just thinking

[mozzer]

First let me say that Im casual surfer throughout aviation message boards. Flightinfo is one of my favorites and I continue to read threads that spark my interest. PFT is by far the most debated subject on most sites. I've read about eagle jet, TAB, ATA, Comair and countless other "direct" programs. I must preface the following by letting you know prior to my"career" change, I knew nothing about the business. I was no fortunate son of 767 captain or the cousin of so and so. For someone very "wet" behind the ears in aviation these ads of an "airline job in 10 months" are very tempting. I completed my primary training and was lucky enough to have my initial instructor stay with me throughout instrument and commercial. He always made clear that he didn't look down on PFT, but it was not his choice. Thankfully my sense of future employment, credibility and of course my instructors level head saved me from spending thousands with a empty basket to show. I truely believe that every turn through the "patch" and guiding students has made me better. Not just a pilot, but as a person. I've now taught for over a year, everything from private to ATP. My most recent accomplishment being my MEI and actually teaching how I was taught. I don't look as being a CFI as a drag or just timebuilding, but rather something I've always wanted to do.....fly. Sure my TT and multi are on the rise and someday it will allow me to move on.
For now I really enjoy driving to the ramp at 6am for another day of VMC,Drag,Stalls..etc... I don't want to put down PFT'ers, but maybe someone will read this and think twice. Thanks to everyone who makes flying enjoyable.......controllers, ramp rats and courteous flyers.

 

[sjflyer]

very nice post!

 

[100LL... Again!]

This is what makes a real pilot.

Credit to the profession.

 

[furlowedSF34]

Keep up the idealism just realize that you may be working for a company someday whose CEO and/or board of directors think nothing of such principles.

 

[FL000]

I don't disagree with the general message, but none of what you described is PFT.

Anyhoo, I did it the same way you're doing it and don't regret it one bit. Keep it up.

 

[wil]

Nice post!! I was reading some idiots post the other day talking about buying a seat through Eagle jet or some place because he wanted to avoid the CFI "thing" and" besides what good does sitting right seat do saying right rudder?" I thought, what a total A-Hole! How many people are flying cross countries on your certificate? We take a hell of a lot of risk for little reward at the start!! I remember some stupid show off stall/spins into a lake and the family went after the CFI saying he did not teach their son the proper technique! He had to bring logbooks and training records to court to prove his case!! I still keep my certs current and I hope you will do the same when you move on. I still remember my first student solo!! What an awesome feeling of accomplishment to see my student fly around the patch solo! Sorry to go down memory lane- fly safe!

 

[RFtech]

great post.

 

[bobbysamd]

I second all of the above . . .

Good post.

You mean that P-F-T, TAB Express, and Comair, ahem, Delta Connection Academy, are debated on other boards??