Career Change with ATP Blog

[ZippiGuy]

Hi all,

I am starting out on Monday with ATP's 60 Day Fast Track Private Pilot Program in Jacksonville, FL. Like many others in this forum, I have watched Heath's progress through the Career Pilot Program--some of the information he provided was instrumental in my selection of ATP.

I would say that the three most important reasons I picked ATP is because:

(1) I will get more out of training if I totally immerse myself in aviation

(2) Multi-Engine hours is a very important distinction when applying for jobs

(3) I can go from zero (or almost zero) to commercial in only five months!

I will continue in Heath's tradition and post a journal of my training with ATP. I believe my postings could be particularly helpful for anyone out there who is considering a career change as I have just recently left my job at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington State. I was a software engineer there. And, yes, I was making good money.

So, why did I leave such a lucrative job? For several reasons:

(1) I never expected that I would stay in software engineering forever. Life is too short not to seek new experiences. And, aviation is definitely at the very top of my list as far as new experiences go.

(2) The pace of my current career required lots of late nights and the stress levels were often very high due to politics, customer expectations, and the speed of technological change. Put, simply, I am at a stage in my life where it is time for something a little more sane and enjoyable as far as careers go.

(3) Hey, at least I am guaranteed an office with a view! I don't know what it is about being a software engineer, but they always think we will work more effectively if we are crammed into an office with a bunch of other people and with no windows, except the Microsoft variety.

When considering a career change I told my wife that if I became a pilot she may only see me from time to time. Her reply was "at least I'll see you." So, we came to this decision together and believe that in the long run, this career will be better for me and ultimately for my family. I really appreciate my wife's support in this.

So, just over a week ago, I kissed my wife and one-year-old daughter good-bye (I will miss them terribly) and left home for a 3,600 mile road trip. I arrived in Jacksonville, FL a couple of days ago. I am looking forward to training which starts tomorrow morning (Monday, June 6, 2005).

I have always had aviation in my blood and it is high time I get serious about it!

[JEP]

1st off, Welcome to JC! Heat's training blog was very informational and indeed could help one in choosing ATP. That being said yours may follow some of the same patterns but of course a different view. It is always good to see the same from different points of view. Good Luck in your journey and keep us here at JC as your training progresses and the time allows.

Keep the shiny side up! Enjoy the view.!

[ZippiGuy]

June 3, 15:30 -- Arrival to ATP
Arrived in Jacksonville after a straight shot of driving from Lincoln, Nebraska (1430 miles--36 hours on the road with only 2 naps). Picked up my key at Craig Airport (CRG) and found my apartment. While the apartment is very nice, I am moving in just after other ATP graduates moved out and have a big mess to clean before I can even begin unpacking. I can see that I may not get any sleep tonight--again! Sharing the apartment is Matt who is halfway through the Career Pilot program.

June 3, 23:00 -- Unpacked
The room is now clean, thanks to the help of my roomate, Jason, who also arrived this afternoon. I am glad to learn that he will be a very tidy roomate. I also ran to the nearby Walmart to pick up bed linens (twin sized). Jason and I discussed our shared feeling about being here. It feels in some ways very much like being thrown into MTV's Real World show. Mostly unpacked and more than ready to crash into bed now. Advice to others--be prepared for your move in day like you would if you went camping--and don't forget to bring a little food, drink, and important neccesities like toilet paper to get you through the first night. I'm just glad that I arrived in the afternoon and not at midnight! It was a hectic day!

June 4 22:00 -- Breaking out the books
Even though training starts on Monday, we have to pass the private written exam within the first week. So, spent the day studying and did a little food shopping too. Everyone says training will be intense. In the evening I checked out the apartment pool and exercise room--the apartment and complex is very nice--much nicer than expected! We even get a monthly massage at no additional cost here! The little things scurrying around outside turned out to be lizards, not mice like I first thought. LOL!!!

June 5 22:00 -- Visit to ATP
Went out to ATP with my new roomate, Jason and talked to one of the instructors who than showed us the facilities and the airplanes and answered some of our questions about what to expect when training starts tomorrow. Didn't stay too long as we know we will have plenty of opportunity to spend lots of hours here. Did a little bit of last minute shopping for necessities and then drove for a quick look at the beach five miles away--very nice! To bad we will be mostly too busy to enjoy it. Spent the rest of the day studying the weather section--lots to learn here. Enjoyed what will probably be my last relaxed day for a couple of months.

[Tram]

What apartment are you in?

[ZippiGuy]

I am in Club at Danforth, #705.

[ZippiGuy]

June 6, 2005 -- Day 1

Showed up at the airport at 08:00 and spent the first hour filling out paperwork and writing our checks. There are four of us starting out today with one no-show. During this time, I had the chance to meet Heath in person--nice guy! Next, we got the introduction to ATP delivered by Rich Tillary who turns out to be the head guy here in Jacksonville. Wow! What a character! He has both a very hard edge and a great sense of humor! I can now see where the "military feeling" of ATP comes from. He also took my roomate, Jason, and I up on our first hour of flight and was already pushing our limits with simulated emergency landings, steep turns, and slow flight around Fernandina Beach airport (55J). Since I have several hours from a couple years ago, I believe Rich was trying to figure out what actually stuck with me. It was intense, but fun!

The highlight of the day was a quick maneuver to get out of the way of a P1 coming up the river and then landing with a King Air riding us from behind. This illustrates perfectly how crucial situation awareness is! The close up view of the P1 was a sight to behold.

Going to hit the pool for about 30 minutes and spend the rest of the day studying up on manuvers.

[BobDDuck]

[ QUOTE ]
I can now see where the "military feeling" of ATP comes from.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just a thing of note... that "military feeling" doesn't exsist much farther then the airport fence at CRG.

[Timbuff10]

That was all you could give us for the "Rich Ride"? Sounds like you guys got off easy. No guns/spins/steep spirals or anything like that?

Keep your hand on the throttle and good luck down there.

[jetbound]

keep it up zippi, I hope to be at DFW in two months!!!

[Tram]

Hehe.. the military feeling..

Club Danforth.. I'm in 1613..

[BobDDuck]

Heh... I lived in 1613 once upon a time. Does the Jags cheerleader still live next door?

[Tram]

Is she the nice looking Latina in like 1604 or something like that?

[TexasFlyer]

Zippi, I am curious. I am an Executive Recruiter and will be changing to an aviation career in about 2 years once I get finances in line to make a life change. You know we also make a good buck, so I am excited to see how your situation works out. I was curious. I am 32 now and will begin my training at the age of 34 and one half. How old are you?

Also, I'd like to stay in touch after you complete the program to see what career options are presented to you since I know age versus flight experience seems to be a major factor in the industry. So if you are around 30+ years old and beginning this journey, you are in the same position I will be in 28 short months (I been counting months for over a year now!).

I'll be watching your blog...

[BrianNC]

Interesting reading. Looking forward to the coming posts.

[ZippiGuy]

June 7, 2005 -- Day 2

Another great day at ATP!

Started the day in ground school (yes, we actually do get ground school here) and learned about the various exams and checkrides we will take as we progress. Went over some basic, but important concepts such as, the axis of the aircraft and how they are controlled, causes of left turning tendencies of an aircraft, radio calls, and some new maneuvers.

At around noon the other three students went out flying and I was told to wait until one of the instructors came back for me. I took advantage of that time and got into the books. When my turn came, I went out with a great instructor, Victor, who worked me hard for 1.5 hours working on steep turns ,landings, and practicing checklists--it was exhausting. I was really happy to see some improvement from the previous day--but, I can see that I still have long ways to go.

After the flight, Victor debriefed me on what I did right and what I need to work on. Tonight, I will practice radio calls and checklists--this is currently the most important area I need to improve on.

To be honest, I was a little bit rattled at times today, but at the end of the day I was pleased to see that I have progressed. After discovering that I was not alone in this feeling, suddenly, the three other students and I have become a close knit group of friends as we all studied together this evening and helped each other out by sharing what we have learned. This is a really nice feeling and my full confidence has returned.

[ZippiGuy]

keep it up zippi, I hope to be at DFW in two months!!!

---------------------

Make sure you study up and be prepared to pass the Private Pilot exam--it will make your life easier when you start! Also, be prepared to work very hard. It is fun, but intense!

[FlyingNole]

Are you doing self paced or fast track?

[ZippiGuy]

TexasFlyer, don't worry about your age--there several student pilots here who are thirty-something or even in the early forties. From what I see happening here in this program and the industry, if you make it through this program, you will get a job and you will have time to build enough hours to work your way up. My advice is to get started as early as you can if you are serious about this and be 110% committed.

I am only on day 2, but I have now had time to see what is going on and have had a chance to talk to more advanced students and instructors. However, keep in mind that ATP is very intense and is not for everyone--do a little soul searching to be sure you can come here ready to speak, eat, and sleep aviation. Do not expect to have much free time for anything else.

[ZippiGuy]

FlyingNole, I am in the Fast Track Private Pilot program.

[jetbound]

Zippi,
Thanks for the feed back, I am finishing up my private from several years ago. (8 years to be exact) I have a little over 60 hours, but had to stop before I could take my check ride. The rest of my hours have been off and on hours just to get back in a plane. But at the age of nearly 30 -07/01/1975- I have decided to finally fullfill my dream and love of aviation and go to ATP. So I am finishing up my pvt, and should be in DFW in a month or so. it is great to hear and see other "career changers" out there! It has really helped me to make to decision to go to flight school and go into the "unknown" world of aviation ( at lest it is somewhat for me). Anyway zippi, keep it up, you should be finishing up your pvt when I enroll in ATP for the 90 day program, so there is a good chance that we will be on a very close timeline with each other, so that is very cool! keep up the studing and keep up the blog, I plan on doing the same thing that you are doing and that other have done. . keeping a blog jornal . . . as it has really helped me out as well!!
by the way, thanks Doug for a great website!!!
Jerry

[BrianNC]

Hey Zippi. Didn't you miss a post for Wed. June 8th?

You owe us two post tonight. Don't get behind!

[jetbound]

That is right. . we should come way before ANY studing!!!!! get your priorities in place or you will never go far in this field!

[ZippiGuy]

June 8 -- Day 3

I woke up this morning not feeling very well and also felt very tired because I stayed up too late studying. So the day did not start out very well at all. However, I dragged myself out of bed and we covered aircraft systems in the ground school portion of the day. I was not sure if I really felt well enough to fly, but I did go up with Steve Houk. Let's just say that while he worked me very hard, he showed me how flying can be so much easier when rudder pedals are used correctly. He also threw just enough at me to maximize my learning, so at no time I did not feel overwhelmed like I did on the other flights at certain points. I went through several basic manuevers which went really well. My radio work still sucks and I still need to get more familiar with checklists. I also had my very first decent landing which really made my day!

I spent the evening becoming more familiar with check lists. In spite of how things started, it turned out to be a great day.


June 9 -- Day 4

Today we started out covering basic manuevers in ground school (the same as those I flew yesterday). I went up with Victor Shifflet who took me for Turns Around a Point manuever which I did fairly well. However, I seemed to botch up every final approach and landing attempt we did today, so I found myself a somewhat depressed after the flight. There was an emergency landing and go around that didn't go well either. Well, it was very choppy today near the deck and hot as hell--but, I'll have to learn. It turns out that all four of us students had difficulties flying today--it makes me feel a little better. Also, in my debriefing, Victor assured me that there was a lot I did right and that I now have an opportunity to learn from my mistakes.

After the flight Victor took all four of us up to the tower where we could watch the controllers work.

I am now absolutely amazed at instructors and find it difficult to believe that one day I will be one of them. For example, an instructor has to give the student pilot directions, monitor and anticipate everything he does and correct or take over so you don't kill both yourself and the instructor. At the same time, he is visually monitoring traffic, listening to and answering radio calls, and keeping tabs on the weather which changes very quickly around here. If you are not a pilot, you would not believe how quickly they identify and issue and and how fast they react when there is a life threatening situation! And today, I could barely keep the plane in the air! How do they do it?

[ZippiGuy]

Sorry that I was late in posting yesterday's entry. This program is incredibly fast paced and they do keep us very busy! Also, I went to bed early yesterday because of not feeling well. I do feel much better today

[BrianNC]

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry that I was late in posting yesterday's entry. This program is incredibly fast paced and they do keep us very busy! Also, I went to bed early yesterday because of not feeling well. I do feel much better today

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, just don't let it happen again.