch as they took off for their destination.
We’re grateful that she was able to document her experiences so that she could to share in this month’s feature. We hope you’ll enjoy this rare glimpse into the UPS operation.
Fly Safe, About the Publisher
Craig Pieper is the Publisher and Founder of Aero Crew News. Craig D. Pieper Craig obtained his Bachelors of Science in Aeronautical Science, along with a minor in Aviation Weather, from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in 2001. Craig is also a Captain for a regional airline with a type rating in the Embraer 145 and has logged over 6,000 hours of flying time since his introductory flight on November 14th, 1992.
8 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS April 2018
Last month Aero Crew News featured Explore Women in Aviation International, Regardless of Gender. We CREDITS welcome Top Bunk, a new column for commuters with How To Find A Great Crash Pad. Pilot Perspectives starts a new series called Ace It, Knowing the Standards, Publisher / Founder helping you ace your check ride or interview. Million-Air Craig Pieper explores financial strategies with How (And Why) To Put Your Financial Life on Autopilot. Voyage welcomes Bert Aero Crew Solutions, CEO Botta, this month as he reveals an insider’s view with Scott Rehn An Airline Captain’s Secrets to Transformative Travel. Fitness Corner questions Is Your Uniform Making you Sick? Safety Matters is on its last installment of a three- Editor part series to examine Safety Management Systems Deborah Bandy (SMS). Captain Mike, continues etiquette class with Pass Riding: The Unwritten Common Sense Rules. And, Photo Editor of course, there is always Aviator Bulletins with more Melody Hood aviation news from CommutAir, Envoy, Beijing Capital Helicopter, JetLinx, Republic Airways and United Airlines. Layout Design To view this and previous issues, visit our archive Charlotte Dameron at aerocrewnews.com/category/issues/
Additional Contributors Joshua Dils, Lauren Dils MikeDavis, Scott Stahl, Bert Botta, Meredith Edwards, Mike Davis, Cameron Shulak, Stephen Glenn
Aviator Bulletins Provided by the companies listed
Photographs By Melody Hood Additional photographs as noted.
Social Media Marketing By Modern Aviation Marketing © 2018 Aero Crew News, All Rights Reserved. Aero Crew News reserves the right to all the data, articles and information contained & Public Relations in this magazine. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited and ModernAviationMarketing.com prosecutors will be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
May 2018 | 9 AVIATOR BULLETINS Future United Airlines Captain
Photos By & Written by: CommutAir
ave you ever thought about So, what is so special about flying a jet? Dreamed of flying the CommutAir RTP? for an international network • Train at Home: Avoid spending time and Hairline? Ready to make the switch to money away from home and family. Unlike other carriers, we allow you to fixed-wing aviation? If so, we invite train at your local flight school!
you to join CommutAir, United Airlines’ • Train without disrupting your life: We all have fastest-growing regional partner! obligations and responsibilities and with that recognition, CommutAir provides you We, at CommutAir, recently announced our Rotor the flexibility to continue your military or Transition Program (RTP) designed specifically for civilian responsibilities while you train. YOU. We sought extensive feedback from the fixed wing pilot community, including the Rotor Transition • Military and Civilian rotor pilots welcome: to Airline Group (RTAG), to create the most pilot- We are here to make everyone’s fixed- friendly program among all regional airlines. wing aspirations come true! Our program is open to all rotor pilots.
10 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS Why CommutAir? How to Apply?
• Growth: We plan to triple the size of our all- Visit www.flycommutair.com/rotor-transition-program/ jet fleet! Growth gets you quickly to a left seat or apply directly at AirlineApps. Once your application is and accumulate the PIC hours to move on to reviewed, we will put you in contact with a recruiter and the international network carriers. help fund your transition training with up to $22,100. • $55.50/Hour: With monthly aircraft deliveries Want to find out more? Contact us by: and a growing route map, we are confident in our ability to upgrade you to captain and • Email: pilotrecruiting@commutair.com guarantee captain pay after Year 1. • Call: 440-779-4599 ext. 399 • United Career Path Program (CPP): We offer pilots the fastest path to United Airlines via • Visit AirlinePilotCentral the 4-step CPP: • You can also contact us via social media at 1. Join CommutAir Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 2. Interview with United Your dream to a United Airlines’ flight desk 3. Accumulate required flight time starts with CommutAir! ACN 4. Join United • The faster we grow, the quicker you go to UA! Come on board and beat our 2 years 10 days CommutAir to United indoc-to-indoc record. • Industry’s Best Commuter Benefits: With United’s extensive route map and up to 4 free hotel rooms a month, we make your commute effortless from wherever you call home.
May 2018 | 11 AVIATOR BULLETINS HNA General Aviation Debuts at China’s Zhengzhou Air Show 2018
HNA General Aviation’s Airbus helicopters, operated by Capital Helicopter and offered for corporate limousine and air tourism among other operations
he Chinese general aviation Photos By & Written by: DeerJet behemoth HNA General Aviation
Investment Group (HNA General the National Development and Reform Commission, TAviation) has debuted at the Zhengzhou national and foreign experts and business leaders.
Air Show 2018, showcasing VIP- During the five days of the air show, HNA General configured BBJ737, making of subsidiaries Aviation is exhibiting some of the best aircraft available Deer Jet, Capital Helicopter and HNA for private charter in the region. A BBJ737, a long-haul, VIP-class aircraft operated by Seven-star private jet Aviation Academy the main highlights company Deer Jet, which can carry up to 26 passengers of the international air show. on long flights with luxurious accommodation.
This is the fourth edition of the Zhengzhou Air Show, According to HNA General Aviation, the company’s founding taking place from April 27th to May 1st 2018 at the mission is to support the development of the general Shangjie General Aviation Airport in the capital of aviation industry in China and across Asia, with an ambitious central China’s Henan province. The show has a pivotal plan of heavy investments for infrastructure, service role in China’s ambitious plan of becoming the largest capabilities and human capital building. And now the general aviation market in Asia, serving as an exchange company turns its support to events such the Zhengzhou and business platform for manufacturers, operators, air show where operators come to explore and uncover service providers, authorities and the press. the potential of China’s general aviation market.
Attracting exhibitors and visitors from more than As general aviation continues to be one of the main topics 37 countries and territories, the show also holds for policy-makers and investors in the country, HNA General high-end forums including the “National Forum on Aviation has showcased its privileged position and ability the Development of the General Aviation Industry”, to aid the expansion of the industry, offering one of the “International General Aviation Business Forum” and finest and most diverse aircraft fleets including customized “Air Silk Road Forum”. Forums participants include BBJ, Gulfstream and ACJ series among others. ACN
12 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS Southwest Airlines® Invites you to our Pilot Career Expo Saturday, June 16th Morning and Afternoon Sessions • One-on-one Information Sessions with Southwest Pilots • Pilot Credentials and resume review • Tour of the Southwest Airlines Campus • Question and Answer conducted by our Manager of Pilot Hiring • Tips to be more competitive in selection process
Our registration process has changed! • We will gather a list of hopefuls interested in attending the Expo via EventBrite from May 7-14, 2018. • Ocial Expo Tickets will be sent via email no later than May 21, 2018, to those selected to attend. If selected to attend, you will need to register at that time to confirm your attendance. • Expressing interest does not guarantee a ticket to attend the event. • Event is limited to 400 ticketed attendees only; unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins. As always, no registration fee will be required to attend.
To express interest in attending: • Go to southwestpilotexpo.eventbrite.com • When prompted for password, enter: SouthwestPilotInterest • Click “Register” • Complete your interest in attending by entering the required information. Please only register once. • You will receive a confirmation email from EventBrite once you have submitted interest. • Ocial Expo Tickets will be sent via email no later than May 21, 2018, to those selected to attend.
Location Southwest Airlines Training and Operational Support (TOPS) Building 2432 Wyman St. Dallas, TX 75235 • You will be responsible for your own travel, transportation, and lodging.
May 2018 | 13 Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AVIATOR BULLETINS
Silver Airways Acquires Seaborne Airlines
To Create Leading Independent Airline Serving the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, and Beyond Photos By & Written by: Silver Airways
ilver Airways and Seaborne “I am thrilled to welcome the Seaborne team members Airlines today announced that to the Silver family as together we create one of the nation’s leading independent airlines in a transaction Silver’s acquisition of Seaborne’s that will benefit our guests, team members, and Sbusiness and assets has successfully the communities we serve, as well as both airlines’ closed, creating a leading independent valued codeshare and interline partnerships with most major U.S. carriers,” said Silver Airways CEO airline to serve the Caribbean, Steve Rossum. “This transaction brings together Bahamas, Florida, and beyond. two strong and historic independent airlines with amazing employees, an excellent track record of The acquisition brings together two strong operational safety, respect for our people and our independent airlines with similar Saab 340B fleets, communities, and great service for our passengers.” complementary route networks, and common codeshare/interline partners. With the upcoming “We at Seaborne are excited about this partnership deployment of Silver’s recently announced new fleet with Silver Airways and the opportunities that of state-of-the-art ATR-600s across both networks, it can provide,” said Seaborne CEO Ben Munson. the combined airline will have an expanded range, “Despite the devastating impact of Hurricanes Irma allowing it to better serve passengers and markets and Maria, our resilient and dedicated employees while creating more opportunities for employees at Seaborne have successfully restructured our and greater value for its business partners. company with the support of our loyal passengers.
14 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS We are well positioned to grow with an airline that passengers will be able to earn and redeem frequent shares our common goals of success, and are very traveler miles under Seaborne’s SeaMiles program. pleased that San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands will Initially, Seaborne will continue to operate under its continue to be significant for Silver and Seaborne.” own certificate as a standalone operating subsidiary of Silver. The merger of the two airlines’ operating The combined airline will continue operating Silver’s functions, joint branding, and streamlining of the guest route network in the Bahamas, Florida, and beyond experience is expected to occur during the next year. under the Silver Airways banner and Seaborne’s route network throughout Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Steve Rossum of Silver Airways will serve as CEO of and the Caribbean under the Seaborne name. The the combined airline. Ben Munson will resume his total fleet now consists of 31 aircraft, including Saab role as president of aviation consulting firm Embark 340 and de Havilland Twin Otter seaplane aircraft. Aviation, and continue as a valued advisor to the Silver is also the North American launch customer for company. The combined airline will employ nearly the eco-friendly ATR-600 aircraft in the U.S. Silver 1,000 aviation professionals and will be headquartered took delivery of the first 46-seat ATR-42 earlier this at Silver Airways’ offices in Fort Lauderdale under month and has a firm order for 19 additional ATR- the leadership of executives from both Silver and 600s and up to 30 additional purchase rights. Seaborne. Corporate and operations support functions will continue at locations in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tickets for Silver Airways will continue to be available Tampa, San Juan, and St. Croix, U.S.V.I. ACN on SilverAirways.com and bookings for Seaborne will continue onSeaborneAirlines.com. Seaborne
May 2018 | 15 AVIATOR BULLETINS
Desert Jet Center Safest In Soutwest Desert Jet Center Becomes The Only Fixed-Base Operator To Earn Highest Industry Safety Standards Designations In The Entire Desert Southwest Region Of The U.S.
Photos By & Written by: Desert Jet
esert Jet Center, the newest registration as well as the NATA Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) in Safety 1st certification, signaling a the greater Palm Springs area, commitment of its leadership team to Dtoday became the one and only FBO safety management and risk mitigation. in the desert southwest region of the The desert southwest region U.S. to hold the prestigious IS-BAH encompasses Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.
16 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS The International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling “Safety is Paramount is not only one of our CORE (IS-BAH) follows the structure of the International Values, it is in our bones,” said Brad Elliot, General Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Manager of Desert Jet Center. “When we opened the program and incorporates the NATA Safety 1st Ground FBO we set out to achieve the top safety accolades in Audit Program. IS-BAH is the global industry standard the industry, IS-BAH registration and NATA Safety 1st, for business aircraft handling agents and fixed-base just as Desert Jet Charter and Desert Jet Maintenance operators around the world developed to align with have done in their companies. Our culture and SMS existing and future Safety Management System (SMS) program allows us to continually improve as well as requirements aimed at ground handling service be proactive to safety concerns. Attaining these two providers. According to the National Air Transportation designations was a momentous investment in time and Association’s map of the safety standards status of money that has paid dividends in avoiding accidents. all FBOs worldwide, few FBOs nationwide are IS-BAH The NATA’s status map makes a great reference for registered and NATA Safety 1st qualified, and only one schedulers & dispatchers, pilots, and operators to FBO, Desert Jet Center, holds both designations in the choose which FBO to use to mitigate their risks.” greater Palm Springs area and desert southwest region. Denise Wilson added, “As an IS-BAO stage III jet operator, “Visitors to our region are becoming much more it was important for us to build an FBO that met our safety sophisticated about the options provided by aviation standards from the ground up. The day our FBO opened, service providers and are increasingly looking we had a set of standards developed from over ten years for full-service FBOs that provide an anticipatory of operating an active fleet of jet aircraft and lessons customer service experience as well as the highest learned from our SMS. Desert Jet Center was developed safety and quality standards,” said Denise Wilson, to meet the exacting needs of the IS-BAO-compliant President and CEO of parent company Desert Jet. flight department and we are proud of our FBO team for “Our FBO team’s commitment to ongoing training embracing the IS-BAH standard so thoroughly.” ACN and professional development has led them to earn numerous accolades and safety nods and we could not be prouder of their achievements.”
May 2018 | 17 AVIATOR BULLETINS PSA Airlines to Operate 15 New Bombardier Large Regional Jets for American Airlines
Aircraft To Replace Small Regional Jets Currently Flown Across The American Eagle System
merican Airlines announced Photo By & Written by: PSA today that it would take delivery of 15 new Bombardier CRJ900 Across American Eagle, these new deliveries will ANextGen aircraft and has selected be offset by the retirement of smaller single- PSA Airlines to operate those aircraft class regional jets. However, at PSA specifically, under the American Eagle brand. we expect modest fleet growth in 2019 as a greater percentage of American’s regional flying will be PSA will begin to take delivery of the operated by their wholly-owned carriers. additional 15 CRJ900s beginning in The CRJ900 NextGen aircraft is a fuel-efficient large April 2019 with plans for all aircraft to regional jet and provides American’s customers with be received by early 2020. American a seamless transition between mainline and regional and Bombardier’s executed agreement flights. The 76-seat jet features a two-class configuration with 12 First Class seats, all-leather seating and inflight includes a firm order for 15 CRJ900 WiFi, allowing American to offer an unsurpassed regional plus an additional 15 options. customer experience in its most competitive markets. The aircraft offers Bombardier’s latest enhancement to “This new aircraft placement underscores American’s the CRJ Series regional jets – the “Atmosphere” cabin, continued confidence in our PSA team members to which offers an enhanced passenger experience and provide friendly, reliable and cost-effective regional can accommodate the largest number of “oversized” services for their customers,” said Dion Flannery, roller bags of any aircraft in the same category. President – PSA Airlines. “The CRJ900 NextGen is the right and best aircraft for PSA’s growing fleet and adding With the new aircraft additions, PSA will operate these new jets into our system allows us to begin the nearly 70 CRJ900s, or approximately half of process of renewal and modernization of our aircraft, the airline’s fleet. PSA is well on its way to providing more opportunities for our airline to grow operating one of the most modern and efficient and serve larger markets on behalf of American.” fleets in the regional industry. ACN
18 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS Envoy Airlines To Operate 15 New Embraer Large Regional Jets For American Airlines
Aircraft To Replace Small Regional Jets Currently Flown Across The American Eagle System
Photo By & Written by: Envoy
nvoy Air Inc., the largest wholly a greater percentage of American’s regional flying will be operated by its wholly-owned carriers. owned regional airline subsidiary of American Airlines Group (AAG) “Every new aircraft that is added to our fleet represents more jobs and greater opportunity Eannounced today that American Airlines for our people,” said President and CEO Pedro plans to add 15 more 76-seat, two- Fábregas in a letter to Envoy employees. “American’s class Embraer 175 (E175) aircraft to the continued support of Envoy’s growth is a direct result of our team’s performance, and I want to thank Envoy fleet during 2019. American’s each of you for contributing to our success.” announcement also included options Envoy is actively hiring for pilots, flight attendants,
for 15 additional Embraer 175 aircraft. mechanics and airport employees needed to support its This new aircraft order is in addition to the 10 E175s growing operation – see www.envoyair.com for details. currently scheduled to begin arriving this fall – and “The introduction of the Embraer 175 to Envoy’s will bring Envoy’s E175 fleet to 69 by the end of 2019. fleet has been outstanding and it continues to be Across the American Eagle network, these new a reliable aircraft that our customers and crews deliveries will be offset by the retirement of love to fly,” added Fábregas. “I’m excited to see smaller single-class regional jets. However, at our E175 fleet expanding – and look forward to Envoy, we expect modest fleet growth in 2019 as continued success in the days ahead.” ACN
May 2018 | 19 FEATURE Women With Wings:
Cadet Instructor Ying Liu Photos By & Written by: Envoy
oing from pushing beverage Locked in and on path
carts down the cabin aisle Talking with American Airlines Captain Kyle Sims in to pulling the yolk on the Phoenix, where she was based as a flight attendant, Gflight deck happens more often she was offered flight lessons and told about the Envoy than you’d think. Envoy Cadet Cadet Program. Gaining flight hours and earning money while instructing at an Envoy partner flight school Instructor Ying Liu gave into the urge was exactly what Ying needed to fulfill her dream. to fly when she was a cabin crew Last December, Ying interviewed for the Cadet position, member for American Airlines. which may be the very last interview in her career, if Hiding inside the perky, friendly Ying who makes a she progresses from Cadet to Envoy pilot to American. perfect flight attendant, was a competitively driven “I can’t even put into words how great it is and fearless woman who is captivated by the thrill that I have that kind of security,” said Ying. “It of commanding an aircraft. All it took was a little allows me to focus on my goal of returning to nudge in the right direction, and Ying was well on her American without any distractions from becoming way down the path to becoming an Envoy pilot. the best pilot and instructor I can be.” “From the first time I saw the amazing view from the During her time as an American flight attendant, flight deck, I knew what I wanted to do,” said Ying. Ying said she grew to love her coworkers who were “I took a leap of faith going from flight attendant to always welcoming and professional. American is pilot, but after my discovery flight, I felt like my life the only airline she said she would fly for because had a purpose to be an American Airlines pilot.” of its family-like culture, strong work ethics and its all-American branding that represents freedom.
20 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS Okay with being different
That kind of excitement and commitment bodes well for Ying’s future as an airline pilot. Other than airplanes; her family, cooking and coffee also bring joy to her life.
A native to China, Ying and her family moved to the U.S. when she was seven years old and now own a family restaurant business in Florida. Her two older sisters work in the restaurant with her parents, so Ying is kind of the black sheep in that regard.
“At first, my mother was nervous about me becoming a pilot,” said Ying. “But after I began showing results, my parents became so, so supportive. I wouldn’t be as sure of myself without them and their excitement to see me succeed. Plus, they love the flight privileges, because they can fly to China in first class whenever they want.”
Just about four to five months down the line, Ying will begin First Officer training at Envoy. She already has in mind that she’d love to be involved with training other pilots, and even wants to keep her instructing license current to keep teaching future aviators. Passing on the passion “I’ll seek out any involvement that allows me to use Flying thousands of feet above the Atlantic all my abilities and skills at Envoy and American,” Ocean, Ying currently flight instructs at L3 Airline said Ying. “I’m just excited to be with Envoy, and can’t Academy near Orlando, Florida. Being the goal- wait to get back to my American Airlines family.” driven person she is, Ying gets great satisfaction out of seeing her students achieve success. Interested in becoming an Envoy Cadet? Learn more on our Cadet Program page. ACN The many international students she instructs have told her that she’s a strict teacher, but appreciate the motivation the get from her pushing them to be their best, Ying said. During her typical 8 to 10 hour day, Ying conducts about five events; either ground or flight instructing with students.
Her favorite part isn’t the teaching or flying, it’s the look on her students’ face when they have that ahamoment and begin grasping the task at hand. That’s why Ying has earned a promotion to Check Instructor during her four months at her flight school, because she really cares about sharing the passion for flight.
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Why You Should Definitely Earn a Flight Instructor Certificate
Part of the Positive Rate Series
Written by: Cameron Shulak
rofessional Pilots of Tomorrow’s “Positive Rate” series focuses on ways to continuously improve our careers as aviators. “Positive Rate” is the callout used by most airline crews to indicate the aircraft is moving in the correct direction and the Pgear can be raised for flight. As such, the series focuses on ways to ensure our careers are continuously moving in the best direction, or in a “positive rate.”
Professional Pilots of Tomorrow’s “Positive Rate” series All are perfectly viable options and each has advantages focuses on ways to continuously improve our careers as and disadvantages, but I believe one of them to be the aviators. “Positive Rate” is the callout used by most airline definitive best choice. And while I don’t know every pilot’s crews to indicate the aircraft is moving in the correct individual situation, I offer this advice to anyone who might direction and the gear can be raised for flight. As such, the be currently making this decision, or is coming upon it in series focuses on ways to ensure our careers are continu- the future. I firmly believe that earning a Flight Instructor ously moving in the best direction, or in a “positive rate.” Certificate is one of the best decisions you can make in your flight training and aviation career. A common fork in the road for many pilots-in-training comes after they finish their Commercial Certificate. From Before I break down a few reasons why I believe this, let this point, a pilot pursuing a career in aviation has several me speak to the people who are already arguing with me in options. Assuming someone received a Commercial Certifi- their heads, and address a few reasons why it might make cate with a Single-Engine Rating (which is many pilots’ sit- since to pass up grabbing your Instructor Certificate at this uation) they could try to jump right into professional flying crossroads of your career. First, and maybe most obviously, in a “low-time” opportunity such as aerial mapping, flying is if you have a great job opportunity waiting. I would never skydivers, banner towing, etc. Another option is to add discourage anyone from pursuing an awesome opportunity a Multi-Engine Rating to their newly minted Commercial that will gain them valuable experience and broaden their Certificate quickly and pursue a similarly low-time oppor- career horizons. Now, notice how I said “great” opportunity. tunity with a twin-engine operator doing charter SIC, night At this point in your career, I would not recommend that cargo, or corporate flying. Lastly, but certainly not least, is you settle for an average position that isn’t going to give the option to keep the training mindset and begin working you significant résumé and logbook building opportunities. on a Flight Instructor Certificate. Another unfortunate reason pilots may stray away from an
24 | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS Instructor Certificate is for personal or financial reasons. better example, line check pilots are tasked with teach- Flight training is expensive and by this point, most people ing brand new first officers the ways of the airline, and have likely already paid for about 250 hours of flying. If this developing their skills to a point where they can fly the is the case, and money for flight training is tight, then by all line on their own. Considering this, it seems pretty clear means, take a job that will get you into a pilot’s seat and why airlines – and other companies for that matter – might get the money flowing in your direction. want a person who not only has a proven track record as a pilot, but also as a teacher and mentor. Now, even if you fall into one of the situations just dis- cussed, I encourage you keep reading. Though becoming A final but equally important reason an Instructor Certif- an instructor may not make sense now, the reasons we’re icate can prove valuable is that aviation will always need about to discuss may come to be of value at another point instructors. Even if, in 100 years (or however long it might in your career. I will explain why a Flight Instructor Cer- take) we get to a point where airliners are flying them- tificate is one of the most valuable tools in your aviation selves, I believe people will still want to learn how to fly. toolbox. The numbers might vary and the industry might ebb and flow, but I feel pretty confident in saying that flight instruc- Personally, my favorite reason for becoming a flight instruc- tors will be needed for many decades to come. And even tor is because it strengthens your abilities as a pilot in a if you plan to camp out at your dream airline for several way that nothing else can. Obviously, continuing your flight decades, you never know when a job as a flight instruc- training will improve your skills, and because teaching any tor might be your best or only choice. Furloughs happen, skill demonstrates a deep level of learning and understand- pilots lose First Class Medicals, and many other situations ing, as a flight instructor, you realize that you still have a lot could arise that land you at a point when flight instructing to learn about flying and identify what needs work. Through is your go-to option. Many people enjoy long and prosper- instructing, you gain added proficiency in those areas. ous careers as full-time flight instructors. If your full-time Further, sitting in the right seat of a training plane while job will always be flying for an airline, you might occa- observing and coaching the person to your left provides a sionally find great enjoyment in flight instructing friends whole new perspective of the way you fly. As you instruct or family on your days off. The bottom line is that holding students through the various maneuvers of flight training, that Flight Instructor Certificate may open doors to many you notice mistakes that you make yourself and you have opportunities you might not otherwise have. the opportunity to observe different styles of accomplishing many tasks. During instruction, you continuously critique These are just a few of the reasons I consider earning your yourself, and work to improve your own aviation skillset. Flight Instructor Certificate a great decision, and one you There are so many influences that contribute to your own can make at any point in your career. Regardless of where development as a pilot and as an instructor. you are in your aviation journey, I strongly encourage you to consider taking this path. Training to become an Another great reason to add Flight Instructor to your instructor can be long and challenging, perhaps without résumé is that many companies love to hire people who immediate reward in sight. However, I see it as another are experienced flight instructors. The airlines often award of many times in aviation when the long-term benefits points to applications for those having spent time as an in- outweigh the substantial effort it takes to get there. Keep structor. Many people wonder why airlines value this expe- this in mind, and I guaranteed that if you become a flight rience and the answer relates to what we discussed above. instructor, you will remember it every time the skills and In pretty much every flying job, pilots can heavily lever- experience you gain as an instructor pay off down the age skills they learned as a flight instructor. Just because road. ACN someone is going to fly for an airline for 30 years doesn’t mean they’ll never use and rely on the experiences they About the Author gained while instructing. In fact, many in positions, such as Airline Captain and Line Check Pilot, essentially act as flight Cameron Shulak is deeply instructors, in a way. Captains, while working as a part of connected to the aviation industry the crew, are often mentoring and helping both new and as an airline pilot, mentor, author, experienced first officers as they grow as pilots. An even and volunteer. Read More...
May 2018 | 25 VOYAGER
An Airline Captain’s Secrets to Transformative Travel II The Second in a Series
Written By: Bert Botta Now Hiring! Hiring Captains - Up to $75k 1st year, $90k 2nd year Hiring First Officers - Up to $43k lying an airplane, i.e. utilizing the If you attempt to over control an aircraft, you disturb the SD3 Rated Sign on Bonus stability designed into it. Guess what happens if you try laws of aerodynamics, and travel to over control your travel experience. You mess things have a lot in common. As a traveler, up, cause undue stress upon yourself and your mates, Captains Rotational Schedule Stateside – Work 15 Nights Per Month Fknowing these principles will not only and destroy any enjoyment you strive to have. There is wisdom in the 1960’s term “Go with the flow.” make your trip more interesting, but When you slow down and take in the landscape you your life on the road and back home enter, e.g. the airport, the crowds at the ticket counter, more enjoyable, magical, mystical and, the TSA security people, etc., you will notice a “flow” or rhythm, or perhaps a lack thereof. It is best not to
unpredictable. attempt to interrupt either the flow or absence of one.
Life works best according to natural laws that You will notice a flow when traveling to a foreign country, reveal themselves if we are aware that they exist, especially when you attempt to drive in traffic to which or if we operate counter to them. If we attempt you are not accustomed. Once you discern the way traffic to over control our lives by moving too fast or “flows” and how drivers navigate and participate in that doing too much at the expense of “being,” then we are disturbing our own inherent stability. ...And Take-Off With A New Career! Home of the World’s Largest Shorts Fleet | Aero Crew News BACK TO CONTENTS 26 Visit www.aircargocarriers.com and see why we are experts at what we do. flow, you can enter it with much less hassle than if you take the wheel without first observing how things work. On your observation, it may seem like salmon trying to swim upstream against a current stronger than the salmon appears to have strength to overcome. But, then you discover order in the apparent chaos
Next time you travel, or for that matter, are out for your normal activities, see if you can observe and ascertain what’s going on around you but in a different way than usual. That’s called situational awareness. About the Author You will find that things go better and easier for you once you tune into and blend with Bert Botta is an 18,000 hour ATP and CFII. the flow of things.ACN After retiring from TWA as a check airman, he returned to fly for NetJets as a captain on Citations and Gulfstreams. Read More...
Now Hiring! Hiring Captains - Up to $75k 1st year, $90k 2nd year Hiring First Officers - Up to $43k SD3 Rated Sign on Bonus
Captains Rotational Schedule Stateside – Work 15 Nights Per Month
...And Take-Off With A New Career!
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