Falcon Journey: It Begins

[surreal1221]

Alright, SLM stuff is finally taken care of. What a pain in the rear.

Just got off the phone with Louisa, who has been very helpful in this whole process. Sallie Mae, for whatever they are worth - oh my lord. Just ridiculous. For those who are soon to enjoy the usefulness of SLM, make sure you read the patriot act sections that pertain to private bank loans. Know what documents are OK to verify income, identity, residence, etc. SLM doesn't tell you, and then you're dealed having your application finally approved because you have to wait another 24-48 hour period.

Anyway - I'm about to head back up to Falcon, talk to Sean who is one of their Asst. Flight instructors and see what I can do today. An instrument ground school class starts Monday morning, which I'll be in for a week and then move into the flight portion of the instrument training. Today though, I think I may take a couple flights in the DA20 and DA40's to get familiarized and perhaps checked out in them.

I'll give another update sometime next week about the instrument ground school.

[surreal1221]

And I spelled Sean's name wrong, and I'm still spelling it wrong, because I can't remember which way he spells it.

Nevertheless, today went off without a major hitch.

Sean came in and got me all set up with some 1v1 instrument ground school sessions early in the morning, taking the charge and then handing me off to two other instructors through the morning hours to take care of most of the first ground lesson.

In the afternoon, got a stack of stage check exams to take home, study for, take, etc, and bring back later this week.

Tomorrow, and Weds, is another ground school session for instrument 141. One instructor, two students and a cubicle. Should be fun.

So that is essentially the update. Ground school through the end of this week, take the written this weekend, the move into the flight portion starting next week pending instructor availability. . .

And on that note. . .instructor availability. Maybe it is just me, actually I know it's not. . .but anyway - Staffing is an obvious issue at Falcon. I suppose that can be said about any flight training establishment during the boom of hiring for Regionals. Nevertheless - it appears to be a serious issue, that hopefully will be taken care of soon.

Falcon has a number of internation students coming in from India, on 6 month visas - soon to be expanded to 12 month visas. After they train at Falcon, they go back to India to fly Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

I met one kid (Yes Kid - 17 years old). Who, after he finishes at Falcon, with 25 hrs ME time. . .will be sent back to India to fly A330's, A340s, A320's, and an assortment of Boeing's 737, 75/76, 777.

Nuts.

So - in the end, a huge number of students, not enough instructors for too many full time students. My opinion on that may change in the near future, but I doubt it. Perhaps something will work out, otherwise I may be thoroughly disappointed with my choice of school(s). I just pray I get an instructor who CAN work Monday through Friday (atleast), with me. . .alone. Maybe I just got here at a bad time.

Joe - you should be alright. I know of at least 3 guys in the CFI pipeline to finish up, but of course, they do not have enough instructors to finish up - so. . .they are waiting, like all of us.

[TexasFlyer]

Thanks for the update. The only problem I seen was what you are experiencing. Major shortage on the CFI front. Strange too since it seems like a place that I would love to work if I were a CFI since their planes are top notch, pay decent, and the location quite nice to spend some time in (great small town with reasonable cost of living, but close to the big city).

Sounds like I might be waiting some tables at that Outback Steak House at some point if I can't get through the program in 6 months from PPL to CFIs. I may try to keep working my current business a few hours a week as a consultant or on 100% commission since that'll easily make up for any timing issues, but this business is a major distraction due to the stress level involved. I just know I must be through the program in 6 months, and not a day over 8 months in order to keep my cash on hand at a safe level. Even having no debt, my cash burn is high at $2,500 per month for rent, utilities, car insurance, motorcycle insurance, food, and weekly spending money. And my savings a fixed amount (never enough no matter how much one has), so time is my enemy.

At least the good news is that if that CFI shortage continues, once I get my CFI at Flacon I should be able to work my butt off to make some money and begin to pay off the SLM and BOA loans. I hope then I can find a couple student who want me to be their CFI 6 days a week for 8-12 hours a day. That would be sweet!

on to us!

[surreal1221]

Yeah, it would be sweet ...

Except, I'm finding out that the operations staff is the one who is assigning students. . .no more are the days of a student picking their instructor.

I could be wrong, but time will tell. I have a CFII in mind for my instrument, but I'm not too sure if it'll actually be him. Plus, he only instructs Tuesday through Friday, and works part time for Delta TechOps Sat-Monday. Time will tell.

Will keep you guys updated.

[MultiComm]

Just wanted to shed a little light on a couple previous posts.

1) While it may seem that we are shorthanded, there have actually been several people on vacation and a couple sick. However, I will certainly not discount the fact that the regionals are hiring out from under us faster than we can hire and orientate new CFI's (both Non-Falcon and current Graduates).

2) The Ops Staff does assign CFI's based on current workload and availability to fit with a students schedule. However, teaching style and personality often conflict and the student is able to present any conflict to the Director of Ops at any time if they request a switch. If there is a particular CFI in mind, it should be presented in advance in order to best accomodate the student.

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

P.S. We will be adding DA-20 # 11 tomorrow.

[surreal1221]

It's good to have your outlook on the situation Spencer. Nevertheless, I think those who are potentially going to come to Falcon - would like to know about potential increases of the instructor staff, rather than increase in fleet of aircraft.

I know this issue isn't solely seen at Falcon, in regards to instructor staff, and I certainly do not fault anyone, at any school, for these issues.

I'll leave it at that for now. Things look to be on the up and up, at least with the few "outside" CFI new-hires I've seen walking around. And - with me only doing lowly ground school stuff for now, it hasn't been a concern...I just sense a bit of foreshadowing in my future in terms of schedule, full time instructor, and aircraft availability. When the time comes, if the concern is still there, it'll be addressed.

----
And the update for today. . .
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This will be the last update for this week, at least until the end of the week. Instrument ground school isn't all that exciting, when, you've studied the NAS for the past 7 years of your life and already have a decent foundation of ODPs, SIDs, STARs, enroute procedures, etc. I'm looking forward though, to the parts concerning flight planning, etc. etc. Certainly not looking towards the parts of weather, as. . .I may just want to hang myself after hearing the same stuff from the past 4 years, spoken back to me. Maybe I can aid a little excitement to that though.

I'll provide an end of ground school update on Friday. Plan is to be done by Friday, have a written endorsement, and take the written on Saturday. Already been banging out sporty's instrument practice test with scores in the mid 90's. Just need another written since I didn't have ample time to take it before I came back to Georgia.

Til the end of the week, unless something significant happens. . .pm with any questions related to the things I've said.

[MultiComm]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

...I think those who are potentially going to come to Falcon - would like to know about potential increases of the instructor staff, rather than increase in fleet of aircraft.

It is hard to comment on the staffing due to the constant turn-over due to Regional Hiring. (Ex: I could say that we are bringing on 2 more tomorrow but that doesn't mean we would be any better if we are losing 4 to the airlines). Even with the International Students, for now we are not unbearably full.

We are taking a many resume's as we can get...however we are making sure they are qualified to our standards to maintain the quality of training we provide.

I hope I don't get in the way of your blog but I just want to make as much information available to the public and future students as possible.

Good Luck on your training and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.

[TexasFlyer]

I'm sure we all welcome all comments here. I enjoy seeing the comments from all perspectives, and I am someone who committed to Falcon and I'll be there the end of July. I also know perspective students will love the wealth of info that will take place in this thread between us three, and hopefully more in the future.

On the CFI issue. Every school I went to from SkyMates and White Air to Wright Flyers and Falcon has the same instructor shortage. Yet, I chose Falcon since it was there I was most impressed. Just think back to a few years ago. What would we be saying then. Wow, there are too many instructors and I doubt I will get a job as one since they are overstaffed and the Regionals are not hiring... now that was even a bigger issue! It's all about timing and times are good right now. Sit back and enjoy the ride, or at least make the best of what you have since it certainly could be much worse.

At the end of the day, the reality is that we all have a vested interest in the success of Falcon and in ourself. If we fail ourself, that's a personal issue. If we let Falcon fail, it'll make life tougher. From day one, you have to think that you are putting in a good effort to learn and add value to the school as you go through the program since this will most likley be your future employer. At least it should be since why would you train in a place you would not want to work?

Also my theory is, if you are a student and you are short an instructor, go recruit one. Falcon has a lot to offer other schools can not offer to an instructor. So it's an easy sell! Get out there and after a few days of networking you'll have yourself an outstanding instructor (so long as they meet company standards... nothing that a solid technical and behavioral interview can't shake out). Oh wait, I'm an Aviation Recruiter, so maybe that's easier for me to say and do than someone else.

[meyers9163]

Originally Posted by MultiComm

It is hard to comment on the staffing due to the constant turn-over due to Regional Hiring. (Ex: I could say that we are bringing on 2 more tomorrow but that doesn't mean we would be any better if we are losing 4 to the airlines). Even with the International Students, for now we are not unbearably full.

We are taking a many resume's as we can get...however we are making sure they are qualified to our standards to maintain the quality of training we provide.

I hope I don't get in the way of your blog but I just want to make as much information available to the public and future students as possible.

Good Luck on your training and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.

Its great to get all the perspectives but lets face it no one knows what is happening int his guys situation but himself. Regardless of what managment may think they know there is only one who truely knows how he feels about the treatment and that's the orginal poster. In addition if you are going to have the career program you as a FBO/SCHOOL need to make sure you have the proper staff for your CURRENT students. There are no excuses and even as a student myself I would not accept TURN over as an EXCUSE. In the end Multi I respect you and Falcon but you dare not use an EXCUSE for this. Regardless its the fact that your managment there should have anticipated these CFI's leaving with a 2 week notice and or knowing they were going to be applying for jobs. And if you dont know that perhaps you as a company need to re evaluate things to make it a comfortable situation where your CFI's can be honest about their potential for leaving and moving on to "greener" pastures. Just my .02 I'm in no way tied to Falcon however!

[surreal1221]

Spencer, no worries about getting in the way. I want this to be a fluid observation of my time here, in training, at Falcon.

As, to be honest, there isn't much information from past students available here on JC. I've had a number of conversations over PM, the phone, and e-mail with an assortment of students. One individual who trained here over 5 years ago, and just recently left (recently as in within the past 6 months).

So, please, feel free to bring any and all comments. If I didn't want comments, I'd escape off to flyblog, or blogger, or any other blog "site."

Now, in regards to the shortage. As I said, I know it's not only a Falcon problem. And - I know it will gradually improve.

I certainly don't want this to spiral into one of those great Ari-Ben threads. Because, I think maybe that's one of the good things about having little coverage on JC, is that the threads tend to be much more civil in the long run. I'd like to see that continue.

Originally Posted by TexasFlyer

At the end of the day, the reality is that we all have a vested interest in the success of Falcon and in ourself. If we fail ourself, that's a personal issue. If we let Falcon fail, it'll make life tougher. From day one, you have to think that you are putting in a good effort to learn and add value to the school as you go through the program since this will most likley be your future employer. At least it should be since why would you train in a place you would not want to work?

Very wise statement. It'll make life tougher for everyone involved.

[MultiComm]

Originally Posted by meyers9163

There are no excuses and even as a student myself I would not accept TURN over as an EXCUSE. In the end Multi I respect you and Falcon but you dare not use an EXCUSE for this. Regardless its the fact that your managment there should have anticipated these CFI's leaving with a 2 week notice and or knowing they were going to be applying for jobs.

This is why is put the Ex: in front of the comment...as in an example. Of course we know when instructors are applying for the airlines...this was not meant to be an excuse. This is exactly what I was talking about by getting in the way.

To make this simpler...we are hiring CFI's and out expected increase is staff in positive. As with any flight academy, this is an issue that is being dealt with.

Carry On...

[animals]

Hey Surreal. Sounds like KFFC is going great. I'll check back later after I've reread through all the Falcon posts...
-Animals

[surreal1221]

It is animals, glad to see you here at JC as well.

Update for the past week.

I started the flight portion of the 141 program, on - Thursday afternoon. Initial flight was to get use to the Diamond 20, and some BAI. Friday flew again, two lessons, instrument lessons 2 and 3. More BAI concepts, partial panel flight, etc. Saturday was more of the same, lesson 4 and 5, and more use of the Garmin 430 GPS. Today was lesson 6, and was essentially the same as lesson 5, more partial panel work, and unusual attitude recovery.

Flying twice tomorrow, twice on Tuesday, and twice on Weds before leaving out of town for Thurs through Saturday. By the end of this week, I'll be ready for the stage 1 stage check for when I return on Sunday or Monday. Will most likely take the written tomorrow or Tuesday at some point.

Also - as an FYI - heard that the DA42 Twinstars are awaiting approval to be used in the Part 141 Commercial ME program from the FAA. Shawn told me they should be approved by the end of this week. Will keep future prospects updated on this.

[Tim]

Man its greats that you finally come back to Gods country-Georgia. I am glad you got finally start. I have been away from JC for a while due to school, work and family. I have done some research and its looks like if I finish my commercial Riddle will give me 18 hr of credit. That means I can graduate 3 semesters early than planned. Falcon is the closest to me that has a complex aircraft. South Atlanta @ Tara is closer but no complex aircraft. Once I get a few more things settled I will let you know and hopefully we can meet up over there sometime.

[surreal1221]

Rock on Tim, rock on.

SE or ME COMM? Or does it really matter? I suppose, the cheap route is to get it SE just so ERAU will take the credits.

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Midweek update.
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More instrument flying. Flew two flights yesterday, essentially a continuation of basic attitude instrument flying - both flights.

Today though, different story. Woke up this morning determined to take the IA written since my first flight wasn't until 1300L. Took one more practice test at around 0900L, scored a 90 and gave myself the green light to go test for real.

Passed the IA written with an 88.

Onward to the flights. First flight was Insturment Lesson #9 of the 141 lesson syllabus. Lesson 9 discussed DME arcs, procision and non-procision approaches. Flew one approach into LGC (ILS 31), missed approach procedure to LGC VOR, then flew the 16 DME arc from the 159-R until about the 100 radial, which at that point we requested vectors back to FFC for vectors LOC 31. Flew the LOC 31 approach. Having some significant trouble with my power and pitch adjustments. . .fixating on the VSI, and chasing the needle. As the VSI was covered up by my instructor, I managed to hold my altitude MUCH better.

Anyway - both approaches were not great by any means. Not getting slowed down in time, and not getting down to altitude in time are two issues right now. Will come with more training of course, and as usual - more time in the Diamond 20.

Second flight was more of the same, except with 30 degree turns at a constant speed, power off descent at 90kts, and then another LOC 31 approach into FFC with a circle to land RWY13.

Good stuff, another set of two flights tomorrow before heading back up to Columbia to finish the move.
----

Tim, I was about to say that you were away from JC for a while. Welcome back. Let me know what you eventually do, and if you don't chose Falcon, send me a line anyway and we can see about getting together. I have to call Dan (Rausda) up, just been real busy,

[Tim]

I am going to get the SE. It doesnt matter either way for the credits.

I can remember doing my instrument training and I had some of the same problems. Your instructor did what mine did and it helped me learn to scan and not become fixated.

Falcon is the logical choice. I got a price list emailed to me from Ray (I think) so that helps. I will keep you updated

[surreal1221]

Good deal. Just let me know man. I know Joe (TexasFlyer) is coming down in July. Was hoping for a few more, but looks like Max has changed his mind.

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Update before going back to SC for the weekend to move
---

Instrument stage one complete. Onward to stage two. Shawn managed to get my stage check done today.

I have to say, that I'm still not too sure if it has hit me at all. I don't think that it I have realized that I'm actually doing this, and actually going to make it a career. Very strange. Maybe one day.

Stage two begins Monday. I'll be done with the move hopefully early Saturday afternoon to be able to take the wife out to go see the Pirates flick.

Til then.

[Tim]

My instrument training seem to go by so fast. You got the basics of flying with your private now you have to be ready to add the extra. I enjoyed my instrument training. My first few flights we were breaking out at minimums (thats Florida for early morning fog and clouds) and its a confidence booster upon reaching the DH that the runway its right there all lite up. Partial panel was the most difficult. Your scanning techniques will be tested here and processing all that you are given. My wifes cousin did he IR checkride partial panel the whole way except the ILS. He lost some of the gauges during the test and the examiner told him he had never seen someone fly the way he did with partial panel. He never missed an altitude or heading. Her cousin told me he had never sweated so much either.

[Chewie von Nubbins]

Brother Surreal,
Not poking fun at you here at all....seriously wondering. Are you using your GI Bill benefits at Falcon? If so, comparable to Aviator?

[Maximillian_Jenius]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

Was hoping for a few more, but looks like Max has changed his mind.

Lol, sorry... !

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by Chewie von Nubbins

Brother Surreal,
Not poking fun at you here at all....seriously wondering. Are you using your GI Bill benefits at Falcon? If so, comparable to Aviator?

Yes I'm using my VA benefits for a portion of my training.

Comparable to Aviator. . .I don't know. I personally think that Falcon has presented a much better product than what Aviator had. Newer fleet, better equipment to train with, and well - in a better area (which is, ofcourse, in my opinion).

Rough estimate is 18-22k worth of a return when it is all said and done. Just depends on which route I go in the long run.

Originally Posted by Maximillian_Jenius

Lol, sorry... !

It's all good man. We all have our reasons.

[Tim]

You keep this journey up to date and I might just join you fan club. When are you flying this week. I want to go over and check out the cardinal.

[surreal1221]

Flying today at 11am, 2pm, and again at 7pm.

[surreal1221]

Week update...

Alright, completed Stage II of the 141 Instrument course today, with a successful completion of Stage II's stage check. I started stage II on Monday of this week, busted my ass to get stage II out of the way before this weekend. Short term plan is to double team an examiner on June 11th - if he will call my instructor back.

Stage II is primarily approaches, and holds. Along with your first few hours of autopilot introduction in one of the DA40's.

Really not much to tell you guys. Check http://www.logshare.com/log.jsp?emai...vick@gmail.com to see the frequency of my flights. I'm off to Chicago this weekend for my cousins HS graduation party, then back flying Monday morning with a cross country to Athens.

[surreal1221]

First of the week update.

First IFR XC trip. FFC-AHN-FFC. ILS 27 AHN LOC 31 FFC. Great flight in the DA40.

Nothing really all that surprising. Can check flightaware for the tracks, altitudes, and routings.

FFC-AHN I filled MADDI.AHN, AHN-FFC I filed DCT HUSKY DCT FFC, but ended up getting rdr vectors MADDI direct.

Whatever.

Just another flight, and more time in the Diamond 40.