Class Act

[davidhigbie]

Just wanted to encourage people to consider the center internship program. Its been a great experience for me- despite the fact being pretty far away from family and friends out here in Tucson. I decided to take a 121 job, but despite this, the center manager and dot allowed me to complete my atp and type eventhough I would be leaving very shortly. But hopefully the contacts I made will serve as a backup in case the furlough bug ever bites. Today was my last day and I was surprised with a little going away party which I really appreciated. Having had the chance to experience the other side of FSI outside of the Academy, I'm really glad that I decided to quit a good paying Army job and throw my hat into this crazy industry. So, consider the option, you'll learn a helluva lot. Tucson needs people now. And the other intern, with something like 300 hrs, has an offer with a 135 company.

[launchpad]

Hey higbie...what airline you end up going to???

[davidhigbie]

The one everyone else at FSA went to earlier this year- ExpressJet. Couldnt break up the club.

[Baronman]

Congrats Dave, I didn't know you were applying here! You gonna live at the mothership in Houston or come to the dark side in EWR??

[davidhigbie]

Thanks.

Probably live with mom and dad for a bit near newark- figure thats what will be available in terms of domiciles. But, eventually like to get to houston and sit on reserve. Hopefully the contract talks with continental go well over the next year or so- I am getting real tired of this moving crap. Speaking of which, time to disconnect the computer and throw it in the car with the rest of my life's possessions and hit I-10.

[rausda27]

Higbie, congrats again on getting hired. Sorry you wont be coming to Atlanta, but I am sure you will be happy in Embraerland.

[launchpad]

Originally Posted by davidhigbie

Thanks.
Speaking of which, time to disconnect the computer and throw it in the car with the rest of my life's possessions and hit I-10.

Try not to shoot yourself while going through texas.....that part of the drive BLOWS!!!

[davidhigbie]

rasuda- yep, couldnt keep following you around! Thanks, hopefully we both have successful careers. We need to schedule a poker game with the crew.




I-10 sucks, my 4th time doing that stretch from el paso to san antonio. Had the note cards out to do something productive.

[psalm91]

Hi David,

Do you think I have a good chance at the Tucson center with only 250-300TT? I'm currently at FSI, but kind of gave up the idea of being in the Challenger / Lear center in Tucson (that's where I'm from, so I'd love to be back there) because of my low time, so I was strongly considering the Direct Track program.

The idea was to build turbine time with the regionals and then go back to FSI, get my CFI and go to the Tucson center. Additonally, I'm not crazy about the idea of teaching other people to fly Cadets and Seminoles during the summer here - so that was another consideration about NOT going through the CFI program.

Tell me what you think...

[davidhigbie]

Total time doesnt necessarily matter- just have to qualify for the internship program, businessjet direct, whatever it is called. The intern who is there now is a cfi grad but with low time and has received an offer for a 135 position. Sometimes the easy road to a job isnt always the best road. But, "not being crazy about teaching other people to fly cadets and seminoles during the summer here" wont get you very far as an instructor...nor, to be bluntly honest, should you be an instructor with such a viewpoint. So, I dont know what to tell you.

[launchpad]

Originally Posted by psalm91

Hi David,

Additonally, I'm not crazy about the idea of teaching other people to fly Cadets and Seminoles during the summer here
Tell me what you think...

How do you know you're not too crazy about it?? try it......I did it for 3.5 summers and had a ball. Sure, its hot and muggy...but climb up to 4000 ft. and you're as cool as a bottle of smirnoff in the freezer..........seriously though, give it a shot, you might enjoy it.....at very least, it's all about the adventure and the road to becoming an airline pilot......whatever you do, don't continue on this career path if you're gonna treat it like becoming a plumber or garbage man.....enjoy what you do, take opportunities when you see them, and enjoy the ride.....

[pavelump]

Originally Posted by psalm91

Additonally, I'm not crazy about the idea of teaching other people to fly Cadets and Seminoles during the summer here - so that was another consideration about NOT going through the CFI program.

Tell me what you think...

Try baking in the Texas sun in a Saab 340. I know that Viceral knows what I'm talking about. APU? What's and APU? We ain't got no stinking APU. At least with a seminole you can sit next to an open door (the instructor that is).

Seriously though, I felt the same way about instructing as you when I first started flight training. I thought that it would be a big pain in the arse. But, as I progressed through my ratings and certificates I realized that flight instructing would be an excellent way to increase my own flying skills, which it did in ways that I never expected. And as a bonus, you get paid. Not as much as you should, but that shouldn't deter you.

Anyway, don't they require that you complete the CFI program to be qualified for the internship program? I don't know too much about it because I never did it.

As far as going to the regionals and then back to CFI... I don't see that actually happening.

Later,
dave l

btw, congrats on the new job David!

[davidhigbie]

Originally Posted by pavelump

btw, congrats on the new job David!

e tu - David. Watchin out for good old S.S. shooting over my head in his 340 down here at IAH.

On the instructing note- had a good time the year I was at FSA. Actually made more money there than I will my first year here and being around friends cant be beat. Its tough, no doubt, but I am damn sure glad I did it.

[psalm91]

Originally Posted by pavelump

Try baking in the Texas sun in a Saab 340. I know that Viceral knows what I'm talking about. APU? What's and APU? We ain't got no stinking APU. At least with a seminole you can sit next to an open door (the instructor that is).

Seriously though, I felt the same way about instructing as you when I first started flight training. I thought that it would be a big pain in the arse. But, as I progressed through my ratings and certificates I realized that flight instructing would be an excellent way to increase my own flying skills, which it did in ways that I never expected. And as a bonus, you get paid. Not as much as you should, but that shouldn't deter you.

Anyway, don't they require that you complete the CFI program to be qualified for the internship program? I don't know too much about it because I never did it.

As far as going to the regionals and then back to CFI... I don't see that actually happening.

Later,
dave l

btw, congrats on the new job David!

Dave,

Agreed. I have weighed the responses to my post very seriously. I am reconsidering my position on instructing, however there are other factors at play, namely that I'm not getting any younger, and my wife is all the way across the country until we figure out where I'm going. Right now, I wouldn't *mind* instructing if I knew that I was only going to be doing it for the short term; but IMHO that's the wrong attitude to have if I were to chose to instruct. To me, it is a serious committment to instruct, and I don't want to have my mind elsewhere (i.e. Airlines, BizJet, etc.) while I'm instructing, because it does my students a great disservice if I operate that way.

So if I DO instruct, my mental attitude has got to be as though that's the only focal point I'll have for next few years; come what may. I'm still not there yet (attitude-wise), but the feedback you provided (as well as the others) has helped a great deal.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

[pavelump]

Originally Posted by psalm91

Dave,

Agreed. I have weighed the responses to my post very seriously. I am reconsidering my position on instructing, however there are other factors at play, namely that I'm not getting any younger, and my wife is all the way across the country until we figure out where I'm going. Right now, I wouldn't *mind* instructing if I knew that I was only going to be doing it for the short term; but IMHO that's the wrong attitude to have if I were to chose to instruct. To me, it is a serious committment to instruct, and I don't want to have my mind elsewhere (i.e. Airlines, BizJet, etc.) while I'm instructing, because it does my students a great disservice if I operate that way.

So if I DO instruct, my mental attitude has got to be as though that's the only focal point I'll have for next few years; come what may. I'm still not there yet (attitude-wise), but the feedback you provided (as well as the others) has helped a great deal.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Just because you have plans for "bigger" things doesn't mean that you can't perform to the best of your abilities as an instructor. Now, that being said, if you go to work with the attitude of, "I can't wait to get out of here and fly the big iron", (or little tin) and you let that attitude affect the way you instruct then I agree you shouldn't go that route.

The main thing that you have to do as an instructor, IMHO, is to care about your students and to do the best job that you can for them WHILE you're an instructor.

Most people who instruct don't treat it as a career. I would say that the average instructor moves on in 1-2 years to the next level; regional, cargo, whatever. During that time some are good instructors, and some aren't. I'm sure you are familiar with both types. It's up to you how you will be regarded.

Unless you DO plan on becoming a career flight instructor, you're just spinning your wheels after 1500 hours or so.

I hear you about the age thing. I ain't no spring chicken myself... haha

You and I have different situations. I'm not married. But, for that matter who says that you have to teach in Vero Beach? Yes, there are some great benefits to teaching at FSI, but there's also something to be said for being where you want to be. Just something to think about.

Anyway, good luck on your decision... I'm sure that by now you've realized that opinions in aviation are just like elbows and a**holes. Everybody's got 'em. And these are just mine.

Dave

[BIGE]

Dave,
Congrats. I was wondering what you were up to. Tell all in EJET land hello and your right poker night was not the same without you the last time. Hey "what is the blue one worth?" Are you done with training? I am still in Indoc here in ATL. GOOD LUCK!
Evan

[Snow]

[quote=pavelump]Try baking in the Texas sun in a Saab 340. I know that Viceral knows what I'm talking about. APU? What's and APU? We ain't got no stinking APU. At least with a seminole you can sit next to an open door (the instructor that is).
QUOTE]

Least you don't have skylights aka Slowtation style, you bake in that thing anytime in the summer sun while your on the ground, least till you get off the ground, engines running or not.