The Aspiring Pilot

Finally started studying for CFI written exams

Well, I finally took the plunge and am working toward at least the written portion of my CFI certificates. I already had the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) book from Jeppesen, however, I just picked up the Gleim study guides for the FOI and the CFI and Ground instructor written.

I had passed the FOI once, about 5 years ago, so I'm not too worried about that one. Given my almost 8-9 year absence from actually flying, I KNOW I definitely need to brush up on the basics though, in terms of FAR's, airspace, flight physics, etc.

I'm hoping to do the FOI written around March/April and the CFI written around June/July. Currently, goal is to get current as well around February/March as well. I'll definitely be posting a little more about my progress now that I've actually STARTED the process! Here's to 2012 being the year I get back in the air.

Proposal for photographs on pilot certificates

So the FAA today proposed to include photographs on pilot certificates.  Personally, I think this is a long time coming.  When I first started flying in early 2000's, my certificate was literally a piece of paper! Easily forged, and pretty much worthless for identification purposes.  

The FAA then moved to the current plastic license, which contained a little more information, a hologram image for anti-counterfeiting and a photo, well, a photo of the Wright brothers actually. 

In 2004, a law was passed to include a photo on the pilot certificate to ensure the person is truly a pilot as well as provide a more secure document. The FAA FINALLY just issued a press release that they are beginning the NPRM process, (notice of proposed rule making), so don't expect a new license anytime soon, but at least it's under way.  

There will be a cost unfortunately, albeit relatively minor.  It will cost $22 to obtain and will be valid for 8 years.  After 8 years, you will have to pay another $22 (unless the fee increases) and get a new picture in order to renew your license.  

Overall, not a bad idea.  It provides an additional government issued photo-id to utilize, makes the pilot certificate a little more official (you wouldn't believe how many people thought mine wasn't real since there was not picture of my on it!) and should help airport security as well.

For my examiner article with specific details on the FAA Press Release, please click here. 

EU postpones EASA vote

The EU commission has postponed the vote on the EASA new proposals that would have virtually restricted FAA certificated pilot's from flying in Europe or from EU airplane owners from registering aircraft in the US.  The vote is postponed until December at the earliest and hopefully, will provide ample time for AOPA and IAOPA to continue to fight the proposal.  

For the full story and article on this new development, visit my General Aviation examiner article. 

EU vote on new EASA aviation rules today or tomorrow

During a hearing beginning today through October 14th, the European Union Commission will vote on the adoption of a new set of EU-wide rules pertaining to pilot certification and airplane registrations.  The AOPA and the IAOPA have both been vocal with their opposition of the new rules and the negative worldwide impact they will have on the international aviation community.  

The new regulations being proposed were introduced in 2008 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).  During the public comment period, ending February 28, 2009, the EASA received over 11,000 comments on the proposal.  After reviewing the comments, the EASA submitted the final proposal to the EU commission for a vote, which is taking place today and tomorrow.

The proposal, if a vote is successful, will lead to drastic changes in how general aviation and pilots operate within EU countries with the effects truly being felt globally.  Read the full details and the impact the proposal would have at my General Aviation column.

Girls with Wings Scholarship deadline approaching, August 31st.

by Andrew Smolenski - Chicago General Aviation Examiner

August 22nd, 2010 11:51 am

(original article located at examiner.com) Girls with wings is a private organization providing a resource for girls interested in the field of aviation. According to their site, Girls With Wings, Inc., "is a nonprofit organization that uses aviation to encourage girls to reach their full potential by introducing young girls to their role models in aviation-related careers and hobbies."  They are still working on obtaining 501(c)3 tax-exempt status for their education and scholarships. 

They currently offer a scholarship on an annual basis and this is their 3rd year of offering the scholarship. They have raised $2,000 toward the scholarship and it will be awarded for use toward obtaining a private pilot license.  (for more of the article, click here.)

2011 Women in Aviation International scholarships announced

Women in Aviation International (WAI) has announced their 2011 scholarships for members of the group.  You do have to be a member to apply for these scholarship; however, membership is only $39 for the year ($29 for students).  The membership benefits (plus the chance to apply for these schoalrships) is more then worth the $39 fee.  I encourage all female pilots to joint this organization (along with AOPA, the other MUST join association.)

In the current economic downturn, these scholarships could greatly assist someone in continuing on with their education and pursuing their dream.  The scholarships range from $500 up to $35,000 and encompass studies from aviation management, engineering to flight training itself.  The entire list can be found at the WAI Scholarship Page and I will highlight some of them below.

With new pilot certificates declining to record lows these scholarships could help women that have an interest in aviation actually acheive their goal.  For example, American Airlines/American Eagle as well as Delta both offer college scholarships for women pursuing a degree in Aerospace engineering valued at $5,000-$7,000.

Some other notable scholarships include is a scholarship by Able Flight for $2,500.  Able Flight is an amazing organization that helps people with physical disabilities obtain their pilot certificates.   The scholarship will be awarded to a woman with a physical disability to assist in obtaining a sport pilot license.  Tammy Duckworth helped promote Able Flight during her training toward a private pilot license.

Women who are currently pilots are also able to obtain type ratings through scholarships for an Airbus A320 type rating as well as multiple Boeing B737 type rating scholarships.  There is also a scholarship for a Learjet Lear 31A type rating.   The B737 and A320 scholarships have a value of $35,000 each and $28,000 for the Lear rating.

There are other scholarships under the General Scholarship category that also do not always require aviation related pursuits, just an interest in aviation and membership in WAI.

For the full list of scholarships, be sure to visit the WAI Scholarship page.

Tammy Duckworth obtains FAA pilot certification.

(photo by The National Guard via Flikr)

(cross post from my examiner.com article)

On Wednesday, August 4th, the Illinois Army National Guard announced that Tammy Duckworth had successfully completed her FAA certification to pilot fixed-wing aircraft.  She has been training toward her Private Pilot license since January of 2007; however, the national guard stated that she recently completed about six months of training and finally passed her FAA check ride on July 19th.  You can see some of her flight training milestones at her old campaign site from her prior run for an Illinois Congressional seat.

In a statement to the Associated Press (AP), Tammy... (more)

Why? .. and the Future of Flying...

Well, I know given the current state of the industry and flying, I do occasionally get the question as to why I want to fly.  Simply for the fact that I absolutely love it.  All throughout training, I never once viewed it as training, or a chore, career, etc.  I want to fly for the sheer and utter love of it.

I understand that the days of pilot's being these icons are long gone, but people that are getting into the field just so they can say they're a pilot shouldn't be doing it then.  If you don't love this, you won't last.  It's a time consuming (and resource consuming) process.  I unfortunately think that a lot of the modern ages fascination with flight has waned.  Thanks to the introduction of ultra-low fare and no frill airline service, flight has become just another mode of transportation.  Gone are the days when I was little and flying was an adventure and an experience.  People still mostly dressed nicely (not like the really old days of suits and dresses, looking your 'Sunday Best.'  Now, it's the cattle car mentality in some cases and profit in most others.  I do understand the profit aspect as you need to make a profit in the end to be a viable company, but to what extent?  Airlines need to return to the error of customer service and comforts.  Make flying an adventure and experience again.

Will that ever actually happen? i highly doubt it, the bottom line is king now, and with so many low-fare startups and the general populaces need for the cheapest expenditure for them.  I've always been curious what would happen if an airline started up that focused on providing service on par with the golden age of aviation?  Sadly, then reality sets in and I doubt it would last beyond the first few flights that would be successful solely due to nostalgia and simple curiosity.  I doubt if it would take long for the mighty pocketbook to once again rule in favor of discount fares.

Now, where does the future lie?  With new student pilot certificates at an all time low (@60,000) and record low responses from student pilots wanting to pursue an airline career, it could be an interesting future.  How low will the supply of qualified airline pilots get?  Especially with the retirement of more and more of the current pilots and an concurrent increase in air traffic.  Could this lead to an eventual strengthening of the pay and benefits that airline pilots experience.  I think that is a distinct possibility, but only time will tell.

Well, till next time, enjoy your flight!

Let’s Discuss the Future of Flight Training - Jetwhine: Aviation Buzz and Bold Opinion

As I write this, the start of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is five days away. Between the daily rain showers and afternoon thunderstorms (yes, it’s pretty soggy here) the air is growing increasingly alive with the sound of engines I seldom hear during the rest of the year.

via www.jetwhine.com

A blog post I actually agree with and that will affect me in the future as I'm planning on going back and getting my instructor ratings. Flight training is changing, but where exactly will it lead. The articles linked in the post are very informative and well worth the time to read them all.