Missing an airshow, attending another, and a scary sight

Last week, Joint Air Reserve Base Homestead in Homestead, Florida, held its first airshow since Hurricane Andrew. And I was planning on going alone. But my family decided to come with me. So, I waited Sunday morning, and waited and waited, until they all decided that they were NOT going. If that was their idea of a joke, I wasn't having it.

However, this past weekend, I attended the VNA Airshow. I enjoyed myself, but I'll admit, it bored the hell out of me. Small-town airshows are one thing. But one that plays itself as a large airshow with a small lineup? No. I left early. First airshow that I left early on my own decision. But it was still nice.

Today, I went to Lantana Airport, to further feed my aviation fix, and was hoping to see the Space Shuttle launch. But no...the cloud cover was too much. But it was relaxing nonetheless. A Lake Renegade amphibious single-engine monoplane was landing on Runway 33 at Lantana appeared to land gear-up. I was able to hear a scraping noise, and I was shocked to see what was happening. A gear-up landing? This is appalling. I couldn't believe what I saw. What so many pilots and instructors have said not to do happened in front of me.

But later, a Waco biplane landed and it struck me so hard, I had to write a poem. You can read it at The Poetry Hangar. Enjoy it!

The AT-SAT Test, and My Score...Plus Aircraft Experience

The same week that my airline announced that there would be furloughs, I was devastated. My little job, though little-paying, was my world, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. But, a pilot friend of mine emailed me a link to a public announcement from the FAA. They were hiring controllers off the street. I thought, "Well, why not?"

I applied, expecting nothing to come out of it. But then, I got an email from Robinson Aviation, giving me instructions on arranging a test date for the AT-SAT test. 13 October was the day I chose to take the test (I tried for 12 October, since it would allow me to use a pass from my old airline to fly somewhere...I was going to head to the Northeast...no-go, unfortunately. 12 October was Columbus Day).

Early in the morning, I drove to the Ft. Lauderdale Airport Hilton hotel. Test time was 0800. I chose to get there earlier than that. With the alarm set at 0400, I got up, showered, shaved, and put on a dress shirt, black tie, black slacks, oxfords, and my trusty US Airways wings tie pin. I hopped in my dad's car (he allowed me to borrow it, since it has a navigation system...south of FLL, I'm lost), popped my La Union album, "Mil Siluetas" (European Spanish rock), stopped at a 7-Eleven to get breakfast (coffee, and a sausage/egg biscuit), and hit the road. Along the way, I got off the freeway just getting past Pompano Beach, driving by Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, and doing a "slow pass" at my school, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in homage to the many ways it has helped me get in so deep into aviation (having a heavy-hitting name like Embry-Riddle behind you helps a lot). I got back on the freeway heading south to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, getting to the hotel. This entire process took over an hour...paced driving, after being nourished physically, to reduce stress. The coffee was to wake me up (at 0400, most of the time, a cadaver is more wired than I am that time of day).

I got to the hotel, and the test proctors were already there. I went to see if I could get in yet, but no...not yet. I was the first one there.

I waited in the hotel lobby, seeing airline flight crews from Delta and Southwest leave. I also saw a few of the applicants coming in...at least those obviously dressed, serious for the undertaking we were going to partake in.

One by one, the applicants were arriving. Everyone was about my age, maybe plus or minus 3 years of age. One was a student at Miami-Dade College who was taking their ATC degree program. He was taking the AT-SAT while still in school...he was trying to increase the chances of going to the academy by skipping school altogether and going straight to the academy with a good score. Another applicant is a flight attendant with JetBlue Airways. Her boyfriend used to be a pilot for my airline, who is also in the same boat as I am: furloughed.

I did a very "Maverick"-esque maneuver. Down the hall from the testing room is the restroom. I went to the restroom, freshened up a little, dousing water on my face, keeping awake. I came back out, after adjusting my tie and hair a little, and "gauged" my competition. Looking at each and every one as I walked by, I thought, which one of these applicants would be heading with me to the academy...

One by one, we were invited in to check in for the test. After that was done, we all went in again to officially take the battery.

The AT-SAT test is an aptitude test from the FAA that gauges your mental ability with what the FAA considers is ideal for an air traffic controller.

We started the test, after a brief introduction and Q&A session with the test proctors from Robinson Aviation in Oklahoma City. Both proctors were controllers, now retired, from the local area. One was a quiet, bearded gentleman in his late-60s, I'd say, who was an en-route controller...a constant evaluator and a gauge of performance to all of us. It looked as if he was doing the same thing I was when he saw us all for the first time: gauging who was the best. The other proctor was a lot more outgoing, and made the test a really positive experience. Before the test, he told us what we needed to know, and we started the test.

Part One: Dials.

The Dials test is meant to check how we can read instruments. Although none of the instruments looked like the actual aviation instruments they represented, they served their purpose.

Part Two: Applied Math.

This was the second-hardest part of the test. I wasn't good at math in school, so I came to this point with a little apprehension. I felt uneasy, especially since I couldn't wear my Chase-Durer watch (it has a flight computer bezel, which would have helped plenty). No scratch paper, no pencil, no nothing. Just your brain, and whatever you could MacGyver in your test terminal. This wasn't fun.

Part Three: Scan Test

The objective was to enter the airfraft identifier tags in your radar screen that fell outside of a certain value. Sounds simple. It's just a matter of scanning the screen, and entering what you see.

Part Four: Angles.

An angle is presented, and your job was to guess what the angle was. Or, a numerical value was presented, and you had to pick from a set of angles which was the right one. This was the easiest portion.

Part Five: Letter Factory.

This was an enjoyable portion. A "factory" where letters are made, are packed and shipped. This was pretty self explanatory.

Part Six: Air Traffic Scenarios.

This was the real nailbiter. This one was the most stressful part. You have a piece of airspace to work and your job is to make planes designated to land and one of two airports, to land; and make planes designated to leave your airspace, to leave. Sounds simple. But, when you have airplanes filling your radar screen like fireflies, and having to monitor each one...you have your work cut out for you. I had a crash (a midair) and a few airspace violations.

Part Seven: Analogies.

This part was strange. If this is to this, then that is to blank. Simple concept, I know. But, letter structure was a part of it, as well as rhyme. And shapes were really hard to understand. But, that was okay.

Part Eight: Experience Questionnaire.

This part was the FAA playing 100 questions.

All in all, I felt that I had a good experience with the test. And believe me, it shows, because today, I found out my score! I got 93.8 as my score. To be considered well qualified, I needed to have scored an 85 or higher (to pass, I needed a 70). I feel so good!!!

Now, onto Aircraft Experience. It's the successor to Jet Preview, and this year, it was held at Banyan in FXE. I had my first brush with the love of my life there (and no, not the object of my poetry in golf.november.poetry, no sir). I'm talking about the Daher-Socata TBM 850!!! Fast, single-engine turboprop that is a thing of technological beauty. Sexy lines, a muscular stance, and a strong pedigree in its design (a joint venture between Aerospatiale and Mooney, the "M", in TBM).

That was the highlight of the event. And, I was also invited to attend the Light Sport Aircraft Convention in Sebring, Florida next year, as well as the VNA Airshow in Stuart, Florida, next month! I'm happy! I'm really happy!

Blue Skies and Tailwinds to all.

Space Shuttle Launch

As I mentioned a while ago, I was going to put up a few pictures from a Space Shuttle Launch. Well, here it is.


The high-resolution image is available on request (you can actually see the flames ahead of the plume in the image. Seeing it in real-time, in real-life, moving across the sky, building speed...it's an amazing sight. I am always at a loss for words seeing it in person.

This image was taken on 15 July 2009. The next launch is this Tuesday. I'm planning on going back to my "secret spot", the parking structure at Palm Beach International Airport (it's sad to think that the parking structure is one of the tallest buildings in the county...where I'm from, that's mediocre).

Playing "Airplane Buyer"...

This is something I've been doing since high school. I'm always on Controller.com, playing "airplane buyer", looking for an airplane depending on the bracket of money that I may fit in. I'm normally looking for airplanes priced at or below $35,000.

There have been some deals that I have found online at Controller, and I wish I could be in a good financial position to get one. Something cheap, something to start flying with. I've done it so much, that I have a good idea of where and when to look for a certain plane. I prefer buying a Cessna 150, or a 152 as a first airplane. But, if your mission profile means you must fly with one more, or added range or speed, a Cessna 172 is a good pick. They normally go for less than a comparable Piper (PA-28 family). I prefer Cessnas over Pipers anyway, because of flying characteristics (I've had a couple of really bad landings in a Piper Warrior...she may have been the runt of the fleet, but I was willing to spend a little more on the other planes).

As far as Pipers go, anything in the PA-28 family is good, so long as you can find the deal (which is hard). Since there are so many variants to the PA-28 family, it's hard to find a deal. And because of the cloudy existence of ambiguity, some sellers will take advantage of this and raise their price a tad. But, that's something you need to look for as a buyer.

But, that's just me playing airplane buyer. I'll continue to play the game until the game becomes real in several more years to come. Rather than financing a car, I'll go for an airplane as my first real "big-ticket" purchase.

Last Friday...Lantana Airport

Palm Beach Flight training held an open-house event. It was my first social event...ever.

I didn't think I'd stay as long as I did. But I did. If you can tell from my new flagship blog, GolfNovember Art, and you know what I feel when I'm around people, you would understand.

First thing I did was look around for someone I knew. I ran into a few students from my ground school class, and mingled with them a little. Then I saw the seminar on aircraft ownership and the IRS (very interesting, by the way).

I went back out, after having some food and a couple of Cokes, to check out the planes close up. They were sporting three brand-new Cessnas. One Skyhawk, a Turbo Skylane, and one fresh, brand new Corvalis (my dream plane). All three were sporting the G1000 glass cockpit system from Garmin. It was beautiful. I ran into an old teacher from a previous ground school class, and she asked how I was doing. I felt so good being there, around people I knew, and around people who are like me: pilots, aviators, aviation enthusiasts...my people.

I stayed for the entire event. And I enjoyed myself. For the first time, I enjoyed myself in a social setting. It was wonderful!

Check out Palm Beach Flight Training at Palm Beach County Park Airport/Gassaway Field.

Anthropomorph Aircraft?

I thought I was the only one who did this.

I had kept contact with my flight instructor from California, and very dear friend, Holly, about a number of things. Work, love, aviation... I mentioned to her in making a point at the difficulty of understanding love, that I could understand an airplanes actions and language better than that of love.

Turns out, she also speaks my language.

To put it better, I can feel if an airplane is happy, uncomfortable, saddened, and even upset. It sounds odd, but I can feel the aircraft's personality. It also sympathizes with me. I'll give you two examples. When I last flew over Los Angeles on 21 May 2004, the airplane that I was flying, a Cessna 152, I was sad, since it was going to mark the end of my flying over my beautiful hometown. The airplane felt sad. The wings sagged, and the controls felt slow.

Return to flight, five years later, December of 2008. In a Cessna 172, the airplane felt a little upset at the beginning, just a few seconds after takeoff, the airplane felt happy again. It was almost as if the airplane didn't recognize me in the beginning, but felt that she was in the hands of a capable pilot (if I can say so myself). The airplane felt happy that I was back. The airplane felt that my heart was flying in absolute happiness. That morning, it was me. I was flying. I was back in the saddle.

I felt the language of the airplane again after five years. I apparently, am still fluent, and the airplane still understands me. So I guess all hope is not lost. I will try once again to get back in teh saddle, but then again, that's all you have been hearing since the inception of this blog. But this is not a fight to finish quickly. This is a fight to win over time. I will win the battle over money, and fly once again.

Being called Cactus, and earning the respect of a captain...

In class, we were practicing holds. I have holding patterns down to a science...I am still making rookie mistakes, but I am detecting where my problems are. A compass rose is your best friend. Then, the instructor, seeing me in full work regalia, called me "Cactus" referencing the callsign my employer uses for air traffic control. So, from here on out, call me "Cactus"!

At work, during the last half hour of my shift, instead of getting voluntary time off for class, I had to board a flight. Lately, this has become a challenge...moving down to one agent boarding a flight, all the pressure of boarding is also put on one agent, rather than two...well, that's more for my Airport Chronicles blog. You can see more there, when I have time (AC is the neglected one).

Boarding the flight to Philadelphia, the captain was quite professional. I greeted the pilots working the flight, and after getting a few minor kinks with the flight (Philly will always be Philly), we were buttoning everything up for the flight.

"Fuel slip?"
"Got it."
"Got everything else you need?"
"Yep!"

"See this?" I said, pointing at my ERAU lanyard.
"I want to sit there one of these days!" I said, pointing at the right seat.
His face lit up, and said "I'll be waiting for you!" We shook hands in affirmation towards my blossoming career, and we got everything set, and ready to go.

Taking flight is the only way to live.

And in a few years, I will be putting on my three thin silver stripes, and sporting my chrome wings on the breast of my black leather jacket. I'll be flying jets for a living...the dream.

Keep flying, my friends.

Folded Wings: Jack Henderson, and James Breazeal

I have seen their red Bonanza at the east end of Hangar Row at Owen Gassaway Field (LNA, Lantana), my current home airport. I was unaware of their story.

A tragic accident occurred this past Wednesday with the same Bonanza and the two gentlemen aforementioned. On takeoff, the newly installed engine on the red Bonanza failed due to currently unknown reasons. Henderson tried to turn back towards the airport, but was banked so steeply at such a low altitude, he possibly couldn't recover.

The Lantana Airport Family mourns your loss. Our thoughts are with the Henderson and Breazeal families.

The NTSB is currently investigating the accident.

Paths of Water...

Hearing this song reminds me of the first time I heard it. Not knowing the name, I crunched my brain into trying to figure out who made it.

The first time I heard this song was back in 2002. It was the first time I heard this song, and the first time I saw Sean D. Tucker perform in his Challenger II in its famous Oracle Red paint.

This was my second time at MCAS Miramar for the airshow. My first was in 2000...that year, I was bent on trying to make a career as an airshow pilot. Later, my political views and my view on war would dissuade me from performing at performing at military venues (let's get this straight...I'm a supporter of aviation. I am not a supporter of war. Airplanes know no boundaries. Neither should pilots). I could not live with myself knowing I performed at an airshow, where someone was inspired by my flying, and got into the military, only to kill. I do not want blood over my head. Absolutely not, but that's another story for another time.

I saw those colors in the sky...I saw those patterns in the sky...and it inspired me. Not to get into the military, but to fly. My high school years, I was obsessed about flight. This childhood love for flying grew incessantly, and continues to grow today.

"Paths of Water" is a song by Yanni that just so happened to be that song I heard at Sean D. Tucker's performance (which he still uses today). It's a beautiful song. And it's quite fitting with aerobatics...an alternative to the staccato of rock and pop that is normally heard with most other performers...this music adds a certain refinement to aerobatics, eliminating the view of "danger" and replacing it with "grace". Rather than aerobatics, it becomes more like "sky dancing". Your partner is the airplane, and your ballroom floor is the sky above the flightline.

Enjoy!

Setting Things Straight...

Well, as you know, I went to Palm Beach Flight Training last week to see if I could get back in the air. I know I have the mental capacity. But I also have the financial capacity to go an average of once a month. Though it's hardly anything, and any CFI can tell you that, it's better than nothing. It's better than sitting around and do nothing, simply "miss" flying.

I have also came to the realization that I can also go back to Embry-Riddle. That is my priority. The flying is nice, but the degree will put the food on the table. Earlier this year, I overhauled my financial habits, opened a new bank account, closed the old account, and started fresh. In doing so, I was able to properly budget my little bit of pay, and proved to myself that I am financially capable of going back to school. This time, to finish.

Tomorrow, I drive to Ft. Lauderdale, as I get paid, to register for class. I'll keep you updated.

Blue Skies and Safe Landings!

Though I couldn't fly...

It felt refreshing getting a ground knowledge refresher done. I am happy about that.

I got the prices at the flight school, and have an idea of how much it will cost me per hour to rent a plane with an instructor. So I'll be number crunching this week, and seeing how everything goes. I get paid next week, so I'll see if I'll do that.

Well, that is if I don't go to Sun-N-Fun in Lakeland!

Well, I'm getting back on the saddle tomorrow!

Ten years from my Young Eagles ride in Torrance, California, I'm getting back into the saddle with a stronger resolve to get my pilot's license, come what may.

I spoke to a US Airways pilot recently, who knows about my flight training, and he told me that with instrument ground school (which I am a little discouraged about), to keep plugging away at it. He was very reassuring. He said that it's difficult, but that I'm able to do it, he assured me.

To my pilots at US Airways who have shown so much support for me, thank you, one and all. Tomorrow, I join you in the skies. Though my machine will be significantly smaller, know that I will keep you in mind when I fly. You are where I want to be.

And to all the people in my life who have supported me thus far, tomorrow will officially begin my journey towards becoming a professional pilot. Thanks for your continual support. I will still need your help and support. Thank you so much!!!

Tomorrow, I'll unfurl my haggardly wings and shadow the earth lovingly with them. Tomorrow, I will flex my wings with regained strength, and spread them proudly, with great pride and undeniable power. My wings will fly again, and hopefully, will fly again with independence and visible power.

Tomorrow, I take flight!

Cecil Field Air Show...This One's For You, Alan...

I have been going to airshows for almost 20 years. I've learned a lot about the airshow industry (for a while, I even wanted to get into the airshow industry as a pilot). I have had dreams of Oshkosh, performing in front of a hundred thousand people, me, and my airplane, merging into one being, making the sky my canvas, the airplane my paintbrush.

This airshow is going to be a special one. And although it is a good distance away from me, I am contemplating going. The drive to and from Jacksonville, Florida, can be done within a day, as long as driving is done at night. And although the tickets are $10, it's still not bad. It's something that I am seriously considering going to.

Why am I so bent on attending this airshow?

Alan Henley, the lead pilot for the Aeroshell Flight Team (which I have had the joy to see three times since moving here to Florida), was in a tragic accident at home not too long ago. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. It gutted his flying career. But it has not gutted his love for aviation. And the love the industry has for him is also unwavering. The airshow industry took it hard when the accident occurred. He, and his team, was one of the movers and shakers of the industry. One thing is for certain. The industry was willing and able to help a fallen brother. And that is what this airshow is about.

This airshow is unlike any other one in the sense that the time alone is much longer than the typical airshow. Most airshows don't start until noon, maybe afterward, and end at around 4 PM. This one will start at 10 AM and end at 5 PM. A full SEVEN HOURS of airshow performances. And while on performances, 35 performers are currently slated to fly the show. All the big names of the industry will be there.

If anything, this airshow, in the aspect of civilian performances, may surpass Oshkosh (but of course, I wouldn't know, because I have yet to go to my first AirVenture). This has never been done before. Thirty-five civilian performers, a full seven hours of air time, and the primary purpose is charity. It's not about military recruitment, or patriotism, but about helping out a fallen aviator and his family. This may be the airshow in its purest sense of the word.

I'll try to head out to it.

Here is the video from Aero-TV, and the airshow's website.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Alan. And a speedy recovery!

The Space Shuttle

Say what you want about NASA's noble steed. Whatever anyone says about it, one thing is certain: it has the undeniable power to amaze.

I learned that today, when I saw the Shuttle fly. I saw her, Discovery, fly for the first time in my life, with my own two eyes. Although there was 120 nautical miles between me and Titusville, I was able to see it clearly. What a beautiful sight! The colors were simply amazing. The dusk sky was a perfect canvas to see the Shuttle fly. The weather was perfect.

Our vantage point was my place of employment: Palm Beach International Airport. I drove to the parking structure, up to the seventh floor, and saw a group of people who also drove in, as well as some airline, airport, and TSA employees, enjoying the launch. I had my XM Radio receiver tuned to CNN audio, and heard the countdown. Amazing sight.

And that's from 120 nautical miles away from the Shuttle Landing Facility (TTS, previously X68)!

I still have to see it up close and personal, hearing the "blap-blap-blap" thunder of the solid rocket boosters. I want to feel the hairs on my back stand on end, in sheer, shivering recognition of the Undeniable Power of Aviation. The Wonders of Aviation bore witness today to a select few who had the privilege of seeing it at the Cape, an those within visual range who so much as even had the concern to bother and look.

The Wonders of Aviation need to be recognized. And today, she bore witness. I, along with my two sisters, saw the Wonder of Flight. Seeing the dreams of many people generations ago, who could only see the result, and fought their way to make that desired result an absolute reality. My hat is off to all of them: to those with wings spreading through learning, those that are aloft plying their trade with pride, and those with folded wings who fly no more through death. Their contributions are priceless, and should be remembered.

Sail high, Discovery! And a safe return home!

"Large Aircraft Security Program", TSA's latest folly...

Before I begin, let me give you the link to leave your public comment on this travesty that the TSA wants to start.

AOPA, NBAA, and EAA are all letting the TSA know, as well as inciting their members to leave their public comments regarding this load of bull.

Do what you can NOW!

A small town in New Mexico, though frozen, sits vibrant...

In November of 2007, I helped my dad drive to Los Angeles. At the time, we were under the impression that we were going to return to the Promised Land. But the Exodus would not come to be.

At the time, I was big on classic rock. I tuned the radio to a few classic rock stations across the trip from Florida to Los Angeles (except when we were in Louisiana...zydeco prevailed there. We enjoyed it).

Before I continue, let me remind you that I firmly believe that aviation is the most important part of the history of man. Its pioneers, some still living today, blazed trails for us to follow, and their remnants still exist today.

Back to the story, after stopping in Las Cruces, New Mexico from a 36-hour continuous jaunt from the house in Florida, we found a local Chinese place not too far from New Mexico State University Las Cruces. The food was great. And, since I was single (and still am, though I am wishing it would change), I was, naturally, looking at the local girls. I was pleasantly surprised. But later on that. Even so, I am

The following morning, after sleeping so deeply I didn't even move from my original position in bed, I caught the sunrise over the mountains east of the city. I did not want to go anywhere else.

We got back in the truck, and we continued to Lordsburg, New Mexico. A very small town...a hamlet, I guess. Not even 3000 people lived in the town limits. The houses were small, and the environment was very warm (that morning was freezing cold, and windy...but not a cloud in the sky). We stopped in, starving, and stopped at a restaurant called "Kranberry's Family Restaurant" (their breakfast menu is awesome, and if you do drive on the 10 freeway, east or west through New Mexico, stop there). It seemed like every local girl in the town worked at the restaurant. All were very beautiful. But I kept those thoughts (clean, mind you) to myself. My dad stepped away, and I sat alone at our booth. The gentleman who was sitting in the booth behind my dad spotted my flight jacket, with my leather nametag with gold wings emblazoned with my name on it. He asked if I was a pilot. I replied that I was a student pilot, training to fly for the airlines. He asked warmly what I was doing in his little town, and if I flew in. I said that we stopped in for breakfast, and were to continue driving to Los Angeles the same day, returning home. He wished me the best of luck.

His inquiry stayed in my mind ever since. I researched Lordsburg, and found that it is the county seat for Hidalgo County. The airport there (across the street from Kranberry's off the 10 freeway) is the first one in the state. And, Charles Lindbergh landed there in his Ryan NYP when ferrying it to New York. Yes, every little airport, even in the most ungainly of locations or conditions, has their claim to fame. Santa Monica has the heritage of Douglas Aircraft, and the first round-the-world flight taking place there. Lantana's Palm Beach County Park Airport came into fruition during World War II, then flourished and grew under the vision of one man, Owen Gassaway, Jr (the airport is now named after him).

Aviation is truly something special. And it is special because of the people who make it up. A microcosm of people who do everything from fly, to maintain, to direct, to entertain, and to simply enjoy, all in aviation are special individuals who deserve our thanks and respect.

Algo en que pensar...Love, Desire, and Caring

Hay alguien que sé quién me hace pensár mucho. Esta muchacha tiene, más o menos, un año más que mí. Sus ojos oscuros, su pelo café que fluye en el viento, piel suave, hacen que me vuélvo loco siempre que la vea. Mis latidos del corazón aceleran, aún más rápidamente. Comienzo a sudar. Y las palabras se me ván. La he conocido por casi cinco años, y debido a miedo, simplemente no puedo decirle cómo me siento. Cómo deseo su amor más que el vuelo sí mismo. Sí, dejare mi carrera de piloto profesional para estar con ella.

Quiero enseñarle el mundo. Quiero compartir el mundo con ella con mis alas de oro. Quiero tomarla en el cielo, y ver mi reflejo, y el mundo entero detrás de mí, en sus ojos. Quiero ver lo que ella ve. Quiero ser su mundo.

Sí, ella es alguien muy especial. Con todo temo del rechazamiento. Creo que es que el mismo miedo que me guarda de hacer el salto con el vuelo me está guardando de decirle lo que siento. Una amiga cercana me dijo que necesito saltar al vuelo, y dejar de mi estancamiento. Si amo el volar tanto, necesito olvidar todo, y simplemente volar.

Debo olvidar el pasado. Necesito olvidar el pasado. Debo olvidar el hecho que habría podido avanzar con mi carrera del vuelo si nunca salimos de California. Me estaría preparando para mi licencia del ATP ahora. Debo ser. Cumplaré los 23 años en unos meses. Aunque no tengo todo lo que necesito, necesito empezar. Necesito volar. He rectificado mis finanzas. No hay razón para parar. Necesito empezar una vez por todas. Comenzar otra vez. Comenzar de nuevo.

Y comenzaré. Necesito a una amiga para llevar al cielo. Y quisiera que ella fuera mi copilota. La veo, y empiezan mis deseos de protegerla, amarla, acariciarla, respetarla, hacer que yo sere la unica persona quien ella puede depender.

That is all I want.

And I desire to spend the rest of eternity with her.

I had felt something similar before. But it didn't feel tangible. I was younger, and stupid. Now, I'm not as young, and not so stupid. One would think that the feeling wouldn't be as strong now that I'm older, and hormones stabilized. But it feels stronger. Stronger now.

I'll tell her something soon.

I have known her for some time now. But I have not seen her until just a couple of days ago. I had these feelings for a while now, but they didn't fire up to a blazing desire until recently. Prior to that point, the last time I saw her was a good 4 months (and we simply meet, not that often, but when we do, we just do).

Rightful worries from those with more time, and the media skewing aviation again...

Captain Chesley Sullenberger, US Airways, is a great pilot who gave all pilots a good name collectively. So as we all know, everything he says to the media will be heard (personally, I wish USAPA, his union, has the same clout, but it will with time. Keep up the good work, guys!). He expressed a concern that I also have.

With regional carriers hiring (well, at least when they were) pilots with as low as 200 hours, pilots of mainline carriers with more experience have expressed some concern. And rightfully so. Speaking to one pilot for US Airways who was flying on Mesa Airlines, a non-wholly-owned subsidiary, noted the slapdash thrust lever movements that could be heard in the main cabin. Both engines running up to at least 80% power, then pulling back to idle, and repeating the process down the approach. A lack of skill and experience caused this, he told me. And scolded me not to do the same. Be smooth with power.

I spoke to another pilot, a retired captain with time in Boeing 747s prior to retirement. He told me that it's one thing to hire pilots with such low time. It's something completely different when they are put in the left seat.

And another article written in AOPA Pilot magazine about the CAPT training program (which used to be under Embry-Riddle, my alma mater) drew reader mail from pilots who also expressed concern. One, a 747 captain. He said that he flew with some of the products of those schools in a foreign airline, and when an emergency took place, even if it was in the best of conditions and circumstance, the emergency procedure quickly became a single-pilot operation. And it makes sense. Pilots who graduate from accelerated programs simply don't have the experience, or I should rephrase, longevity to have the chance to make mistakes and learn from them, or to have been scared in a plane and to actively control such a situation.

However, one thing didn't strike a chord with me in the CBS article that I'm basing this post on.

The media, along with the general public, believe that most airline pilots trained with the military. And at one point in time, that was how it was. You were practically guaranteed a position if you had military time in your logbook. Even fighters, single-pilot aircraft, in some airline applications, have more weight than those who flew transports! Don't ask why, but Continental has a thing about fighter pilots, and prefer time in fighters than time in, say, a C-5, or better yet, a C-40 (a converted Boeing 737). It's one thing to fly in combat, and flying with a mission to kill. But it's something entirely different when you're flying on a schedule and keeping people safe, rather than flying into harm. The retired 747 captain I spoke about even said that a "mission-based mentality" from the military does not work in an "objective-based environment" of an airline. Because at the end of the day, that A320 you're flying isn't a C-5. For that matter, that Boeing 737NG you're flying isn't the same as that C-40 you flew in the Navy. The cockpit mentality is completely different.

The one plus about those accelerated training programs at flying academies is first, a multi-crew environment (two pilots, versus one pilot and a WSO or RIO in a fighter, if it has a second position). And, for the most part, they are taught by former airline pilots. These pilots are specially "bred" to fly for the airlines and for corporate flight departments. They are instilled CRM and the multi-crew environment. They are prepared to enter the industry. But, we need to remember that entering the industry is different than longevity of a career. That will come with time. Simple as that. Most pilots coming into the airlines without prior airline experience are civilian. Why? Because most military pilots will not give up a good-paying career for risking getting furloughed and being hounded by airline management, loss of benefits (though they would keep their benefits from the government), loss of pension (though they would still receive benefits from the government), and a significant pay cut (they would start at the bottom of the seniority list, bottom of the payscale, bottom of the reserve list, and as a first officer...just like everyone else who trained as civilians).

Captain Sullenberger, I completely understand your concern. And I agree, pilots do need experience. Pilots need to get scared in the cockpit in order to be ready to say they are "ready for anything" and mean every letter of the phrase. And airline hiring managers who are not pilots simply will never understand what it takes to fly for an airline. They are more concerned about a warm body filling a seat, rather than hiring the aeronautical prowess that one may have over another. Those of us in the younger generation of pilots, myself included, are still learning, and will forever learn, as long as we fly. And we will fly. No need to worry. We will be flying with a strong degree and regard for safety. And I hope you make it back into the left seat again soon. You have yet another 6 years to fly for US Airways. And may those have a constant and steady tailwind, blowing strong and true.

A Noble Act: Introducing Someone to Aviation...

In this month's AOPA Pilot magazine, Tom Haines wrote an article about introducing people to flying. And I had to write about it also.

You may remember my previous post about my Young Eagles flight, nearly ten years ago. That was one of my introductions to aviation (I only needed one, but I tried and tried again to get known).

You may also remember another previous post about LAX ACE Academy. It was another, and where I began to learn the value of networking.

Mr. Haines mentioned that all you need to make a positive difference in someone's life is by showing someone flight. And it is such a true statement.

Look at pilot, and fellow Californian, Robin Petgrave. He runs "Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum", and runs a very interesting operation. He encourages the local youth to work and learn at the airport. Yes, it may sound quaint, but when you learn where these kids are from, and what they come up against everyday, you will understand what a truly heartwarming operation Mr. Petgrave runs. They are based out of Compton-Woodley Airport. The kids are from South Central LA. In an environment filled with guns, gangs, violence, and drugs, the kids who go there are learning the value of aviation. Kids, who would otherwise become gang-bangers, are getting their bearings towards a career. They are making a difference in their lives. That is what it's all about. Sharing aviation. Follow this link to learn more.

And another pilot, fellow Californian, and middle school teacher Barry Trop. If he were my middle school (Orville Wright Middle School, Los Angeles) ten years ago, I would have had it made. Mr. Trop teaches a flight simulation class. But not just that. He teaches kids the fundamentals of flight. Everything that you would learn as a private pilot is being taught to the students who elect to take the class at Orville Wright Middle School. Everything from flight planning, performance, aeronautical decisionmaking, flight physiology, navigation from something as rudimentary as pilotage, to area navigation and GPS. May his fine work continue. GO SEAHAWKS!

All of us as pilots should find ways to make positive differences in the local communities. By doing so, we can help boost our pilot population, something that is of great concern to AOPA. President Craig Fuller mentioned that we need to build for tomorrow. Yes, we need to build general aviation, the foundation of all aviation, for our future generations. Project Pilot is doing that. EAA's Young Eagles program is also doing the same thing (of which, I am a product of). Yes, we as pilots and aviation enthusiasts need to help find the next generation of flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate pilots. We need to make aviation touch their soul and make a positive difference.

Indeed, aviation is something special. And it is my personal belief, that it is the obligation of all pilots to share aviation with as many people as possible. I believe that. Yes, I believe.

Not allowing parking near airports? A start of bad things at BCT...

Today, after driving my sister to her class, I stopped by Boca Raton Airport (well, I stopped at Boomer's, a combination arcade/go-kart track/kids-fun place, as their parking lot has a commanding view of the departure end of Runway 5, and with the run-up area in front of the parking lot).

Before, the local security guard (we'll call him Dudley Do-Right), would stop and ask me what I was doing there. I'd reply, with a big smile, "Just watching the planes go by, sir." He'd tell me to have a good day, and that was the end of it. Then, after a while, they stopped asking questions, and would only look at you, or take your license plate number, or something of that nature.

That is, up until today.

I was told to leave by one of the security officers. Which is fine. He's doing his job, and I'm the last person who would want to interfere with that. I complied nicely, and he informed me that the airport authority is changing policies, that if I want to look at the airport, it's okay, as long as it's not there.

I've parked there at Boomer's. I have also parked a few times (during daylight hours) at the parking structure of the movie theater also on airport property. I've also been met by the airport security (which is done by a private firm, I must add) there, and with a similar response, "Have a good day", they would leave me at peace with my airplanes.

And to top it all off, how I have taken these photos?

From the MUVICO Theater parking structure looking north

Avitat Boca Raton, Jet Preview 2007

Avitat Boca Raton, Jet Preview 2006, Beechcraft B200 Super King Air

Avitat Boca Raton, Jet Preview 2006, Falcon 900

Avitat Boca Raton, Jet Preview 2007, Hawker Beechcraft Premiere I

And as far as they are concerned, what about my over 10 operations in small aircraft to Boca Raton? Or the time I visited the Boca Raton Tower last year with the rest of my ground school class (and no, we didn't do anything wrong...did we?)? Though they may have seen my car several times, they still think I'm out to do harm. I have been questioned once when a group of aircraft spotters from England stopped by BCT at the parking structure, snapped a few photos, and asked me for directions to Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, Pompano Beach Air Park, and North Perry Airport. The officer seemed amused as to why tourists would want to go somewhere and take pictures of airplanes. He probably thought it was pointless. Many people think like that. He probably didn't know the value of aviation. Many people either don't know, or refuse to know the value of aviation as well. Their ignorance.

The only times that I have been on the other side of the airport fence there is through flying (as was done recently), and through receiving invitations from Airport Journal magazine for Jet Preview events. Do they want to criminalize that? Is loving aviation a crime now?

Criminalizing the love of aviation is becoming more and more commonplace. And it's a trend that needs to stop.

I read a story once in a flight simulation forum from England, that one person, who bought Flight Simulator, was questioned by police as to why he bought the software. Which is ludicrous.

And do I need to get into the Meigs travesty? How Mayor Richard "Minnow-Fish" Daley closed, no, DESTROYED Meigs Field, just because?

I am all for airport security. But airport authorities, particularly those controlling general aviation airports need to recognize that it is at those airports where the real revolutionaries in aviation are. The movers and shakers of aviation are on general aviation airports! Could SpaceShipOne's historic flight in October of 2004 taken place at Los Angeles International Airport? There is no way. Airport authorities and airport neighbors need to recognize that aviation's roots are at the GA airport, and should find ways to open their doors to allowing growth to occur, not limit what one can even do at the airport.

Marksman Security, the private security company that is deployed at Boca Raton Airport, says on their website that their services cover protecting "private airports", among other places. Someone should mention to them that Boca Raton Airport is a public use airport. It is a General Aviation Airport, one in which any citizen has the right to use. Even if it is a mere aviation enthusiast, visiting the airport, getting his "airplane fix".

What will Marksman do next? Take down Boca Raton Airport's live ATC Internet feed? No! In fact, HERE is the link to it! See if you'll have a private security car pull up to your house with a "Dudley Do-Right" asking you why you're listening to a tower frequency!

Again, I'm all for aviation security and safety. But we must also be reasonable, and make provision to all who share an interest to aviation. As aviators (pilots or not), it is our obligation to share our love of flight to all who have an interest in aviation. We must raise our collective voice, and say that enough is enough. Limiting GA activity is not the answer. It is criminal to stop aviation's progress. That's where you get called "Richard Daley", or "Maine Tax Collector" and other such people. Aviation is something special that we cherish. And we must fight to keep it alive and well. And know this. I am a valiant defender of general aviation. I became a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a result of the user-fee threat. And I have maintained my membership through the fight, and victory over user-fees. I am a valiant defender of general aviation, and I will fight for her cause! Know this: all who plan to fight aviation will be fighting me, along with the hundreds of thousands of AOPA and EAA members, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts of the world. We are not a force to be reckoned with. We stand together, united for the Cause of Aviation!

The Pilots of Cactus 1549...

Captain Chesley Sullenberger III

A decorated captain with US Airways, and fellow Californian, went on board with Pacific Southwest Airlines, which was later bought by USAir in the 1980s. He has worked for US Airways since 1980.

First Officer Jeffrey Skiles

A Wisconsin pilot, Charlotte-based, who was also an active force in saving Cactus 1549. He got on board with USAir in 1986.

Through crew resource management, and excellent training, both valiantly saved the lives of the passengers on board, as well as the potential loss of life and property on the ground by opting for a water landing. These two gentlemen, who through circumstance and coincidence, have been recognized worldwide by the general public, and by Aviation, as two pilots acting as one crew with one mission: to safely preserve the lives of the passengers, and to safely land the aircraft for their safe evacuation.

The flight attendants of the flight also deserve recognition.

Flight Attendant Sheila Dail

A flight attendant who got on board with Piedmont Airlines in 1980, has continued to fly for US Airways.

Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh

A flight attendant who got on board with Allegheny Airlines (the original predecessor to USAir) in 1970, and the most senior member of this flight crew.

Flight Attendant Donna Dent

A flight attendant who got on board with Piedmont Airlines in 1982, and has more than 26 years of experience and service for the airline.

All five members of this crew valiantly served and worked in the face of adversity. And all five deserve recognition for their actions.

Blue Skies

To The Pilots of US Airways...

Some of US Airways' pilots already know me. They know of my goal to fly for US Airways as a pilot. What both pilots did yesterday was thanks to the training instilled in them throughout their flight training and line flying on the job. And their actions were nothing short of heroic.

An accident inspired me to be the best pilot I could possibly be.

To all who fly for US Airways, know that I plan to fly with you. I know, some of you will try to sway me away (some have tried), but my love for flying is unwavering. And US Airways was the only airline to give me a chance to get into aviation. I know that airline/labor relations are trying on your morale, but to fly everyday, and get paid for it, sure beats working for a living, and you know that well.

Know that as soon as I get my ratings, and when US Airways is hiring pilots again, I will apply. I will do what I can to fly with you.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds to you.

And save some room for me in the right seat one of these days!

Hmmm, add "novelist" to my repertoire?

I had this strange idea a few years ago of becoming a writer. My angst was building, it was just after I moved to Florida, and I had to let it out somewhere. So, I wrote a book, which is still in my hard drive, tentatively titled "Fly, Young Pilot, Live". I was in the middle of opening doors to aviation. I was in a flight training slump, looking for work, and going to school. And I wrote the main character, whom I named "John Allendale", to be modeled after myself; US-born of hispanic heritage with an Anglo-Saxon name, obsessed over flight, immersed in reggae music, stuck without a girlfriend when the desire to be loved blossomed into a furious love for someone, crossroads in life, longing to return to California (his home state), and making it big in aviation. I'm not sure if it will be a hit, but either way, it's worth a stab.

But, none of you ever heard of the book, as it is still in my hard drive. And in a computer that does not work anymore. Genius me, I never saved it on a disk. But I still have the hard drive, and it's still in working order, so it's just a matter of extracting the file (among others). Will I call a publisher to get the book out? I'm not sure. I'm not even familiar in the process. But it's a matter of tracking down a social studies teacher I had in high school, whom I just found out had retired recently. His name is Pete Justus, and his book is a compilation of poems, titled "Truths Taps and Time". I had the privilege of having him for history in my 10th and 11th grades at Westchester High School (Go Comets!). I'm aware that he does poetry readings at a place in Santa Monica called "The Rapp Saloon". It's a place I intend visiting this June, when I go on vacation back to the place I belong (all the while, looking for an opportunity to live there once again). And although we had our disagreements when November rolled around (he graduated from UCLA, and my intent at the time was to attend USC), all that was put aside when we started talking about one common passion: Corvettes. I wish to own one someday, even if it's one from the 1980s. They're all workable. It's just a matter of modding the car until it's your own. He owns a dark blue C-5 Vette, with UCLA plates gracing the front and back. But it's a stickshift, as all Corvettes should be.

Look up my friend's book, "Truth Taps and Time" at your local bookstore, or at any large online book retailer. And look for Mr. Pete Justus at the Rapp Saloon at 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, California. He's a great guy, and if you get him started on Corvette heritage, you'll be there for hours, as I have not too long ago.

Blue Skies.


Last Minute Addition: Be sure to check out his poem "My Hometown". It's a very nice poem, even if it is from one of the "Boys from Westwood".

A Big "FIGHT ON!" Shoutout, and preparing for the instrument test...

Well, this year's Rose Bowl was pretty much a non-event. And with a score like 38-24 over Penn State, it makes me question the entire BCS system again. A conventional playoff system should be instituted. That is the only way you can put two formidable teams, based solely on performance, rather than what a group of coaches and journalists believe, along with numbers entered in six independent computers could EVER produce! This will unfairly skew the chances for a fresh athletic department that nobody has heard before that is nailing win after win getting to a bowl game. If it's not a school like USC or Notre Dame, give me one good reason why a different school can't be at a bowl game! GET RID OF THE BCS!!! End the 'Bravo-Sierra' NOW!!!



On to flying, as I posted earlier, I passed my Private Pilot Written. I'm getting ready for the instrument class. And I'll also concentrate in getting more flight time and get at least one checkride done. As far as college goes, I'll be completing that soon. I just need time and money. And ground school right now is cheaper. But I'll be getting back to ERAU soon. I should be back by March with college. And hopefully, by summer, I'll have my private pilot ticket in my hand.

I've been getting a lot of support from our pilots at my airline. They ask how I'm doing with school, and I tell them about my test, and they tell me to keep plugging away. And I'll be doing just that. Finish everything I need, and simply build flight time whenever I can. I can't afford going to a large flying academy, like Delta Connection Academy (which I had considered going to), but flight time is flight time no matter where you get it.

To the great Sky above, and to Aviation who has shown her love to me, I'll return soon. You can mark my words! I'll return soon.