Navigating the Path to a Career as a Pilot: A Personal Journey

Through a series of life choices and experiences, I veered onto a path that would ultimately shape my career as a pilot. My journey is a unique blend of military and civilian training, guided by the spark of interest ignited in my 8th grade.

A Military Path to Flight

My career began in the US Army, where I was trained to fly fixed-wing aircraft and obtained an instrument rating. I spent a year flying numerous single-engine Army airplanes in Korea, and later completed the Army Helicopter Qualification course for rotary wing. This led me to fly UH-1As Huey helicopters all over the United States for a year.

My journey did not stop there. I qualified on the CH-47 Chinook and then went on to serve in Vietnam. However, my formal flight training was punctuated by other non-aviation assignments. My goals in the military were simple: enjoyment and safety. I had no aspirations for higher rank or greater challenges, and I cherished my role as a soldier.

The Transition to Civilian Flight

The decision to become a civilian pilot was influenced by a singular moment. In 8th grade, I interviewed a United Airlines captain and he took me to see the cockpit. That visit was enough to ignite a lifelong passion. I pursued a college prep curriculum in high school, and went on to study mathematics and physics at Miami University. I completed ROTC to earn a private pilot's license and then attended Air Force flight school, where I trained on various aircraft including the T-37, T-38, F-102A, OV-10A, T-33, AT-33, T-39, and CV-440. Eventually, I obtained my commercial license as well.

Navigating the Associate Degree Path

A non-traditional route into the pilot world involves the pursuit of an associate degree from a university flight school. These schools offer a two-year program that includes a private pilot's license, instrument rating, and commercial license. The path is filled with students from diverse backgrounds, each with their own aspirations and motivations.

At this university flight school, we encounter a significant dropout rate, with factors such as financial constraints being the primary reason students leave. Although the experience is heavily focused on making money, many students stay on to become instructors. Some of the best students eventually find employment as regional airline pilots after accumulating the required hours.

Not all pilots pursue the traditional commercial airline route. Some opt to fly in corporate or specialized settings. Two of my students are pursuing such paths: one aims to fly in Alaska and the other in a corporate capacity. Each route is unique and worthy.

Looking back, I remember the impact of that initial encounter with the United Airlines captain—the instructor who left a lasting impression on me. Though different from the typical path, my journey has been enriching and fulfilling. I am grateful for that chance meeting with Arlin Reynolds.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a pilot is diverse, varying greatly from person to person. Whether you follow a military route or a civilian path, the passion for flight can lead to incredible experiences and adventures. Whether in the skies above or in regions below, the world of aviation offers endless possibilities.