Although it is obvious that I want to become a pilot, my ultimate goal is that of a cargo pilot. With a dream of working for UPS. I feel that we have lost our roots with air mail, and that this is one way for me to contribute to that system by working for the largest package delivery service in the world. They pay is good and I feel that I would have a great sense of accomplishment working for UPS.
I plan on attaining these goals in a not so standard manner. Most people, would continue on and become a flight instructor to build up hours for flight time and better positions in the industry. I however, Do not want to be a Flight Instructor, as I know that I am not one to teach, and get frustrated when I do. I want to get my hours in a more adventurous way. I want to be a bush pilot either in Alaska or Canada, or norther states. I feel that this is the only way that I will be able to get the skills needed to be a first officer. I feel that that the life of a flight instructor is boring. Yes they have 500 or 600 hours taught. But in all actuality it is the same one hour over and over again, and the pattern is only so much fun for so long. Being a bush pilot would open the doors to multiple opportunities and different scenarios, some even dangerous, but without those encounters, you are still the same pilot who hasn't learned anything after attaining your commercial certificate.
I plan on taking these skills as a bush pilot and leadership skills I have learned through my years of life and applying them for a first officer position at UPS. Although the life of a cargo pilot is a tedious one, one with sporadic hours and little down time, I feel that the overall sense of accomplishment I will have, will make it all worth it.
This sector of aviation in my opinion is one of the most important in the industry. Without the flight department and worldwide reach of UPS, many people would not receive their mail or packages in an urgent manner. WE can take a package from Atlanta GA, (UPS headquarters) and send it to Beijing China, in under 24 hours. Which although would be expensive, is utterly remarkable. UPS is paving the way to a more unified world, And I would be honored to be on their team of pilots.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mr. AOPA
Through the years, there have existed many people who have been a huge influence om the aviation world. From Lindburg, to the Wright Brothers, to the current FAA administrator. But one person in my mind is overlooked, and plays an important role today. He is the president on the largest GA organization in the world. I am speaking of noone else than Mr. Craig Fuller, The fourth and current president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Organization. or AOPA since its founding. . He brings to this position a career that includes senior public affairs positions in business, association leadership, and executive positions in the federal government, including eight years of service in the White House from 1981 to 1989.
Before speaking on why Craig is important it is important to know that he is infact only a GA pilot, and always has been. In fact he only has a private pilot certificate with instrument and multi engine add ons. It is strange that someone who has been flying since age 17 (about 40 years for him) only has a private certificate. Most people of his power, and position usually have a commercial certificate and have worked in the industry as a pilot. He also is the proud owner of his own aircraft. I feel that these are important qualities for a nman of his position as he is not directly influenced by big companies, and has the individual pilot, the private pilot, in mind when he is lobying and working for our rights and privelages as GA pilots.
With no real office in my opinion Craig travells around the United States speaking and lobying for General Aviation, which is a very integral part of our economy. I feel that if this organization did not exist, and people like Craig didnt have such a voice on capitol hill, our government would be walking all over the GA populus. Craig has lobyed for many different items that could affect GA flight in both the positive and the negative. One of the largest issues that Craig was involved in, and still envolved in is the issue of GA user fees. For those of you that dont know, user fees are fees that people of the airsapce or "users" of the airspace infrastucture will have to pay to help fund FAA activities, and infrastructure advancement. User fees are in full swing in Europe, and it has been shown that there has been a lot less public interest in flying as it is way to expensive to learn to fly and to get the equivalent of the private pilot certificate. Craig has also helped the GA public in many other ways that would have most likely increased costs for flight training, and GA flight.
WIthout the AOPA and someone like Fuller, The GA world as we know it would be a completely different animal. Higher fees, and costs would prevent most people, or the average student puruseing their dreams of flight to become pilots. Without the AOPA pilots would be in short supply, and thus all of the aviation industry would suffer. This is why I feel that Craig Fuller is a important asset to the aviation industry. Keep on keepin' on.
Before speaking on why Craig is important it is important to know that he is infact only a GA pilot, and always has been. In fact he only has a private pilot certificate with instrument and multi engine add ons. It is strange that someone who has been flying since age 17 (about 40 years for him) only has a private certificate. Most people of his power, and position usually have a commercial certificate and have worked in the industry as a pilot. He also is the proud owner of his own aircraft. I feel that these are important qualities for a nman of his position as he is not directly influenced by big companies, and has the individual pilot, the private pilot, in mind when he is lobying and working for our rights and privelages as GA pilots.
With no real office in my opinion Craig travells around the United States speaking and lobying for General Aviation, which is a very integral part of our economy. I feel that if this organization did not exist, and people like Craig didnt have such a voice on capitol hill, our government would be walking all over the GA populus. Craig has lobyed for many different items that could affect GA flight in both the positive and the negative. One of the largest issues that Craig was involved in, and still envolved in is the issue of GA user fees. For those of you that dont know, user fees are fees that people of the airsapce or "users" of the airspace infrastucture will have to pay to help fund FAA activities, and infrastructure advancement. User fees are in full swing in Europe, and it has been shown that there has been a lot less public interest in flying as it is way to expensive to learn to fly and to get the equivalent of the private pilot certificate. Craig has also helped the GA public in many other ways that would have most likely increased costs for flight training, and GA flight.
WIthout the AOPA and someone like Fuller, The GA world as we know it would be a completely different animal. Higher fees, and costs would prevent most people, or the average student puruseing their dreams of flight to become pilots. Without the AOPA pilots would be in short supply, and thus all of the aviation industry would suffer. This is why I feel that Craig Fuller is a important asset to the aviation industry. Keep on keepin' on.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
China ..... Jobs?
China Is starting to get into the production of aircraft. It seems that this has occured way to late in the game as China has a major stake in many US companies including the Boeing Company. The linked article, although old from 2008, states that Chinas government has put into action plans to produce a large number of aircraft that are scheduled to be rolling off the production line in 2020.
Although China will be manufacturing these new aircraft, In my mind they are going to have a major dilema, a sort of war if you will, between Airbus Industrie and Boeing. Currently China produces components for Boeing including the wide model bodies such as the 787. China also has a final production line for the Airbus A320. This brings me back to a previous post I have made on a war between Airbus and Boeing, one that will, maybe, run one of the two companies out of business, and this might be something that accelerates that process. IF china choses to go with boeing, as they already have the knowledge on component production for the 787 and other models, airbus may lose their final production line in China, causing orders for the A320 to slow, and since that is the most popular plane, cause Airbus to take a major financial hit. On the flip side. If they decide to go with Airbus. Boeing will lose production on many components for cheap (as we know products made in China are generally at a cheaper cost), and with losses eminent on 787 components, Boeing may go out of business.
Although this does not directly influence the US economy and US business. We may face some indirect consequences. One of the biggest would be layoffs of hundres of employees. The reason being is that this May lead to cheaper production outside of the US for Boeing products (or french if you go with airbus). This will be largely to outsourcing or capital and jobs to China. However these jobs will be made up in more pilot jobs being available in the Chinese / Japanese Theatre. More planes = more pilots that need to be hired to fly them, and maybe even new airlines poping up. So although some production jobs may be lost due to outsourcing, new flight jobs and management careers may pop up and be available to the people who are graduating with aviation degrees soon.
In closing. I think it is a great idea that China will producing aircraft for what will most likely be cheaper. I will gladly take losses in jobs in the manufacturing sector if it means more job opportunities for pilots and aviation management students.
Although China will be manufacturing these new aircraft, In my mind they are going to have a major dilema, a sort of war if you will, between Airbus Industrie and Boeing. Currently China produces components for Boeing including the wide model bodies such as the 787. China also has a final production line for the Airbus A320. This brings me back to a previous post I have made on a war between Airbus and Boeing, one that will, maybe, run one of the two companies out of business, and this might be something that accelerates that process. IF china choses to go with boeing, as they already have the knowledge on component production for the 787 and other models, airbus may lose their final production line in China, causing orders for the A320 to slow, and since that is the most popular plane, cause Airbus to take a major financial hit. On the flip side. If they decide to go with Airbus. Boeing will lose production on many components for cheap (as we know products made in China are generally at a cheaper cost), and with losses eminent on 787 components, Boeing may go out of business.
Although this does not directly influence the US economy and US business. We may face some indirect consequences. One of the biggest would be layoffs of hundres of employees. The reason being is that this May lead to cheaper production outside of the US for Boeing products (or french if you go with airbus). This will be largely to outsourcing or capital and jobs to China. However these jobs will be made up in more pilot jobs being available in the Chinese / Japanese Theatre. More planes = more pilots that need to be hired to fly them, and maybe even new airlines poping up. So although some production jobs may be lost due to outsourcing, new flight jobs and management careers may pop up and be available to the people who are graduating with aviation degrees soon.
In closing. I think it is a great idea that China will producing aircraft for what will most likely be cheaper. I will gladly take losses in jobs in the manufacturing sector if it means more job opportunities for pilots and aviation management students.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Flying for a corporation.
ONe of the many job opportunities that aspiring pilots can choose to pursue is one in the corporate world. Executives of big companies such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank Of America, Ford, GM, Wal-mart , ETC... all have to travel and get to their stores / branches / offices. what have you, in a reasonanle amount of time and as cheaply as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is to develop of a flight department. I have called many companies around the area including FORD and JPMorgan Chase, to get some information about their internal flight or aviation department, all without any sucess of information because they stated that it was classified. Bank of America treated me like a journalist and wouldnt say or disclose anything until getting an OK from a media relations person. Nevertheless I did find some closure
All of us who live in either Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana ahve heard of Meijer INC. A large chain of grocery supermarkets. They only have stores in three states, but like any other large company, quick and efficient travel is of the utmost importance. After calling their corporate office I was directed to their aviation department and spoke with their chief pilot Lance Brower. Who game me some information on their flight department.
Meijer INC. Flies out of the Grand Rapids airport and only opperated one aircraft a Beech 1900 Turboprop. I asked to why only one aircraft and he stated that they do not need a jet for their trips as a store is at most only 3 to 4 hours away in the beech. Something they dont see they need a jet for. They strictly opperate under FAR part 91, and do not to any 135 charter operations at all. THis is because Meijer is a private company.
As far as the logistical information goes:. The pilots that are on the payroll are on an on call schedule, but dont have to worry about 2 am or 3 am wake up calls to go fly. as all flights happen durring the day according to the chief pilot. Salaries and Benefits that the pilots may get was not disclosed as he said that was a private matter with the company, and he did not know. I would have to call the HR department and deal with HR public relations reps who would be hesitant to give me that information. I asked for the minimum requried esperiences needed and he said that the the pilots do not need to meet standard 135 minimums. He said that more time the better, they would not hire a 250 hour commercial pilot, but 1200 hours total time is not needed either. This leads me to assume that they would not openly discuss this sort of information and I went on with the interview.
Managing jobs in the flight the department are also available, but the department is small and they only have 3 office people including a receptionist. I asked what the minimum required experience for that was, and he stated that high school diploma was sufficient but college degree in business management would be prefered. Knowledge of the FAA and regulations is also needed.
As far as hiring goes, Meijer has been using the same pilots for about 6 years now, he said that they are happy with their jobs and dont plan on leaving anytime soon. So Meijer will not be hiring pilots in near future at least.
All of us who live in either Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana ahve heard of Meijer INC. A large chain of grocery supermarkets. They only have stores in three states, but like any other large company, quick and efficient travel is of the utmost importance. After calling their corporate office I was directed to their aviation department and spoke with their chief pilot Lance Brower. Who game me some information on their flight department.
Meijer INC. Flies out of the Grand Rapids airport and only opperated one aircraft a Beech 1900 Turboprop. I asked to why only one aircraft and he stated that they do not need a jet for their trips as a store is at most only 3 to 4 hours away in the beech. Something they dont see they need a jet for. They strictly opperate under FAR part 91, and do not to any 135 charter operations at all. THis is because Meijer is a private company.
As far as the logistical information goes:. The pilots that are on the payroll are on an on call schedule, but dont have to worry about 2 am or 3 am wake up calls to go fly. as all flights happen durring the day according to the chief pilot. Salaries and Benefits that the pilots may get was not disclosed as he said that was a private matter with the company, and he did not know. I would have to call the HR department and deal with HR public relations reps who would be hesitant to give me that information. I asked for the minimum requried esperiences needed and he said that the the pilots do not need to meet standard 135 minimums. He said that more time the better, they would not hire a 250 hour commercial pilot, but 1200 hours total time is not needed either. This leads me to assume that they would not openly discuss this sort of information and I went on with the interview.
Managing jobs in the flight the department are also available, but the department is small and they only have 3 office people including a receptionist. I asked what the minimum required experience for that was, and he stated that high school diploma was sufficient but college degree in business management would be prefered. Knowledge of the FAA and regulations is also needed.
As far as hiring goes, Meijer has been using the same pilots for about 6 years now, he said that they are happy with their jobs and dont plan on leaving anytime soon. So Meijer will not be hiring pilots in near future at least.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The ETS or Emission Trading Scheme.
The Emissions Trading Scheme, a program created by the EU to help reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere, in my opinion, is a great program, but the way it is going to be implemented is a little off. First off the ETS (emissions Trading Scheme) is a system where the EU will in a way "Fine" air carrier operations entering or operating inside EU airspace. The EU will offer "credits" that may be purchased by air carriers, traded among air carriers, or given back to the government instead of money. However these credits will need to be purchased. The problem arises when we realize how the cost or total amount of credits due to the EU is determined. The cost / credit is determined by the last leg flown into or in EU airspace, a big problem for US air carriers.
The money that the EU will be getting through the program, technically will be going for emissions R&D, However, that is shrouded in question. The money will be going into a sort of pooled government fund. This has caused many questions to arise. one if them being, will the money really be used for R&D in regards of emissions research? or is this just a scheme to get money into the poor european economy that has been in decline for many years?
Currently there is heated debate between the US and the EU. The EU is stating that all aircraft must participate in the program, And that US is trying to pass a bill that is stating that it will be illegal for US aircraft to participate in the program. I personally believe that the US is trying to to this because of the fact that this is based on the last leg flown into the EU. Lets take a flight from KJFK to AMS. The EU will want to charge an carrier for the entire flight as if the entire fight has emissions over EU airspace. where if you think about it. only about 15 percent of the flight is flown in EU airspace. Most of it is over Oceanic / international waters, and parts of canada. This will cause our aircraft to make more connecting flights, to areas such as North Africa, or the Middle East, before flight in to EU airspace, which will cause tickets to increase, and passenger heartache to increase. Something the the US and US air carriers do not want.
IF this does become mandated, I feel that there will be more mergers to help mitigate costs between individual carriers, also prices of tickets will go up.
I feel that this would be effective if international flights from the US would be charged for just the time spent in EU airspace, or after a given point or intersection. I feel that it is a good idea on paper, but the way that it is laid out now is impractical and unfair to all involved.
The money that the EU will be getting through the program, technically will be going for emissions R&D, However, that is shrouded in question. The money will be going into a sort of pooled government fund. This has caused many questions to arise. one if them being, will the money really be used for R&D in regards of emissions research? or is this just a scheme to get money into the poor european economy that has been in decline for many years?
Currently there is heated debate between the US and the EU. The EU is stating that all aircraft must participate in the program, And that US is trying to pass a bill that is stating that it will be illegal for US aircraft to participate in the program. I personally believe that the US is trying to to this because of the fact that this is based on the last leg flown into the EU. Lets take a flight from KJFK to AMS. The EU will want to charge an carrier for the entire flight as if the entire fight has emissions over EU airspace. where if you think about it. only about 15 percent of the flight is flown in EU airspace. Most of it is over Oceanic / international waters, and parts of canada. This will cause our aircraft to make more connecting flights, to areas such as North Africa, or the Middle East, before flight in to EU airspace, which will cause tickets to increase, and passenger heartache to increase. Something the the US and US air carriers do not want.
IF this does become mandated, I feel that there will be more mergers to help mitigate costs between individual carriers, also prices of tickets will go up.
I feel that this would be effective if international flights from the US would be charged for just the time spent in EU airspace, or after a given point or intersection. I feel that it is a good idea on paper, but the way that it is laid out now is impractical and unfair to all involved.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
http://alphatangopapa.blogspot.com/
Decided to start following another aviation blog today. This is a blog by an aviation enhtusiast. He is a social media expert, so therefore knows how to get through and connect to the younger generation of people in this world. This ais a good thing as he will probably get people to become interested in aviation. I looked through some of his posts and he has some good infomormation on his site. He is also active posting something every week. Hopefully he will contrinue to post so I can continue to read.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
One Big Bird.
It is no secret that airliners in history have increased in size exponentially. But the airbus Airbus A380-800 is taking this to the next step. Comming in at a whopping 300 million dollars, it is one of the most expensive airliners being created today. It will hold 500 passengers, which is quite a bit more than the 747. It will also have many different ammenities, like a full service bar, and the video linked to this post states that there is a possibility of an on-board casino. (which I believe is a violation of many gaming commision boards around the country, but that is another blog). As of today, I dont believe the US has any open orders for the A380 at this time.
I believe this aircraft and the Boeing 787, are going to be starting a huge war between Airbus inustries and Boeing, In fact I believe that both companies have invested so much materials and man hours, and capital, that whichever aircraft reins supreme will cause the other company to go bankrupt.
I also feel that whichever company reins supreme will be the only manufacturing company left in existence, as the other would not be able to handle the competition.
Lastly the aircraft will help the aviation industry and individual airlines because more passengers will be able to fly to a location at a given time. This will dramatically lower operating costs, and fuel costs, as one plane will be way more efficient than two planes flying to the same final destination. Although the price tag is huge for this aircraft, I believe it will save the airline that buys it thousands in the long run, That is, if it doesnt break all the time.
I believe this aircraft and the Boeing 787, are going to be starting a huge war between Airbus inustries and Boeing, In fact I believe that both companies have invested so much materials and man hours, and capital, that whichever aircraft reins supreme will cause the other company to go bankrupt.
I also feel that whichever company reins supreme will be the only manufacturing company left in existence, as the other would not be able to handle the competition.
Lastly the aircraft will help the aviation industry and individual airlines because more passengers will be able to fly to a location at a given time. This will dramatically lower operating costs, and fuel costs, as one plane will be way more efficient than two planes flying to the same final destination. Although the price tag is huge for this aircraft, I believe it will save the airline that buys it thousands in the long run, That is, if it doesnt break all the time.
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