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!
26 February 2009
21 February 2009
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.
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.
16 February 2009
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).
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).
11 February 2009
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.
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.
02 February 2009
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.
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.
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