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Tony's Journal |
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01/10/2007 11:14:28 AM
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Welcome everyone to my last semester of student journals. Apparently the school website is now allowing me to continue blogging after a year and a half of inactive activity. Well I guess there's some updating to be done. When I left you during summer of 05', I had just finished my commercial pilot license and was working on my CFI. Here is a quick update since that last blog.
In December of 05' I passed my CFI checkride and was hired as an instructor intern at Westminster College. I was given one private student for the spring semester to teach while also learning how to fly the multi-engine Seminole. In May of 06', I earned my multi-engine license and started looking for summer jobs. Through the networking I had done back home in Seattle, I was able to find a job as an instructor for Kenmore Air. I spent the remainder of my summer in Seattle teaching pilots from all over the world how to fly seaplanes. Take a look at my photo gallery to see pictures from the summer. After returning to school in August of 06', I was hired on as a part time instructor for Westminster. I am now teaching both private and commercial students and am also currently working on my instrument instructor license. In addition to this, I am also part of the Westminster College Flight Team. In October of 06', our team placed 2nd to the US Air Force Academy at the regional competitions in Billings, MT. We were then invited to compete at the national competitions this May in Columbus, OH. I will keep you updated on how we will be preparing for this event. Also, make sure to check out the Flight Team website located on the main Westminster Aviation webpage.
Today is the 3rd day of school for this semester and I looking for a relaxing and enjoyable last 4 months. Right now I am taking three aviation classes in order to complete my Flight Operations major and Aviation Management minor by graduation in June. These classes are Business and Corporate Aviation, Flight Theory, and Managing the Airport Environment. It's amazing to see all the different aspects of the aviation industry and how I will fit in when I start my professional pilot career. In addition, I have just started working in the Simulation Center on campus to help proctor FAA exams. Also, I have continued to be a part of Westminsters student government as an Aviation Senator. Im looking forward to meeting the new incoming students for spring semester.
I guess the only thing I can do now is request that you keep checking back on my blogs now that theyre back up and running. This is going to be an exciting last semester and Ill do my best to share it with all of you.
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05/30/2005 7:54:56 PM
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May term is coming to a close and everyone is excited for summer. I'm a little nervous because I have NIFA tryouts tomorrow and they're only accepting a few new aviators onto the team. I'll give them my best. Lately I've just been attending class and looking for another job. Million Air is only giving me part time and that is definitely not enough for the summer. At least I'll have some fun starting my CFI training even if I don't get another job. My first summer on Salt Lake, I guess we'll see how it goes.
Today is Memorial Day and that means it's time for a barbeque. After a quick trip to the store to buy some steaks, we fired up Cameron's BBQ and played ourselves some volleyball. Check out the photo album for some pics from the picnic.
I'd also like to apologize for the lack of flying stories and pics. After finishing my commercial rating, my funds ran a little short so I havent flown in about 6 weeks now. As soon as I get back in the air I'll be sure and let you know.
As for the near future, I think I'll try and get up skiing a few more times. Snowbird is open until July 4th which should give me plenty of opportunities. (That's right John, I'm still skiing). Well take care everyone and check back soon.
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05/15/2005 5:02:33 PM
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Well it's now been three weeks since my commercial check ride and I've only been up flying once since then. However, I was riding in the backseat of one of our Arrows while my room mate John was flying. Thankfully the school has granted a second scholarship which should allow me to get back in the air again in the near future. At least I hope so.
Because I havent been flying too much recently, I've done my best to do a little exploring. A couple weekends ago I took advantage of my free flights on Jet Blue and made my way to San Jose, CA to visit my brother at Santa Clara Law School. I also unexpectedly ran into some good high school friends who also go to the University. Over the few days I was there, I was able to hang out at the school, learn how to us the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and explore the San Francisco area with my parents who were also in town. It was truly a great trip minus the 15 hours I spent traveling standby on the airlines. But it was still worth it.
About a week ago, Westminster students including myself started May term classes. As mentioned before, I'm taking Aircraft Systems and the NIFA class which is better known as the flight team. While I can't say much about the 3 hours of power point every class in aircraft systems, I have learned some interesting things that your typical student pilot would not learn reading their jeppesen aeronautical handbook. For example, currently we're learning about different aircraft structures and components which can contribute to better performance and greater structural strength. As for NIFA, I can't complain. The purpose and focus of the class is to prepare us for the upcoming NIFA competitions next October. However, the truth is that the students in the class are there to become better pilots, not to show off their flying abilities. Some of the skills we are learning include proficiency of the E6-B and the CR-3, navigation skills, IMC flight skills, short field and power off 180 landings, and aircraft identification. Although the class is three hours long, we still have a great time learning from last years students and hanging out at the flight center where the class is held. The course is also taught by my current flight instructor Ben B.
As for now Im still spending my days hanging with the room mates and working with Million Air at night. Not too exciting but at least Im keeping busy. Well check out some of my new pics and check back soon.
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