Introduction

[RichardT-CA-109]

Hi Bob,

My name is Richard Tobol and I live in Sacramento County. I am very interested in pilot training and starting a second, part-time (for now) career as a commercial pilot. I can't be a full time pilot right now since I only have 8-10 years left before I can retire from my present job and there's no way I can throw in the towel this late in the game. I am an engineer with the Sacramento Fire Department; that is to say I drive and pump fire engines for a living. The pay and benefits are good and the retirement is even better. Yet, between now and my retirement date, I'd like to get my training, gain some experience, and maybe fly on a part-time basis with a local carrier...if that's possible. Like so many others who have written to you, since I was a boy I've dreamed of flying (ask anyone who knows me). I just want to live my dream. And what a childhood dream it would be...drive fire engines and fly airplanes. Could it get any better!!!

I currently live in a community in Mather, which is the old Mather AFB that closed during the Clinton Administration. However, it is still an active airport with everything from private planes to military reserve jets to UPS cargo planes going in and out on a daily basis. It's funny: the main road that goes through the old base to our community goes around the one end of the runway. So when I see a big UPS plane coming in for a landing I like to time it so that I can drive directly underneath the airplane as it passes over the road. I know...it's juvenile...but I can't help it! I love airplanes!

Just a little more about me...I have a master's degree in exercise physiology and spend a very small part of my time as both a personal trainer and a strength and conditioning coach. I was a student athlete in college and competed in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting for six years (no...I never went to the Olympics; that's just the name of the sport). And to top it all off I work in a very rewarding...and very blue collar profession that has nothing to do with the degree in which I spent so much money obtaining.

Although I do a job that so many men (and some women) have dreamed of doing since they were boys (or girls), my dream is to be in the air. Bob, I want to live that dream. I hope I can make that happen.

Thanks for your time, Bob. Take care.

[ExpressJet Bob]

Hi Richard!

Apologies for the delay... I've had a whirlwind week flying through the weather in the north/northeast.

First and foremost... Welcome to the forums! I'm very glad that you found your way here and I hope to help you with your questions as you begin your journey to become a pilot.

I have to say... I know of several pilots who are Firefighters on the side... in fact I just flew with one FO who was full time NYFD. So, I know that it is possible to do both jobs full time. It may be hectic or stessful at times... but definately do-able.

It certainly appears that you have the bug Richard! Your story is one that rings true to many of us who have chosen this profession. For most of us... it started out as a fascination that turned into a passion. Based on your background that you described... I can tell that you are truly passionate about the things you do in life. Everything from the Olympic competitive sports, to your current job, to your degree, as well as your family. That bodes well for folks in this profession, especially since it's not always roses... and we often need the support of our loved ones as well as our "passion" to remember that this job is truly a unique thing that not everybody get's to do.

Welcome again Richard! I look forward to speaking with you.

Bob

[RichardT-CA-109]

Thanks for getting back to me, Bob. Sorry to hear you been so busy. But, I gotta tell ya, it seems like the kind of busy that really isn't all that bad. I sure hope to find out for myself some day.

I'm quite sure everyone at some point asks you these questions, so now its my turn. What's your take on the industry? And, is this TRULY the time for me to be doing this, or should I wait a while?

I know ATP is aa business and their job is to make money by getting students through the front door. Additionally, some forums out there in cyberworld have had some nasty things to say about ATP (i.e.- its a pilot mill with no personal touch, and the instructors are rude and impatient) I really want this to be a positive experience, and although there are no guarantees in life, I am certainly hoping that I will be able to play a role somewhere in the industry as a pilot. So, I suppose I just want your thoughts. Thanks again for your time, Bob. I really appreciate it. Take care and be safe.

Rich

[ExpressJet Bob]

Originally Posted by RichardT-CA-109

Thanks so much. Oh, I sent you a post yesterday with some questions...disregard them; you've already answered them.

Rich

No problem Rich...

For others interested... here's the post that Rich is referring to.

Is now the right time?? + other questions...

Also... I wanted to touch on the "Pilot Mill" comment.

No doubt... ATP is a pilot mill in many regards. But... is a mill a bad thing? What happens in a mill? Typically, you have an efficient process that has been proven to be successful over a period of time.

Nike makes a darn good shoe... in a mill-like process. So does Apple with their I-Pod... So does LL Bean with their hunting boots... Carmakers with their assembly lines... Colleges with their syllabi and curriculum for specific degree plans to produce successful graduates... Airline ground schools also have a "mill-like" system/process for producing professional line pilots...

A place like ATP has taken 20+ years to perfect their process and make changes along the way as necessary to continuously meet the demands of the aviation industry.

They didn't just pop up over night and say... "Hey... get yer ratings here! One stop shopping!"

Regarding the personal/impersonal touch of the CFI's employed by ATP... the best way to get a feel for them is to actually visit a location and make the decision yourself. What you see and hear in other anonymous aviation forums can many times come from folks who have absolutely no experience with the schools they are referencing... and instead just want to tell you what was the best way for "them" the learn.

Personally, I've always been an advocate of having folks like yourself decide for yourselves what route works best for your personal situation. If it's an aviation acadamy (ATP/DCA/Pan-Am/etc)... great. If it's your local FBO... cool. If it's an Aeronautical University... more power to you. But... the key is to actually research these places "real time" and decide for yourself the best course that meets the individual needs for you and your family.

I'll support you whatever you choose.

Bob