Andrew

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I'm a pilot who first received my Private Pilot License in 2002 and worked my way up to a Mutli-Engine Commercial rating. I currently work in the financial services industry at a trading firm and also part-time as a firefighter/paramedic in my hometown. My ultimate goal would be to get back in the air and be a airline pilot; however, part of my heart also rests with firefighting and being a paramedic and I don't think I'd be able to leave that behind 100%. Retaining a part-time job at a Fire Department/District while working in aviation would probably be the ultimate career path for me, satisfying both my loves without sacrificing too much.

I initially started flying with now defunct Donair Aviation in Louisville, Ky, at Bowman Field. I followed the instructor to Clark County Airport across the river in Indiana where I first soloed on May 16, 2001. My last flight there was May 18th, 2001. I didn't fly again until September 12, 2002 when I started classes at Delta Connection Academy (Comair Aviation Academy at the time). My second solo then came on October 2, 2002.

I obtained my private pilot license November 9th, 2002 and followed that up with my Instrument Rating, passing the check ride December 28, 2002. I didn't fail a single check ride until my commercial training. I failed the flight twice both at the very end on the power-off precision landing. Third time was the charm and I obtained my commercial license April 5, 2003. I withdrew from DCA at that time due to financial constraints and the aviation industry taking a turn for the worse. Instructors at DCA were barely working, flight times were hard to come by. I made a difficult choice and moved back to Chicago.

I did stay in aviation partially, obtaining a job as a line tech at an FBO at Palwaukee Airport (now Chicago Executive) while looking for a job back in the financial field. I joined and spent time flying with Windy City Flyers, a great flying club out of Palwaukee. I know I could probably find cheaper rental places farther out in the country, but I like the atmosphere of Palwaukee and was impressed with the staff, members and aircraft.

I eventually went back and obtained my multi engine add-on to my commercial license with ATP, Inc at Aurora Municipal Airport in Aurora, Il. I passed the checkride on July 12, 2003. I flew occasionally after that to keep current, but eventually, my final flight came November 3, 2003. A very sad day for me. I haven't been up in the air (other than a passenger on an airliner) since then and the urge and cravings just have not subsided, just gotten stronger.

In addition to this blog, I also write for the examiner.com website as the Chicago General Aviation Examiner and the National General Aviation Examiner. You can access my examiner articles at the My Examiner Article link on my blog home page.