Professional Pilot Career Journal

 

September 14, 2002 – Off I go!

 

Tomorrow I leave for ACA / United Express first officer training.  I can’t believe it’s finally happening.

 

I have spent the last week doing a good deal of consulting work for Jeppesen to try to save up some money to survive the next two or three months at my pathetic $200 a week salary and the fact that I’ll have to pay rent in two places through the duration of training.  I have arranged to stay with four other guys in a condo in Manassas, Virginia – a short drive from the ACA training center.

 

I expect training to last through the end of November, starting with four or five weeks in the classroom before beginning simulator training and initial operating experience.  When I’m all done, I’ll be a Canadair Regional Jet first officer and hopefully be off to my new base in Chicago to begin reserve duty.

 

By the way, I hosed up the SkyWest interview so that is no longer a factor.  I have to admit I just didn’t prepare very well for the interview given the fact that I already had a job waiting, and obviously it reflected in my performance.  No big deal other than a minor blow to the ego.

 

I’m planning to commit myself to nothing other than studying very hard for the duration of training.  Last year’s COEX training was very intense and I don’t expect this to be any different.  Studying and going to class while living with a bunch of other guys will probably contribute to an overall college atmosphere that I’m looking forward to as long as it’s just for a short time.  I’m getting a little old for that, I suppose.

 

Time to go to work!  Updates to be posted weekly.