A long while has gone by since AT-SAT...and the loss of a friend.

The FAA asked me where my counties of preference are.

Palm Beach County, Florida
Why Palm Beach? I'm already here. No need to make a hard move. The towered airport under FAA control (i.e. not outsourced, like Boca Raton Airport) is Palm Beach International.

Martin County, Florida
I'm just south of there...the only towered facility there that is under FAA control is Stuart Airport/Witham Field.

Ventura County, California
Back in my home state, but away from LAX's Class B Airspace. The likely picks are Camarillo and Santa Barbara.

Los Angeles County, California
Some of the busiest airspace in the world, between LAX and Van Nuys Airport. Other airports that may become my second home are Santa Monica (where I started my flying), Torrance (where I was introduced to General Aviation), Hawthorne, and Long Beach.

I never thought I would be considered, as I still don't fit all the minimum requirements (a college degree in any field and a full-time job that I have held for at least two years).

I got furloughed from US Airways last year. Nearing a year away from the airlines. I worked part-time there. I slipped out of Embry-Riddle as I didn't take a class in two years (part-time with student loans from my previous school, Everglades University, held me back, and still are somewhat). I started working for a printing company/retailer about 45 days after getting the boot from the airline. I started full-time. However, I still haven't returned to school.

If I do get the job, however, I hope I can get third shift. Although it's the hardest shift, it will allow me to fulfill my responsibilities during the day without affecting my schedule. But, we have yet to see.

Regardless of the outcome with becoming an air traffic controller, I have formally dismissed the goal of becoming an airline pilot. I have become too old to compete (I know guys younger than me...albeit richer than I am...who are already flying jets, if they survived not getting furloughed).

I will keep you posted on the outcome.


Alejandro Maclean passed away this past Tuesday. He died in an accident while practicing aerobatics. His support and contagious love for flying will truly be missed. I wrote a posthumous poem to Alejandro and posted it on my poetry blog, as well as linked it to Alejandro's Facebook profile and fan page. You can read it here at GolfNovemberPoetry ("Para Don Alejandro", written in Spanish, his native language).

Te veo pronto, Don Alejandro.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Condolences...

Andrew Marc Rossignol

A young flight instructor at ATP based in Stuart (SUA). His goal was to fly for the airlines, as his father did. Aged 21.

Stuart Brown

A young Jamaican flight instructor who desired to fly for Air Jamaica after getting his ratings. He moved to South Florida to work on his ratings. Aged 25.

Edson Jefferson

A Jamaican pilot based at North Perry Airport (HWO) south of Fort Lauderdale at Pelican Airways. He was performing instrument training. Aged 30.

Bryan Sax

A professional pilot from Aspen, Co., working on his multiengine rating with Rossignol, he was a national ski racing champion, bartender, restauranteur, and flight school co-owner. Aged 37.

Rather than judging their actions, as the media likes to do, I will do something different.

These men died valiantly doing what they loved. These men were pilots, through and through. And to not support them or their families in this tragedy is hurtful to them all who fly and share their love of flight. With folded wings, they sleep in death. But they will not be forgotten.

To the families of Andrew Marc Rossignol, Bryan Sax, Edson Jefferson, and Stuart Brown, I give my condolences as a fellow pilot. You are in my thoughts. Their lives will never be forgotten.

The NTSB is currently investigating the acccident.

My First Airshow...El Toro '93

Imagine a warm, sunny day in Orange County, California. Back in 1993, when Marine Corps Air Station El Toro was still open and holding its annual airshow, my family went for the first time. And it was an experience. I had never been around so many airplanes, nor had I been so close to both civilian and military planes alike (I was one of those boys in elementary schools who had practically learned a good portion of the inventory of the US arsenal that had wings on it). But I had no preference. Both were cool.

I remember seeing the Red Barons fly for the first time there. Hearing those roaring Stearmans flying, and seeing them fly a graceful show was something.

Seeing Patty Wagstaff fly for the first time in my life. That was also inspiring.

The USAF Thunderbirds were there as well. It was the first time I saw an F-16 fly in person. Of course, I was 6 years old at the time. And, on top of that, one fly over me.

It was also the first time I saw aviation's ugly side. An F-86 Sabre, pulling out of a loop way too low slams against the flightline, and created a huge fireball. One larger than the controlled pyrotechnics of the air attack demonstration. That one made the ground shake significantly. The explosion caught my attention, and I looked to see a huge plume of smoke, in three different colors: white, yellow, and black. I was too short to see what was going on, and I heard my dad say, "He crashed...". I stood on my tiptoes to see what happened, but to no avail. At the time, I had no compulsion to do anything but watch and try to see what would happen next. A lot like Ernest K. Gann's experience when he saw a DC-3 crash, sitting in a jeep with another pilot, and so suddenly, and insidiously stunned, that they were unable to do anything to help.

I never thought that I would see a plane crash in person. And although some memories of that day were foggy, I remember the atmosphere felt different.

The airshow went on, however. The civilian acts continued, and the Thunderbirds did fly. By that time, I had forgotten about the crash. I was in aviation-sensory-overload, seeing so many airplanes fly, and being around so many people who went for one thing: to see planes and pilots do what they do best. To fly. Watching in the same awe that people had when barnstormers flew into their towns and gave rides, or even daring aerobatic acts in their biplanes.

From what I understand and remember, the pilot of the Vietnam-era F-86 unfortunately died.

You can download the video here, and you will see the crash that I, and about 200,000 other people saw.

I have read in the scant accounts of that event that many people left after the crash. I have also read accounts of airshow enthusiasts driving home mid-show right after a crash. As if they cannot stomach the rest of the show. And with such a bitter note that an accident brings, who can blame them? I never understood it until reflecting on what I experienced that day over 15 years ago.

Since then, I have not seen a plane crash in person. But I have seen airshow pilots perform during one of their last airshows, like Eric Beard, Jimmy Franklin, Bobby Younkin and Jim LeRoy. Seeing such great pilots fall is something that all aviation enthusiasts feel pain in. A heavy, hard pain. Seeing their acts, and sharing their love for flight and adventure creates a bond between performer and attendee, pilot and spectator, aviator to dreamer. I nearly cried when I heard about those fine men losing their lives doing what they loved. It hurts the airshow industry by fueling the reputation that airshows are dangerous. It hurts pilots because it hurts their professional reputation. It hurts enthusiasts and fans dearly, because they lost a figure, a friend.

I still attend airshows, and obviously, I still love flying, of course. I had been attending airshows for years, and will continue to do so for years to come. Flying is something beautiful, too beautiful to keep to yourself. It needs to be shared. You embrace the good in that it provides wonderful memories for life. You also learn to embrace the bad, since each accident has a lesson that all pilots should learn. It's why I am so bent on becoming a pilot. And it's why I'm pursuing a minor in aviation safety at ERAU (my major is professional aeronautics). Each error has a lesson to be learned. And, although there is no such thing as a working crystal ball, anticipating such errors, be it in airmanship or in design, is key. The latter can only go so far, and though morbid in thought, it will take an error of the scale of an incident or accident for all pilots to learn something. Though it is not a positive experience, it is part of "growing pains", so to speak, in our pilot careers.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds to all.

Dreams of Flight...

My first flight in a small airplane occurred back in April 17, 1999. I was in the seventh grade. I had been pestering my dad for months to take me to Torrance Airport, because of this program called "Young Eagles", run by the Experimental Aircraft Association. He finally gave in, and took me there. It was a basic introduction to aviation. Plenty of other kids were there, just about none that I have seen before. Many boy scouts were there...I wasn't sure why. But that's beside the point.

During my middle school years, I was practically glued to the channel back then known as "SpeedVision". Their program block consisted of car racing, motorcycle racing, and boat racing. However, part of their program block had some of the best aviation programming ever. Shows like "Legends of Air Power", "EAA Sport Flying", and yearly coverage of AirVenture Oshkosh, among a weekly aviation news magazine. The EAA programming really spoke to me, because it felt tangible. I was thoroughly convinced that I have the capability to build my own airplane.

At that time, I had dreams of being the next John Roncz or the next Burt Rutan (hey, when your bloodline crosses with that of the Wright Brothers like mine does, your dreams tend to be really big). I also had dreams of being the next Sean D. Tucker, or the next Leo Loudenslager. Designing and building airplanes, along with airshows, were the big thing in my young life.

Then it all hit home that day.

"Gilroy Newball", the man called. I was next to fly. And what was this? I was going to fly in a Rutan Long EZ? Not only on this day, do I fly in a GA plane for the first time, but I also fly in a Rutan design?!

Ron Scroeder of EAA Chapter 96 (the Torrance/South Bay area of Los Angeles) is the pilot and owner of the Long EZ I flew in. He showed me how to climb into the back seat of a Long EZ, and showed me around. He started the engine, raised the nose and lowered the nose gear, and we started taxiing to Runway 22L at Zamperini Field (TOA). I felt my heart beating faster and faster as we lined up for takeoff. Then, he opened the throttle, poured on the power, and the little Long EZ began racing down the runway. In no time, we were in the air. I looked to my left, towards the General Aviation Building, and I saw my dad there, waving at me. I waved back.

Climbing was an awesome experience. With the Long EZ's bubble canopy, we were able to have an unrestricted view above us. We saw planes above us, and all over. Looking right, we saw some jets taking off from LAX, and to the right, we saw many planes...Cessnas, Pipers, Beeches, and some experimental planes as well.

My two friends who went with me also had a chance to ride. Between the three, I was the first to go. One of them went in a Thorp T-18, and the other in a Van's RV-6A.

We flew around the Palos Verdes Peninsula, then over San Pedro and the Harbor. It was a beautiful flight. My first in General Aviation.

The little plane felt like a fighter. The bubble canopy, the sidestick, the small quarters, it was an ethereal experience. I felt like a new person after we landed. It was a wonderful experience. It was one that confirmed my love for flying.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the good folks of EAA Chapter 96. I'd love to fly with you guys again. Not as a passenger, but as a pilot. I want to pass the torch that was passed to me. I kept that flame of aviation alive, and I want to share that flame with others.

Supporting Aviators Facing Adversity...

Please. Support them. Don't be a dream snatcher. Support them as best you can.

I just came off seeing 20/20 on ABC, and I saw a shocking story of a pilot who is struggling to get into the airlines to fulfill his dream because his father stole his identity. You can read the whole store here.

If there is one thing that I find despicable is doing something like this. Stealing your own flesh and blood's wings. How could he take his son's flying career and throw it down the drain? Who in their right mind would do that? And to steal his own son's identity...it's a true shame. I feel for Mr. Randy Waldron, Jr. (the victim in the case). His father was living in his son's identity, and committed all sorts of crimes, financial and legal. You can get the details from ABC's site.

To Randy Waldron, Jr., if you are reading this, you have my support. I understand it is a tough thing you went through. And now, the agony of not knowing whether you'd be hired by an airline is trying. But don't give up. Don't give in. Never forget those who flew before us who faced adversity of all kinds. They went through hell and high water to fly. And we will succeed! Fight to get those wings. Get those FOUR STRIPES!!! They are yours for the taking! And, I hope that someday, when you're in the left seat of that Boeing 777, I'll be in the right seat with you. You have the right stuff. Fly, brother. You will fly, and succeed. You will have those FOUR STRIPES.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds to you Randy, and to all our flying brethren.