tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84841291982735273872024-03-20T12:26:42.398-07:00The Musician PilotUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-13605347073041098002013-01-24T10:49:00.002-08:002013-01-24T10:49:57.352-08:00Airlines come and go...Hello to all three of you that read this blog. Interesting events have transpired over the last several months. Frontier Airlines has elected to terminate service out of Provo (KPVU) and Allegiant will begin service to Phoenix/Mesa starting in February 2013. I sure enjoy my window seat down here at the hangar. Along with the numerous Diamond aircraft that taxi by, I've seen Gulfstreams, CJs, Lears, Challengers, C-130s, Blackhawks, Fokkers, Dessaults, Piaggios,and even that P51-D that's hangared a bit north of here. I can always tell when that plane is coming. It has a very distinct rumble. <br />
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I'll be sure to upload some pictures when Allegiant gets here. And to all of you who thought I had "passed on" because it's been so long since I posted to this blog, let me assure you I am still alive. The end.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-62195388503340465572012-10-31T07:55:00.001-07:002012-10-31T07:55:40.415-07:00NIFA SAFECON 2012 @ UVU<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgA4XppTepbrjdrxpRBTzRgPQEoqecuKTQRUMsR6dJiyRwFgfs84amnFZLj3k1or0N3pRhLqML9AslLzgHgj-PyJIJeDaSafUnedb2MlcBQD_di8ejniZyHgr05kkrPoB__uI7PNQxRuV/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgA4XppTepbrjdrxpRBTzRgPQEoqecuKTQRUMsR6dJiyRwFgfs84amnFZLj3k1or0N3pRhLqML9AslLzgHgj-PyJIJeDaSafUnedb2MlcBQD_di8ejniZyHgr05kkrPoB__uI7PNQxRuV/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a>The National Intercollegiate Flying Association's SAFECON was hosted at UVU this year. There was no lack of diversity in weather for the event. From what I observed there were at least 4 colleges involved and 5 different types of aircraft including Cessna 152s and 172s, Piper Cherokees, and Diamond DA40 Diamond Stars and DA20 Katanas. Our media production team in the Educational Technology department compiled some great footage into a short video. Though I was not directly involved it was a cool experience to watch. Enjoy the video, I know I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5z7a9Upya2HbrcvcM6EWDQ9QKbFSpRXa_W4cl0fuVvZtnlnz8MoGfuOxNP4mEirgegSLxe-6701P65gFXOQbJjrfe0LvfGSSvzKXlFFceMueyP0wJ3EtDHNYsB__yBMsky5sTU3bRbdU/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5z7a9Upya2HbrcvcM6EWDQ9QKbFSpRXa_W4cl0fuVvZtnlnz8MoGfuOxNP4mEirgegSLxe-6701P65gFXOQbJjrfe0LvfGSSvzKXlFFceMueyP0wJ3EtDHNYsB__yBMsky5sTU3bRbdU/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://youtu.be/fcSiXzfVRDw" target="_blank">UVU Aviation | NIFA SAFECON 2012</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWrYQCh8iLPhIBlALaJKTjDZlzdthtuSS0RzGf0n11sASce8YjdiN8MFaq95g1go3mAPcdO6HVA1U9tjpanEWKCxG41VjCyN9sqD3tAg5DUfm8E30l1CHmpP0LRfxzifAB3Cu4OhaPKEC/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWrYQCh8iLPhIBlALaJKTjDZlzdthtuSS0RzGf0n11sASce8YjdiN8MFaq95g1go3mAPcdO6HVA1U9tjpanEWKCxG41VjCyN9sqD3tAg5DUfm8E30l1CHmpP0LRfxzifAB3Cu4OhaPKEC/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-3193784438443699582012-04-27T09:55:00.001-07:002012-04-29T16:27:08.049-07:00<h1>Shouldn't We Move Ahead?</h1><br />I hope that my blog doesn't just become a place for me to regurgitate information from other reputable sources, but I came across a video on the 787 done by AOPA and I'm afraid I just can't help myself. Watch the AOPA video <a href="http://www.aopa.org/aopalive/?watch=JzM2hnNDoIED9WPT1I-iFBt7TK1MK16u&WT.mc_id=120427eflight&WT.mc_sect=aaw" target ="_blank" >here</a>.<br />
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Besides being a beautiful aircraft to look at, the technologies used in it's design and development are not necessarily new. The thing with aviation (especially fixed wing) is that aircraft design was so innovative and functional in its beginnings that very few changes have been made. With the exception of military aircraft development, most features that you see on jets today have been around since the 1960s. One of the banes of the air transportation industry in my opinion is the lack of research and development.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB6pBIWCCpPInGvKff8672UywPqJJ_t9F16A5aQJcwzCGNSFXhnEi6glY3E4chvhyphenhyphengJNdNwX69h5Jke_U5XsxwgmlNM-RA_f1quqYz2oZFIPUJ_rvuOsu8K_C98qfQJav1qsySNYIbe8Y/s1600/787dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB6pBIWCCpPInGvKff8672UywPqJJ_t9F16A5aQJcwzCGNSFXhnEi6glY3E4chvhyphenhyphengJNdNwX69h5Jke_U5XsxwgmlNM-RA_f1quqYz2oZFIPUJ_rvuOsu8K_C98qfQJav1qsySNYIbe8Y/s200/787dream.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It's true that military contracts are a driving force behind aviation innovations, but as a business principle airlines and aircraft manufacturers should be looking into modernizing more than just cockpit avionics and GPS ATC solutions. The old adage "if it's not broken, don't fix it" (corrected for grammar, obviously) shouldn't apply to aviation. I don't think that a major aviation accident should drive changes in manufacturing or design but rather optimistic ideas for future applications of aviation.<br />
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I do realize that there is a cost disparity between operators and manufacturers with such development and I don't have any incredible economic strategies for overcoming it but isn't that something that can be worked out as we go along?<br />
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I really meant to only talk about the wonders of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner but it sparked my little soap box rant about pushing forward with technological developments in aviation for safety, efficiency, and an overall better flying experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-52997781775140700902012-04-17T07:00:00.000-07:002012-04-17T07:01:12.509-07:00CRJ 200 LearningThis is an update for all three of you that read this blog. I am close to completing the design for two courses that will feature the CRJ 200. Both of these courses will be offered through UVU's school of Aviation Science this coming fall. <br />
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I have had the pleasure of working with some great people on this project. I have spent time learning a lot about the CRJ also. It is such a boon to have a job that allows me to learn constantly. Anyway, back to the point. These two classes on the CRJ won't replace any airline's ground school but they will provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles of highly complex aircraft and will certainly give a head start for anyone considering a career as a pilot with an airline.<br />
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I hope to be able to provide some promotional material for each course eventually. For a taste of the awesomeness that is happening with Aviation Science at UVU, go to YouTube to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/uvuaviation?ob=0&feature=results_main">UVU Aviation videos</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-72109288762170778012012-02-09T08:54:00.000-08:002012-02-09T08:54:23.413-08:00UVU AviationOne of my favorite aspects of my job besides working at the airport is working with great people. Recently we released a brief animated history of aviation video on YouTube. I think it's an awesome video. For all three of the people who read this blog you should check it out! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GLAreFQ3G5k" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-39317989905735696722011-06-16T14:35:00.000-07:002012-02-09T14:32:45.679-08:00Frontier Airlines is coming to Provo, UT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Yes, I thought the title was worthy of an exclamation point. It baffles me that the arrival of a major national airline in Provo, Utah has been so neglected. The Provo Municipal Airport (KPVU) is a great choice as a feeder airport to other major airports, especially Denver.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFynvg2KjHH3qTMUcrKt9cEVgNoQZSlA1w1vtw7o1VuH_vhrJQAi02felsW0BwSP_dW5K245hCVncucMf6MIdbOGFQKHuUuvM8i7v1OKoBPB0xlNNrbgeiz3tcSsqNyTn2AhDdTJnxd2a/s1600/frontier-erj-190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFynvg2KjHH3qTMUcrKt9cEVgNoQZSlA1w1vtw7o1VuH_vhrJQAi02felsW0BwSP_dW5K245hCVncucMf6MIdbOGFQKHuUuvM8i7v1OKoBPB0xlNNrbgeiz3tcSsqNyTn2AhDdTJnxd2a/s200/frontier-erj-190.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's true that as a pilot I'm probably more excited than the average person about this event, BUT shouldn't other people be excited too? If YOU lived in Utah Valley would you consider flying out of Provo to get to your destination? Think about it, smaller airport = less crowds = less time to get through security = less hassle. The inaugural flight will arrive on Monday June 20, 2011. Frontier will operate the Embraer ERJ190.<br />
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Just to make sure I get the point across, THIS IS A BIG DEAL PEOPLE!! There, I think that about covers it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-61215451893662940742011-04-21T19:29:00.000-07:002011-04-24T13:58:42.331-07:00Microburst?There I was minding my own business when the building started to shake. As it happens, the building in which I work is an airport hangar located at KPVU. I work with the Aviation Science department of Utah Valley University developing online learning courses for students pursuing degrees in aviation. Anyway, I was working this afternoon when my workstation went blank (power spike) no thanks to my giant surge protector.<br />
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So I went to the window to see what was going on outside and there's the airport's wind sock sticking straight out like a knight's lance. I noticed a large amount of dust and debris blowing past the building. I didn't really think much of it until I saw a SkyWest CRJ900 landing on runway 31. Now I knew something was up. It happens on occasion that these jets divert to Provo when the weather in Salt Lake is bad. While I was at the window I noticed that the building was moving in the wind and the wall I was leaning on was shaking.<br />
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I noticed another CRJ on a long base and watched as it turned final being blown WAY off course. The pilots must have had to make at least a 20 degree bank to correct. Then the beautiful thing, a crab angle so severe the passengers on the right side of the plane must have had a full view of the airport. They made their descent and then like clockwork lowered the left wing into the wind and put the mains on the tarmac. Kudos to whomever those RJ900 pilots are.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIolHSPpfUa1JH6PomSp6qtZNZZOElMD8S7OVtWSQ-PtLUOoKjJdKoTI-dG8eoBxmx3vsjnLqNooMUdKrU8SguLPGUlJgnDFESWYBMp3p_S4eLjlYKw8PRJT-b4sAauXOrMkiC46wwoLWo/s1600/Hangar+Doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIolHSPpfUa1JH6PomSp6qtZNZZOElMD8S7OVtWSQ-PtLUOoKjJdKoTI-dG8eoBxmx3vsjnLqNooMUdKrU8SguLPGUlJgnDFESWYBMp3p_S4eLjlYKw8PRJT-b4sAauXOrMkiC46wwoLWo/s320/Hangar+Doors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was about this time that we heard a large crashing noise. I decided to go outside to see how bad the wind really was. When I got to the corner of the building I was nearly knocked over. Winds were gusting up to at least 50 mph. When I got back to my office we were told that the building would be shut down and we all had to leave early due to the weather (we were expecting hail and the like coming up later). On my way out I noticed that two of the four large doors on the north hangar were completely blown off the building. We're talking HUGE doors here, they have to be at least 35-40 feet by 20-25 feet.<br />
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A few "essential" personnel stayed late that night and by the next day the hangar doors were back up and everything looked as though nothing had happened. Way to go guys!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-10150914178762516412010-07-02T15:27:00.001-07:002011-06-16T14:49:36.046-07:00More progress every day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI2oeTo6qJRKb5BwrUXwyUeEkwfey5mSuFG9fQXJ4WSmPbqDikL-WxsqNqlr4VjmhU2qUCwZzoKCls11qbO-6bE_fCyIWIAy2khLnVojxYiaOf5bPUlzcW1UvsbI0KgeeUxfCL39VyBc3/s1600/za5web7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489441086746939826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI2oeTo6qJRKb5BwrUXwyUeEkwfey5mSuFG9fQXJ4WSmPbqDikL-WxsqNqlr4VjmhU2qUCwZzoKCls11qbO-6bE_fCyIWIAy2khLnVojxYiaOf5bPUlzcW1UvsbI0KgeeUxfCL39VyBc3/s200/za5web7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 92px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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As both of you who read this blog know, I will be the captain of a 787 one day. I keep tabs on the progress that Boeing is making towards getting FAA certification for the new aircraft. If you would like to see what recent achievements Boeing has made with the Dreamliner you can check their <a href="http://www.787flighttest.com/">787 Flight Test Website. </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QbQXh6_o3gA0ByUIjVN_6q63nhNfLRkpFySIe54TShPNCeOEm8M31nkUdWwzohyphenhyphenqMKO64EcJuWgGYscoicEkjDPCdChOMh3TLClGOuQS_92EvkozNZROaItmJAEQNhSR9w7S2EomTTsx/s1600/za5web8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489441068959663202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QbQXh6_o3gA0ByUIjVN_6q63nhNfLRkpFySIe54TShPNCeOEm8M31nkUdWwzohyphenhyphenqMKO64EcJuWgGYscoicEkjDPCdChOMh3TLClGOuQS_92EvkozNZROaItmJAEQNhSR9w7S2EomTTsx/s200/za5web8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 92px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uwSKwk4Bq2oMAqFwrDDlqMQYiOjUjKpb8CqaRBSjW7-y-iWGPO29w3VYLq4Gawm8U94TnI_ULHg0MJpiS6QZNKxgai9MOFkEoioTl3_fLsphMSGb2jKEqTTUDUeONy5QdvGU-rxMeN8j/s1600/1Khours.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489441076500593202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uwSKwk4Bq2oMAqFwrDDlqMQYiOjUjKpb8CqaRBSjW7-y-iWGPO29w3VYLq4Gawm8U94TnI_ULHg0MJpiS6QZNKxgai9MOFkEoioTl3_fLsphMSGb2jKEqTTUDUeONy5QdvGU-rxMeN8j/s200/1Khours.jpg" style="float: right; height: 92px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>It is impossible for me to comprehend how anyone can not get excited about this new plane. It will be faster, more efficient and it looks FABULOUS! I have put a few pictures here for everyone's enjoyment. Okay, so it's mostly for MY enjoyment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-26826123381664797472010-04-20T16:00:00.001-07:002010-04-20T16:06:23.760-07:00The Dream is Alive, Baby!I am as excited as ever to fulfill my dream of becoming the Captain of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I have dreams about it (day & night) and can hardly contain myself once I get on the subject. Those who know me (both of you reading this) know that I'm a very passionate person. I thought that music was my only passion until my lovely wife suggested the idea of becoming a professional pilot. Well, I've "come out of the closet" with my passion for flying.<br /><br />I'm excited to finish my commercial certificate this summer. I'll also be pursuing my CFI, CFII and MEI. When I first started flying I didn't think that I would ever enjoy teaching flight lessons. Having come from the profession of teaching I felt a great deal of hesitancy to enter a new realm of education. Teaching is HARD WORK. However, I've come to my senses. Having discovered my passion for flying, I can easily see myself teaching others to do it. Teaching is also the best way to learn. Having to stay on top of flight students with basic flight principles, techniques, procedures and FARs is the perfect way for me to keep my knowledge current.<br /><br />I will fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. I have no doubt that I will be able to accomplish that goal.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-3461364056320523112010-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:00:29.195-08:00AOPA Sweepstakes Plane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaaNV69-NylKvGiFHReh6Gk1-06nfZS9qQFflsZ9vUfyQz0L3eKsvTvqTyeI1oKY72Yhb_eLhgV8kMN-ErEYGMZDy9wgs0DD0FSMGIIhdakNSGQc_suSZ76Xh4RdaFGia7fwLArZMakb/s1600-h/sweeps_home_image.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaaNV69-NylKvGiFHReh6Gk1-06nfZS9qQFflsZ9vUfyQz0L3eKsvTvqTyeI1oKY72Yhb_eLhgV8kMN-ErEYGMZDy9wgs0DD0FSMGIIhdakNSGQc_suSZ76Xh4RdaFGia7fwLArZMakb/s320/sweeps_home_image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423656107403669154" border="0" /></a><br />OK everybody, I've been meditating for several months now and feel that I have been sufficiently prepared for the life-changing event of being the winner of the 2009 AOPA Sweepstakes plane, a beautiful Cirrus SR22. I have spent many months preparing a mental list of all the accomplishments that will be made available to me after winning the plane. One of those on the list of course is finishing my commercial and CFI, CFII ratings.<br /><br />So, now would be the time for anyone on the fringes of my friendship to start sidling back in this direction if you want a close look or maybe even a FLIGHT in the beautiful aircraft. I, of course, will NOT accept bribe money. However, generous cash donations will be graciously accepted.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-48378656134444628112009-11-02T16:03:00.000-08:002009-11-13T07:39:09.738-08:00It IS the 21st century after all...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKO8vzV6VggAfydHoUWJ74HokHntwxBOmSlkIuCDzhq2d_3vDAhmxaoZ8kkunsx_6GF1Uv5isfMoOzAXtiBgYHJpGbUh5FT75qMPj7QusULFYesZyFyq88TygFyHbtUUb3NdnlZ8MhcQa/s1600-h/old+avionics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKO8vzV6VggAfydHoUWJ74HokHntwxBOmSlkIuCDzhq2d_3vDAhmxaoZ8kkunsx_6GF1Uv5isfMoOzAXtiBgYHJpGbUh5FT75qMPj7QusULFYesZyFyq88TygFyHbtUUb3NdnlZ8MhcQa/s320/old+avionics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399666158099641234" border="0" /></a><br />Diamond Aircraft is now manufacturing their DA20 C1 aircraft with the Garmin G600 panel. This should come as no great surprise as the announcement for this change is months old. The Garmin G600 is an amazing piece of technology. It's a combination of the standard six pack of instruments displayed in amazing clarity on a monitor placing all of the necessary information to the pilot in a smaller space allowing for a more efficient scan. For complete details and more photos on the amazing Garmin G600, visit the <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6427&ra=true#">Garmin website</a>.<br /><br />As for me I'm excited that the technology revolution has finally seemed to pick up momentum in aircraft. The choices for GPS based avionics and glass panel displays are still few, but the prospect of even better technology is thrilling. Just one example of such innovation in airplane avionics is Garmin's recent introduction of SVT or Synthetic Vision Technlogy which paints a GPS generated three dimensional image of the actual terrain outside your aircraft providing even more situational awareness and giving pilots more information and resources to make the safest and best decisions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nbsqMigljFUzm2c0SaX8Dnedl90oxSL_G54wDbfG7p5VnF793qF4lO3FpChI7c-oQU6JH_JgjFbPKvr2LSmRDUivktj3Pdtz-TBDk1_diNbFS7zM2fVCXjuZpmT4EHGwNF1xS_V30CXf/s1600-h/new+avionics.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nbsqMigljFUzm2c0SaX8Dnedl90oxSL_G54wDbfG7p5VnF793qF4lO3FpChI7c-oQU6JH_JgjFbPKvr2LSmRDUivktj3Pdtz-TBDk1_diNbFS7zM2fVCXjuZpmT4EHGwNF1xS_V30CXf/s320/new+avionics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399666168863766354" border="0" /></a><br />Though my enthusiasm for these new avionics is strong, there is still a part of me that will find it difficult to say goodbye to the "steam gauges" of yesteryear. Having completed my private pilot certificate and my instrument rating in a plane that had the "old panel" avionics makes me somewhat proud of that heritage, and seeing that technology disappearing makes me worry that new pilots will not fully grasp the scope and wonderment that these new avionics packages offer. I have no doubt that pilot skills will still include dead reckoning, pilotage and intensive study of charts, approach plates and weather reports necessary for accurate and complete flight planning, I just hope that having all of this information displayed in color and 3D in front of pilots won't make them lazy (*cough* Northwest flight from San Diego to Minneapolis).<br /><br />The significance of having this kind of technology available on one of the world's most used training airplanes means that most new pilots will have no exposure to the kind of instrumentation that has been around since the 1930s. I just hope they won't become the kind of "instant gratification" people that a lot of kids are these days being able to get information on pretty much anything anywhere, anytime. So in homage to my early training days, I've included the pre G600 and post G600 panels of the Diamond DA20 C1. For more pictures and information about the DA20 C1 please visit the <a href="http://www.diamondaircraft.com/index.php">Diamond Aircraft website</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-71796926196840671192009-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:002009-10-12T16:43:22.948-07:00Another trip down to the airport<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EYZfABzQVxmmzaiaw2tmIQG5G9j9Ahtk554zBNE5S4ZwjjySWmz64F-Lbn51KNdPtPfbqsVlHTe6ip6UdtMwLsQfN46Nl1j9xCMxiKLqmzn-FbSsjrm3ZAC8LdWjjb0Hj27QYrh6hQD4/s1600-h/80281027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EYZfABzQVxmmzaiaw2tmIQG5G9j9Ahtk554zBNE5S4ZwjjySWmz64F-Lbn51KNdPtPfbqsVlHTe6ip6UdtMwLsQfN46Nl1j9xCMxiKLqmzn-FbSsjrm3ZAC8LdWjjb0Hj27QYrh6hQD4/s320/80281027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386682458185416050" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I went down to the airport on a whim today. I was feeling like I needed to DO something. So I did. Michelle and I drove down with 4 of the 5 kids and I went to do some PR with people. The first contact I made was with an old acquaintance. Not only did this person remember my name, but he was very encouraging as to my unique situation. I had forgotten how much I enjoy being at the airport. This person and I talked for a while and then I left feeling much better about things.<br /><br />As we drove away, I noticed the white truck belonging to another pilot friend of mine was parked in front of his company hangar. We drove over and I boldly walked into the open hangar door. This friend was more of a distant acquaintance, but after a few minutes he remembered who I was and we got to talking. In the hangar were two planes. One was of course the Cessna Citation CJ3 that I had seen before. The other was a Cessna 425 Conquest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxryqHVda8IZ-PosjXXN-n1D_jgX2DBe7nDgINtJyGakr-uSLCKKh8TrP9Dddb0hIV0FRJSe3aVvZuH0EQeW8QrJrJrNGyH6u40IuPtMIYbVTlQTemp766VI1jSrtXugQQdQUa0WPgGhmJ/s1600-h/Cessna+425+Conquest+I.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxryqHVda8IZ-PosjXXN-n1D_jgX2DBe7nDgINtJyGakr-uSLCKKh8TrP9Dddb0hIV0FRJSe3aVvZuH0EQeW8QrJrJrNGyH6u40IuPtMIYbVTlQTemp766VI1jSrtXugQQdQUa0WPgGhmJ/s320/Cessna+425+Conquest+I.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391863198052403586" border="0" /></a><br />The conquest is a formidable aircraft. It weighs less than 12,500 pounds so you don't need a type rating to fly it. It is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines throwing out 450 shp each. This friend was telling me the joys of flying the Conquest and how it handles in the air and during landings. I'm a big fan of the trailing link main gear, and the Conquest is apparently no disappointment there.<br /><br />The cockpit is comfortable and wide. Standard instrumentation (old school steam gauges) but a comfortable addition of three GPS devices (two Garmin and one Avidyne). And the seats were deep and plush. I've flown an airplane with leather seats, several times in fact, but these seats were absolutely COMFORTABLE.<br /><br />I have not ruled out any opportunity of flying as a career whether it's with the airlines or with a private company. Today's excursion was sufficient to whet my appetite for getting into the cockpit of a turbine powered aircraft.<br /><br />The two photos included are the Cessna Citation CJ3 and the Cessna 425 Conquest.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-4381339831271681652009-09-22T20:02:00.000-07:002009-09-22T20:12:35.466-07:00So close...yet so far away.That's right, by the book I'm finished with my commercial multi-engine instrument pilot certificate. There's just one small hang up...the examination. Had I the money at the time and a decent instructor, I could have finished months ago. I have all of the required time. I am comfortable with all of the systems of the DA42 and am excited at the prospect of finishing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xl8D8CBHzQ24AvLEEQ18N-lcxbLoHtzeXXEv88evRrPBjelPfWA9bAqLIW4TGe1UuDDXrmggAxGdckH4V4ZPtes1HW9zsQmrHyIhQVqMIj6MF9myeiF2jpU4_ZnHHoTrcS8Dab920DSw/s1600-h/_DSC1282.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xl8D8CBHzQ24AvLEEQ18N-lcxbLoHtzeXXEv88evRrPBjelPfWA9bAqLIW4TGe1UuDDXrmggAxGdckH4V4ZPtes1HW9zsQmrHyIhQVqMIj6MF9myeiF2jpU4_ZnHHoTrcS8Dab920DSw/s320/_DSC1282.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384495391523100770" border="0" /></a><br />Well, as rosy as that all sounded I haven't been in a cockpit for nearly 6 months. So I'll have to spend some time getting my chops back up. Cockpit time is ten times more valuable than car time. If you went 10 days without driving it's no big deal, you still remember how to drive and can do it well. If you went 10 days without flying it's like going 100 days without driving. You'd still be pretty good at it and things would come back to you, but you'd have to drive a bit to get used to it again. So now imagine going 6 months (approximately 180 days) without flying. That's like going 1,800 days without driving which is the equivalent of 5 years. Imagine how good you'd be driving then!<br /><br />So, as an update to my adventures on my way to flying professionally, I'm still working hard at paying the bills, but don't have any excess money to pay for flight time (approx. $250/hour). But I know it will all work out in the end. I really prefer having a picture in every post so the one displayed here is a beautiful aircraft known as the Embraer E175.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-55039350212443876452009-08-16T07:15:00.001-07:002009-08-16T07:34:56.055-07:00Doctor or Captain?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkT9aJUMPLTAHWHf5aCx4KDcpFGENFrfmO4vGZSyKUkeVomjOwL-SU3f2Z1sb47u2o6HU1EVCgNXuUO0ui0d1fqR6e08sTxP5DmaFxx2fWYbGDFce1w-ZFfXpFCVRdHZylTPkqgAY7qAG/s1600-h/private_jet_gulfstream_sm8u.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkT9aJUMPLTAHWHf5aCx4KDcpFGENFrfmO4vGZSyKUkeVomjOwL-SU3f2Z1sb47u2o6HU1EVCgNXuUO0ui0d1fqR6e08sTxP5DmaFxx2fWYbGDFce1w-ZFfXpFCVRdHZylTPkqgAY7qAG/s400/private_jet_gulfstream_sm8u.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370570067827007954" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichs6Fh5jALVUdyMNgDxDn3MrfaahuKdIvtBNyJSnkHwv0makH1bgUG4h5MbsonziTdoYVREFmTxDNDcFV-H7nlPtNR4zytDzq_VrekdoUbEsFtz_1aJL5rP4QYcx9ZPPm4MJGgLeAbr07/s1600-h/Challenger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichs6Fh5jALVUdyMNgDxDn3MrfaahuKdIvtBNyJSnkHwv0makH1bgUG4h5MbsonziTdoYVREFmTxDNDcFV-H7nlPtNR4zytDzq_VrekdoUbEsFtz_1aJL5rP4QYcx9ZPPm4MJGgLeAbr07/s400/Challenger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370570058227527106" border="0" /></a><br />It was a tremendously turbulent time in our lives when my wife made the suggestion of becoming a pilot. Up until that moment I had never even considered the possibility. My life had been full of concerts, recitals, choirs, orchestras, marching bands, jazz bands, pep bands, string quartets, vocal quartets...whew! I could go on, but I won't.<br /><br />At the time of my decision to become a pilot I was also very thoughtfully contemplating going back to school for my Masters Degree from Boston University. I had planned of course to follow that immediately with my Doctorate. So instead of Dr. Findlay (as per the British drama 1962 - 1971) it's going to be Captain Findlay.<br /><br />I have often heard being a pilot compared to being a doctor. I certainly believe the required knowledge base and familiarity with a great number of procedures and possible situations grants the comparison. "Use it or lose it" is an adequate phrase when describing the kinds of things you have to know as a pilot. Hence, in the airlines you are given a flight review every 6-12 months. Please understand that I don't speak from experience, but from what I've heard you jump into the simulator and they throw a myriad of possible emergency situations at you. If you don't perform well...well you can say goodbye to your job. That should make all of you travelers out there feel a little better.<br /><br />For example, the emergency landing into the Hudson River. I don't mean to discount the quality of the captain or the crew in handling that emergency, but ANY PILOT should be able to do the same. We train, and train, and train, and train, and train for situations like that. We should remember the procedures. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. Those are the cardinal rules to remember.<br /><br />With this purpose (use it or lose it) in mind, I have planned to complete my CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings and hopefully gain a teaching position at a flight school. This will enable me to practice my skills and continually refine my abilities. Teaching, as everyone knows, makes the teacher better much more than the student (this IS experience talking, trust me). When I have an active private violin studio, my violin skills go through the roof (in the most humble way of course), but when I go for a summer without teaching my skills regress...horribly.<br /><br />Anyway, I've babbled on long enough. I just wanted to give my 3 readers a feel for where I'm coming from and what I expect to get myself into. And share my hopes of staying current with all of my newly-learned abilities. Of course, if I should happen to find a job flying a Gulfstream or a challenger jet who am I to say "no?"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-83775165298316285442009-08-10T20:11:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:30:36.523-07:00The airport<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNsS963asEVfSAXqvadhphcBaafe3h5kB79zOkekgnpjZvYJirWgI-iRIa2xZRkc9aFw3RrhhcynLOTipA2CDnc0j3l4PAif-DM_f7lWpHVAAFLaNe4-0psvxc9bEWrzHogEuDl7j5Qcw/s1600-h/dreamliner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNsS963asEVfSAXqvadhphcBaafe3h5kB79zOkekgnpjZvYJirWgI-iRIa2xZRkc9aFw3RrhhcynLOTipA2CDnc0j3l4PAif-DM_f7lWpHVAAFLaNe4-0psvxc9bEWrzHogEuDl7j5Qcw/s400/dreamliner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368543365670375362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcSAEop8MDQ54K-9eh65y2iRY-3PTgidIcAdWUXhLO5G7-LgKz2SRU8yBD1FSiHw5nq0kJU1E5FVW1Ku9BoBwAkjZ1v4ksrYcqVEjR49zLNQogLeo25SzXCDVQSzcrRFvF7_L39PhdZkV/s1600-h/787.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcSAEop8MDQ54K-9eh65y2iRY-3PTgidIcAdWUXhLO5G7-LgKz2SRU8yBD1FSiHw5nq0kJU1E5FVW1Ku9BoBwAkjZ1v4ksrYcqVEjR49zLNQogLeo25SzXCDVQSzcrRFvF7_L39PhdZkV/s400/787.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368543363218982130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcO7HMqGW_MDd6h12pB7FVyG8DSMHGA8UVkOg1B7kEwmLO3KMZL46XjX-rc03PXzFtM6PyvGWnnuREuCBqknIYyJe7vy5eFg1s8qOJbeaDuSZQl2gw4LeLshhAl7nxVAWLndEa-2HuCut/s1600-h/boeing-787-cabin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcO7HMqGW_MDd6h12pB7FVyG8DSMHGA8UVkOg1B7kEwmLO3KMZL46XjX-rc03PXzFtM6PyvGWnnuREuCBqknIYyJe7vy5eFg1s8qOJbeaDuSZQl2gw4LeLshhAl7nxVAWLndEa-2HuCut/s400/boeing-787-cabin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368542708041558802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYRqZeTLeIJ3mhzV-ghYWNR6OssbBQIrmsquawOutpEmlTONOhIYX3MIRicE4X30qbMgaT8oDxpovSpRoPiQRX-PdzYjUAp91-HWtHFOx4OXNF2wDUuO3zc_P8t2IJlU5T3O-CFU2YJPr/s1600-h/787intmockup_k63450-09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYRqZeTLeIJ3mhzV-ghYWNR6OssbBQIrmsquawOutpEmlTONOhIYX3MIRicE4X30qbMgaT8oDxpovSpRoPiQRX-PdzYjUAp91-HWtHFOx4OXNF2wDUuO3zc_P8t2IJlU5T3O-CFU2YJPr/s400/787intmockup_k63450-09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368542698881206818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Did you know that Salt Lake International Airport (SLC) is the number one airport in the country for on time arrivals/departures. Yes people, we should be proud! I had the opportunity as recently as earlier today to go up to the airport and drop off my sister-in-law and her family. What a treat it is to be in the immediate vicinity of such amazing aircraft.<br /><br />Mark my words people, I WILL be the captain of a Boeing 787 one day. For those of you who don't know the significance of that last statement, allow me to enlighten you. The Boeing 787 is the latest in modern technology for commercial airliners. It's composite construction, new engines, unique nacelle design, and impressive (redesigned) passenger cabin are among the improvements coming with the 787. The part that interests me the most of course is the cockpit.<br /><br />All you have to do is look at it to understand what I mean. I won't go into details about what makes it so great, but I will say that the technology that is becoming increasingly available for all aircraft (small as well) is monumentally increasing safety and situational awareness. I can't imagine how those guys flew back in the 60s and 70s with just the standard 6 pack, a few VOR receivers and NDB.<br /><br />What do you think? Wouldn't you enjoy being seated in such an ergonomic passenger-friendly environment?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tgbRG3pMm2cWfmBdIlrkLvH2vGlf2NhJhv8icYtCfQaU9ENNTaN5Jh5JxeR4NEut4nKN5sJVw6za-dn7vRceSWx__OfjtjDVLE0hzhGDVIzTqjJfAR6omXeZQOcB8q2xQFKWzZDUC6qL/s1600-h/Boeing787.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tgbRG3pMm2cWfmBdIlrkLvH2vGlf2NhJhv8icYtCfQaU9ENNTaN5Jh5JxeR4NEut4nKN5sJVw6za-dn7vRceSWx__OfjtjDVLE0hzhGDVIzTqjJfAR6omXeZQOcB8q2xQFKWzZDUC6qL/s400/Boeing787.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368542718014846722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-PVHZTqCabKMwIE6-1HoLUf1hR2X7UViYPBw5FrMWzkhz0uSarxSx6ces5gVYvkU4IJbkNVCtyF9sfJZvFAzcf_whcQjo1WMRJXHxF0U-Ens3rLbmooNfaxMM8z9YROIY_vjjAr4EI6/s1600-h/787-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd-PVHZTqCabKMwIE6-1HoLUf1hR2X7UViYPBw5FrMWzkhz0uSarxSx6ces5gVYvkU4IJbkNVCtyF9sfJZvFAzcf_whcQjo1WMRJXHxF0U-Ens3rLbmooNfaxMM8z9YROIY_vjjAr4EI6/s400/787-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368542691790797842" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-29315278013641869262009-06-08T15:52:00.000-07:002009-06-09T17:35:43.305-07:00Green RiverA friend of mine invited me to fly down to Green River with him. How could I pass that up? I mean Green River is such a hot spot for entertainment and fine dining. Ok, since sarcasm is nearly impossible to perceive through the written word, let me enlighten you. The airport is not continuously attended. There was no one there when we landed, and there were probably more people in their cars driving on I-70 than the entire population of Green River. But hey, it was a fun flight.<br /><br />We flew a Diamond DA20 C-1 Katana Eclipse.<br /><br />Please enjoy some short videos from my little jaunt to Green River, UT.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFSDsHrzfNPvLBkeMl6-Cv0hWgp4bMG8R0lcTpz6ycdloPT2MvAM1veH_GqJhrGBq6GPXQmcBHn-1wJetpRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9wZkf_AmDCXxwMAopmojAO8eGVui5Rkyo1DX53IzkDeUGD4FtlBaA2HwYICFQar1rd2AjKAG9Cpc-PHLdOQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-36354607727939715712009-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:002009-05-20T16:13:11.583-07:00Air National GuardI work with a guy who is in the National Guard. His enlistment is up in 3 months and he is going to re-enlist into the Air National Guard. We spoke for some time discussing the possibilities and I became somewhat intrigued. I did a little research (again) into the Guard. Considering the fact that I already have an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's degree and nearly 250 hours of flight time I thought that I may qualify to get into some kind of flight job with the Guard.<br /><br />I spoke to a recruiter and yep, sure enough I'm too old. Yes people I am too old to fly planes apparently. One foot in the grave you might say. I was a little disappointed to be turned down flat like that, but I guess that's not the avenue for me. I'm still waiting to find out I have some rich relative somewhere who wants to pay for the rest of my flight training. If anyone reading this is rich, you DON'T have to be my relative to donate! I'm not that particular.<br /><br />Well, things are kind of stagnant at the moment. I've been pushed around and ignored by my current flight school. I am in the process of pursuing some type of reconciliation. I have a member of the State Board of Regents on my side, so hopefully SOMETHING will come of it.<br /><br />I miss the music I was involved with teaching. I miss my students, but as a whole I don't miss teaching. There are a lot of "behind the scenes" things in teaching that outweighed the joys for me.<br /><br />If any of my former students are reading this, let me say "Hello" and "the metronome is your FRIEND." I still practice my violin, and the piano. I actually just did two gigs a couple of weeks ago. So I'm still involved somewhat. If anyone reading this is still in orchestra or choir please leave a comment. Let me know when your concerts are. Let me know if you need someone to come to Lagoon day with you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-76106346563514879032009-03-20T13:39:00.001-07:002009-04-27T09:33:02.561-07:00"The Future. I gotta check this out Doc!"If you don't recognize the movie quote, then your life is most definitely incomplete. Anyway, the future is here. All those dreams and fantasies that spawned from watching Back to the Future Part II (that's the movie quote) are finally becoming reality. On March 5, 2009 The first "street ready" roadable airplane took a test flight. That's right people, FLYING CAR! It's freakin' awesome! (pardon my French)<br /><br />While I look forward with eager anticipation to be at the controls of a superior aircraft like the Boeing 787, I look forward with equally enthusiastic excitement at the possibility of commuting to the airport in my flying car.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5yGz9bWCpsPXTLS3Ou0fkyOc5WD207ovDM4cnsu29p2U2RlmXiskG3dzkupw4mSmjqpTWCv7PYcSTzytNkrkUixwzABx8DU0SR-KN2nEZihGz54fGcuD6gj-Uas9TdCE_qeZHFbkWdc/s1600-h/090319terrafugia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5yGz9bWCpsPXTLS3Ou0fkyOc5WD207ovDM4cnsu29p2U2RlmXiskG3dzkupw4mSmjqpTWCv7PYcSTzytNkrkUixwzABx8DU0SR-KN2nEZihGz54fGcuD6gj-Uas9TdCE_qeZHFbkWdc/s200/090319terrafugia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315374028256136962" border="0" /></a><br />Check out the video people! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2009/090319terrafugia.html?WT.mc_id=090320epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan">Click here to see the Terrafugia Transition</a><br /><br />Ah the future is bright folks! And that's because we'll be able to fly above that horrid commuter traffic!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-51176722184182369472009-01-19T16:30:00.000-08:002009-01-19T16:50:12.406-08:00January updateI thought that I needed to put up a short post and update both of my readers on how things are going. I met with the Director of Flight Operations down at the Airport today. He was very empathetic and quite accommodating. Things have not been finalized as of yet, but it looks as though I may be able to finish my training and be well on my way to acquiring my CFI, II & MEI.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-P0RnRyQT1HqIBiABVl2OR35x-RRlZVhSlHWypGR7X-yGhCXLGc55vzfxadJs35xuidpAOmLvJDQufTaacqhKyXpk9pXFxfr4e4py6X2gAmHMeUdEGs6iqfQooA6aT_Aus5jwHO5k0RW/s1600-h/C008_high_resolution.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-P0RnRyQT1HqIBiABVl2OR35x-RRlZVhSlHWypGR7X-yGhCXLGc55vzfxadJs35xuidpAOmLvJDQufTaacqhKyXpk9pXFxfr4e4py6X2gAmHMeUdEGs6iqfQooA6aT_Aus5jwHO5k0RW/s200/C008_high_resolution.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293171345403221122" border="0" /></a><br />I also learned that the flight school is going to sell all of its Piper aircraft. That will make it so you can only get your commercial certificate in the twin initially, and then get the single-engine add-on after that. It's actually cheaper to do it that way. That's why I chose to do it that way in the first place.<br /><br />And I really like the Bombardier Challenger 850. Wouldn't anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YtKwHWgdVd-vc2LLA7rcS0afOUz-D_UxwVITUXnDcV53PXLNYG3owtbDP4kYhTS25E9wLNiMPdgTAzFFZxxIEy3L-xjqwNu6w0PFZ7zhEhdnrEjuTXXRPXSBChPt-eofLvJoStn2IS0H/s1600-h/C010_high_resolution.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YtKwHWgdVd-vc2LLA7rcS0afOUz-D_UxwVITUXnDcV53PXLNYG3owtbDP4kYhTS25E9wLNiMPdgTAzFFZxxIEy3L-xjqwNu6w0PFZ7zhEhdnrEjuTXXRPXSBChPt-eofLvJoStn2IS0H/s200/C010_high_resolution.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293171356115881538" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-69786837089203009782008-12-11T09:01:00.000-08:002008-12-11T09:10:36.564-08:00I received an interesting phone call...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEtqkawlCyXSyt0t1Qc3_j5uaH9ztrMOcQ7Wrr6Sm762zjMwHGkjNFw7cgkpsY_qJpwc__W6j7J3TOVrypK_uVoCnFHT9kvS-ndDZeTV7seGOCYrrR8pLa_nRm1ETHtZWGq7ZNCF51Tja/s1600-h/crew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEtqkawlCyXSyt0t1Qc3_j5uaH9ztrMOcQ7Wrr6Sm762zjMwHGkjNFw7cgkpsY_qJpwc__W6j7J3TOVrypK_uVoCnFHT9kvS-ndDZeTV7seGOCYrrR8pLa_nRm1ETHtZWGq7ZNCF51Tja/s200/crew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278581066893747202" border="0" /></a><br />I was driving the other day to the grocery store when I received a phone call from a certain pilot/employee of the UVU Flight school who happens to be in charge of all Certified Flight Instructors. After a few minutes of interesting conversation I learned that he is in fact a BYU graduate with a piano performance degree. Anyway, the reason he called was that he wanted to recruit me as a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) with UVU.<br /><br />This may seem somewhat trivial, but the prospect of teaching flight lessons over the next year or so is quite enticing. Remember that if I become a flight instructor, I don't have to pay for my flight time AND I get paid for flying. There are still some things that would need to be done before I could begin such as get my commercial single add on and complete the required written and flight tests for the certification. Essentially all I would need to do for the flight portion is complete the commercial pilot checkride from the right seat instead of the left.<br /><br />One other perk of the job is that I would get to wear those cool shirts with the epaulets. I know you're jealous. It's ok, anyone would be. Any comment?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-56934768015297139382008-11-20T13:43:00.000-08:002008-11-20T14:00:17.033-08:00Does anyone know any pilots?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMUscioQhyphenhyphensY9W_TK-dq5qUMHEH7VdrRMOIg_i4mr7gQcOEIwhB8zo8p8zaYOjj0ZrmK_74q6VyvvzxWYTu2DFvAly6QfXZxM0H3BmL5G9iXiNnAPOHf0s2VwyfyNZek7tdwlNav1AjB/s1600-h/31116-0-91780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMUscioQhyphenhyphensY9W_TK-dq5qUMHEH7VdrRMOIg_i4mr7gQcOEIwhB8zo8p8zaYOjj0ZrmK_74q6VyvvzxWYTu2DFvAly6QfXZxM0H3BmL5G9iXiNnAPOHf0s2VwyfyNZek7tdwlNav1AjB/s200/31116-0-91780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862039738922898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the most important lessons I've learned in my life is that you need to know people. No matter how wonderful my skills may be, getting a job is nearly impossible without knowing someone. To that end, I am posting this little message in the hopes that all 4 of you who read this blog will be forthcoming with your knowledge <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cV9FoOohR66URob-Tfh2nlUY3TPJhtQ6oXY34HteionzU4H2EWzSjGWovXXp0WgBoflE4fV0E7vPifIicF3QR4Lrp8nnKpZ6KvL3AdGDgaQa-VQK6T-UBeWYy47X-k2j0-2EX31zUV-V/s1600-h/31116-0-91777.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cV9FoOohR66URob-Tfh2nlUY3TPJhtQ6oXY34HteionzU4H2EWzSjGWovXXp0WgBoflE4fV0E7vPifIicF3QR4Lrp8nnKpZ6KvL3AdGDgaQa-VQK6T-UBeWYy47X-k2j0-2EX31zUV-V/s200/31116-0-91777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862037540316706" border="0" /></a>and relations.<br /><br />Do you know any pilots? Do you know anyone who owns a company that uses aviation? Do you know someone who is associated with aviation in any way? Do you know someone who works for a company that has a private plane? I have been most fortunate so far as to have met some wonderful people in the industry (names withheld) Regional Vice President for the National Association of Air Traffic <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4qAxNHzbDlBiw9MulQWf7F-7Swk4ZlbV5FZYflxHgVasva4dAV3w7EyLdRFS19fNXEP89egD-sSVdO4tLCZjGyvLrZzIwwJ3R_0xoJU_idWlRkJPfUGtSnjEYLQUXmvp1wLcn2aXJ5d/s1600-h/DDA993BA78A4426E92A7A88E115BCC5E.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr4qAxNHzbDlBiw9MulQWf7F-7Swk4ZlbV5FZYflxHgVasva4dAV3w7EyLdRFS19fNXEP89egD-sSVdO4tLCZjGyvLrZzIwwJ3R_0xoJU_idWlRkJPfUGtSnjEYLQUXmvp1wLcn2aXJ5d/s200/DDA993BA78A4426E92A7A88E115BCC5E.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862039332793666" border="0" /></a>Controllers; Corporate pilot of a Cessna Citation CJ3; Corporate pilot of a Cessna Citation Bravo; Reserve pilot (FO) for Delta Airlines; Director of HR in charge of hiring at SkyWest; Reserve pilot (CAPT) for SkyWest Airlines; Line Pilot (CAPT) for SkyWest Airlines; and Reserve pilots (FO) for the following airlines: Express Jet, Mesaba, SkyWest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtDxrNOUJpwrBTsBf2gfjleCzgx3CTCjOlh_GzIwLQHb35Z7rb5LQCei8Jo1E6waDCXgQpWnAnvo3KVbXahJL8Wwi11V2xQnagJilPiLzHllvrnAxSSERYebNQC-Yc-Ag61N-SyisD3sZ/s1600-h/challenger1030newcockpit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtDxrNOUJpwrBTsBf2gfjleCzgx3CTCjOlh_GzIwLQHb35Z7rb5LQCei8Jo1E6waDCXgQpWnAnvo3KVbXahJL8Wwi11V2xQnagJilPiLzHllvrnAxSSERYebNQC-Yc-Ag61N-SyisD3sZ/s200/challenger1030newcockpit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270862042615109378" border="0" /></a><br />I hope you enjoy the photos I've included (I know I enjoy them). Planes are just freakin' awesome aren't they? If you agree, you should see what it's like to actually FLY them! Oh yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-63176253700529175782008-11-13T16:25:00.000-08:002008-11-13T16:46:27.742-08:00I can't take this anymoreLet me preface this post with a disclaimer. I am very upset. There, now my conscience will be clear.<br /><br />Since I began my multi-engine rating endeavors I have been through 4 instructors, 3 price hikes, and a multitude of _____ (fill in your own explicative). The latest in a long line of garbage is that I am being pushed back on my checkride because my instructor wants to do some long cross country flights with his NEW instrument students. Regardless of whether or not anyone else agrees with me, I feel cheated. I have been trying to finish this rating since July 2007. I have been pushed off, blown off, ignored, shunned, stiffed, etc. since I began.<br /><br />The first incident occurred when I started and was told that I couldn't start until the Fall because there were too many other students trying to finish (how ironic). Next came the price hike from $150/hour plus instruction to $170/hour. Then my multi-engine instructor was hired with Mesaba Airlines. Good for him, bad for me. After he left I went through three more instructors and then back one. Next came another price hike to $185/hour followed by another at $195/hour. Since my first instructor left, I have been almost continuosly pushed off. All of the preceeding occurences listed above were interspersed with intermittent lessons, and a failed checkride because the required QRH (quick reference handbook) failed to contain the essential chapter that was the whole reason for its creation. And I cannot forget to mention that during my required cross country flights there was NO instructing going on. Why on earth do I pay $38/hour to an instructor who just sits in the plane?!<br /><br />And now I'm stuck. I could try to find another instructor, or even another flight school but then I would have to start from the beginning again. So unless some person just shows up at my door and offers me a significant amount of money I'm pretty much stuck where I am.<br /><br />If any of you read this whole post you must be really bored. I just needed to vent. I'll be sure to post soon to inform my 3 readers of what's going to happen next.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-65981940322873851082008-10-31T09:22:00.000-07:002008-10-31T09:51:42.210-07:00Airlines I am consideringIt's a little early for me to be counting my chickens... and early to put any of my eggs into <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-yz-FMiajxiqpzQHY9s39PnV2zzXj5zNPiiOl1Zlnsz1dmxXRwIB12uyYinkURwkoKl2eUDbyNA0iArYZdMvAenw879AJpEuasD2n9HodX_i_pce6TNp9yunrgddH335yQtM833T6Cc9/s1600-h/emb01_LG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-yz-FMiajxiqpzQHY9s39PnV2zzXj5zNPiiOl1Zlnsz1dmxXRwIB12uyYinkURwkoKl2eUDbyNA0iArYZdMvAenw879AJpEuasD2n9HodX_i_pce6TNp9yunrgddH335yQtM833T6Cc9/s200/emb01_LG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263358556151134898" border="0" /></a>any basket...but cliches aside, I am looking at a few regional and national airlines. Allow me to delineate my choices below.<br /><br />1. SkyWest<br /><br />This is a no-brainer. If I could get on with them and get SLC as my hub it wouldn't matter that I might be on reserve for a year or more. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7liUqX24V9nsKb6-l8whL-KIcJwfDawPSbPlKcL5_gaj7T79l4N7NQhyyzBbKKD5VI-vM8HaO7cEKLXVXdhXTXi1WgWg769r-UVY1y5vy1HRSJpVJ4ZQzL-R8ebrz1pbvYbxgArXtGeg-/s1600-h/1284819.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7liUqX24V9nsKb6-l8whL-KIcJwfDawPSbPlKcL5_gaj7T79l4N7NQhyyzBbKKD5VI-vM8HaO7cEKLXVXdhXTXi1WgWg769r-UVY1y5vy1HRSJpVJ4ZQzL-R8ebrz1pbvYbxgArXtGeg-/s200/1284819.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263358562039707010" border="0" /></a>The fact that SkyWest is also replacing several of their<br />EMB120 Brasilias (see photo) for the 90 seat CRJ 900 (see photo) is also a very attractive proposition.<br /><br />2. Go Jet<br /><br />Although this airline is based out of St. Lous and only flies from there and Chicago it is still very enticing. The company offers an <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lBiAM7umOIOiRGI57kcL_dUdbSwzHbWxDh8LtRrU_MUKFnbiGR4TCBltftao7eaIKe4sIyTa0oLHwLc2g_0KrcMuwrdglZM9KNbPVaiIpJRn1djB-aJOj8T6If0ZZ8EAnB4C9bVoIAO8/s1600-h/GoJet_CRJ-700_ORD_N159GJ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lBiAM7umOIOiRGI57kcL_dUdbSwzHbWxDh8LtRrU_MUKFnbiGR4TCBltftao7eaIKe4sIyTa0oLHwLc2g_0KrcMuwrdglZM9KNbPVaiIpJRn1djB-aJOj8T6If0ZZ8EAnB4C9bVoIAO8/s200/GoJet_CRJ-700_ORD_N159GJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263358754597353682" border="0" /></a>hour match program up to 1000 hours toward upgrading to captain. Their upgrade mins are 3500 TT and 1000 PIC Turbine. Their pay is competetive and the most junior captain was hired in February of this year. They also only fly the CRJ 700 (see photo) which makes me drool a bit...<br /><br />3. Mesaba<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiyrEjua_ZyzoCNmiyLLH38KmRNPFhyCfBlJugXsvtxP_6eZJzSJD6c66cCjAUHvEzQukCtr8fp82FdEfgLJYiYMToRw6xWUFM6urrTv8l6HUAo7I9KeRWc4zloejucnKkCdYrKAeIka0/s1600-h/atr42.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxiyrEjua_ZyzoCNmiyLLH38KmRNPFhyCfBlJugXsvtxP_6eZJzSJD6c66cCjAUHvEzQukCtr8fp82FdEfgLJYiYMToRw6xWUFM6urrTv8l6HUAo7I9KeRWc4zloejucnKkCdYrKAeIka0/s200/atr42.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263359006250181090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is an airline that my first multi-engine instructor works for. They are upgrading all of their SF340s (see photo) for CRJs 700 & 900. Although it's cold up there in Minnesota, the affiliation with Northwest (soon to be Delta) makes them very attractive.<br /><br />4. Corporate Operations<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m-km0A9TLwZJ1Yj5qZbroOaf9yvCeT3INwTA_vECDQJfWcnMHDdkFBddi1mSXIJ_KiLYQ6NMunXafq5ME-vZ67t5YS2XGMUEChTGzTcpMYzmgcQFSTjB-xayEwHEffA5fQl_depA6R3v/s1600-h/CessnaBravo_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m-km0A9TLwZJ1Yj5qZbroOaf9yvCeT3INwTA_vECDQJfWcnMHDdkFBddi1mSXIJ_KiLYQ6NMunXafq5ME-vZ67t5YS2XGMUEChTGzTcpMYzmgcQFSTjB-xayEwHEffA5fQl_depA6R3v/s200/CessnaBravo_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263359242078272770" border="0" /></a><br />Although I haven't spoken to anyone who is hiring, I do have a couple of connections to corporate pilots who fly a Citation Bravo (see photo) and a CJ3 (see photo) respectively. This job market is very much "be in the right place at the right time."<br /><br />There aren't many opportunities out there right now when you consider that I don't have many hours. I am hoping to find SOMETHING to help me build some time. Although I would really<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcsoPQvQ0Iq3x_mvSreAS-0oKETZ6rWQM_2FGoA4nrvnYgeb3IpSjT52M28cmwwWMP8BvDT1UvCi3cMz2sECWwg1dtPSYo1B2JZoYixJ9NyInA0LUISHniyeLhPZl-cF0ja0jBCxcoF4/s1600-h/N114CJ_BIG_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcsoPQvQ0Iq3x_mvSreAS-0oKETZ6rWQM_2FGoA4nrvnYgeb3IpSjT52M28cmwwWMP8BvDT1UvCi3cMz2sECWwg1dtPSYo1B2JZoYixJ9NyInA0LUISHniyeLhPZl-cF0ja0jBCxcoF4/s200/N114CJ_BIG_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263359270576722882" border="0" /></a> love to get my CFI, CFII and MEI ratings that will take an additional financial investment that I am incapable of making. All in all however, I think that the job market is picking up and there is still a great demand for pilots.<br /><br />What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-61142821688431087592008-10-28T21:21:00.000-07:002008-10-29T20:23:54.840-07:00President and Sister Uchtdorf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0M0Lxy_kVEx_mKbjEAbM-pY-WG-Ktx2Bu2cA8qGTn8FC3gaevueacBbNygvURiDThiMB6uB6CGpmLtjGWzKB9_eBbQqaPHT-WJ4HR_WW9eigqgZzM_7cQO5v25TLx9e9iBmWchR8XDTN/s1600-h/IMG_2843.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0M0Lxy_kVEx_mKbjEAbM-pY-WG-Ktx2Bu2cA8qGTn8FC3gaevueacBbNygvURiDThiMB6uB6CGpmLtjGWzKB9_eBbQqaPHT-WJ4HR_WW9eigqgZzM_7cQO5v25TLx9e9iBmWchR8XDTN/s200/IMG_2843.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262433302397143922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had the distinct privilege of attending a short lecture presented by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He spoke of his career as a pilot starting with 6 years in the German armed forces and then another 30 years with Lufthansa. My wife Michelle and I sat on the front row with our 5 week old daughter Natalie (for details on Natalie see the family blog http://thefindlayfamily.blogspot.com).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIa8Pxuy_qAKWpMUTLCt7zrmZ13gmr2Mp-I-8_PiFC4bb705DSgzsqFMDE-exOFoo_kezwkQi6gOHN8mkre7hPvnPkiFxQtu-pA7yvnUOahke2qL90vAWSbSlhW4vsieyCcOBYE3KYs_4/s1600-h/IMG_2838.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIa8Pxuy_qAKWpMUTLCt7zrmZ13gmr2Mp-I-8_PiFC4bb705DSgzsqFMDE-exOFoo_kezwkQi6gOHN8mkre7hPvnPkiFxQtu-pA7yvnUOahke2qL90vAWSbSlhW4vsieyCcOBYE3KYs_4/s200/IMG_2838.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262433289726959618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of the stories President Uchtdorf told was of his tour of Air Force One. He explained that the cockpit of Air Force One was very similar to the 747s he was flying out of Frankfurt. He sat in the left seat, adjusted the seat and put his hand instinctively on the thrust levers. President Monson who was standing behind him put his hand on President Uchdorf's shoulder and said "don't."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjzMp700QDjY2XvpJfRbvl6Fws7jhFSFfKAQJk_NgxylX9lCT7BiP4FAKriJd7c13rUv78DgqApFVRLo-hw8oxhzPJq-V0XS8wUwdEXK6x03j4EuGdkUULO3bZkqfHHEArQs_LfD6h_gg/s1600-h/IMG_2848.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjzMp700QDjY2XvpJfRbvl6Fws7jhFSFfKAQJk_NgxylX9lCT7BiP4FAKriJd7c13rUv78DgqApFVRLo-hw8oxhzPJq-V0XS8wUwdEXK6x03j4EuGdkUULO3bZkqfHHEArQs_LfD6h_gg/s200/IMG_2848.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262433300154560066" border="0" /></a><br />It was a wonderful experience all around. After the event, President Uchtdorf shook hands with some people including my wife and I. And I would like to point out that he and his wife both said that Natalie was cute. There you have it.<br /><br />As a side note, please notice the model of the Diamond DA42 in President Uchtdorf's hand matches the real DA42 to the right of the stage.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484129198273527387.post-3295413799721069932008-10-21T14:59:00.000-07:002008-10-21T15:32:25.378-07:00Nearly Checkride Ready<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMH-I5m8bsd1smqxHzWYXRA5ymKMLfpVwlC4jNGDIitZieQsMmfoz48GP8E2UF3BPHrcdkWN0WcBp6mUnX5lBu49-kCVyMoDUuwDwMkDtlAu41UEyePzGvQJgaGgwhU46MZmZZDeug0j/s1600-h/cit_cj3_flight_deck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMH-I5m8bsd1smqxHzWYXRA5ymKMLfpVwlC4jNGDIitZieQsMmfoz48GP8E2UF3BPHrcdkWN0WcBp6mUnX5lBu49-kCVyMoDUuwDwMkDtlAu41UEyePzGvQJgaGgwhU46MZmZZDeug0j/s200/cit_cj3_flight_deck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259738485047650978" border="0" /></a><br />After a spectacular flight last Friday, I'm feeling really good about that elusive commercial pilot checkride. It should be noted, however, that the weather on Friday was nearly perfect. No wind, no turbulence and a great pilot... oops, did I type that out loud?<br /><br />Another event of note is that I spoke with a friend of a friend who happens to be a Cessna Citation CJ3 captain. We spoke for a while and I learned some interesting things. The CJ3 he flies is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system (see the picture to the right). Here's some other stuff that I found out:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCHAIRHpSUm5IaTw1eqCkKYNLe6W2vPzqsRhV94iQATBUJaQQmoq01JDaouZkM5aNfdBecbfQEJquJ8HczTfByhau1UDsZSe4TC4JAbiRI20iVtvrVFzGvDLdnSHh332X-vY90LX39f4B/s1600-h/gSideTopCJ3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCHAIRHpSUm5IaTw1eqCkKYNLe6W2vPzqsRhV94iQATBUJaQQmoq01JDaouZkM5aNfdBecbfQEJquJ8HczTfByhau1UDsZSe4TC4JAbiRI20iVtvrVFzGvDLdnSHh332X-vY90LX39f4B/s200/gSideTopCJ3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259735606195991890" border="0" /></a><br />1. You don't have to be type certified in a plane to get hours in that plane as long as the PIC (pilot in command) is typed in that aircraft.<br /><br />2. Insurance companies require a certain number of hours in type before they'll insure you as the PIC. However, as long as the PIC is typed and has the required hours, the plane can still be insured with you in the cockpit as long as you're not PIC.<br /><br />3. Getting a job as a corporate pilot is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Although it's almost a necessity to have a recommendation from another corporate pilot to get into that job market, it is almost exclusively a matter of marketing yourself to the right people.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CIjYq4EDSN72DrHjov_MEEmiQ1-naoT13tKKcxi9agOS7fe497uOE2kpMMz3E85jc4mefkEArAK-ngLGv4L3jhS8CQp3wsMkuuGTuHTsUsnkUob82OELKyfJBKlOUvFSVtmlyVFvTNOU/s1600-h/cit_cj3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CIjYq4EDSN72DrHjov_MEEmiQ1-naoT13tKKcxi9agOS7fe497uOE2kpMMz3E85jc4mefkEArAK-ngLGv4L3jhS8CQp3wsMkuuGTuHTsUsnkUob82OELKyfJBKlOUvFSVtmlyVFvTNOU/s200/cit_cj3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259738476085524130" border="0" /></a><br />4. If I'm ever at the Provo airport (KPVU) and I see this guy's truck at his hangar, I can go see the CJ3 and maybe, MAYBE even get to fly with them on a trip sometime.<br /><br />In the event that number 4 comes to pass, I'll be sure to take LOTS of pictures.<br /><br />And finally, a certain retired pilot is coming to the airport to speak to all of us wannabe pilots. I'm not sure if anyone out there has heard of this guy, he used to be the Chief pilot for Lufthansa Airlines. His name is Dieter F. Uchdorf. You've heard of him? Me too, and I'm freakin' excited at the chance to hear him talk shop. I'm also extatic at the opportunity to perhaps pick his brain on a few airline related questions. I'll be sure to put up some pictures from that one too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4