It was only a matter of time for Emmy Rogers. A resident of Austin, Texas, Emmy had grown up with her father, a long time pilot, hearing his stories of his flying experiences. She says that flying is something she “was always interested in.”
After graduating from the University of Texas in May 2007, she knew that “nowwas the perfect time to do it.” She initially began flying right after graduation at a flight school in Austin, but was forced to take a year off due to a foot injury. After her break, training resumed in June 2008, this time at American Flyers in Houston. “American Flyers was so much more personal… I was there so often and so long, I got to know everyone,” Emmy said, recalling her training experience.
Emmy graduated with a degree in corporate communications and currently works with the American Cancer Society. She hopes one day to work as an event planner, and finds that her new skills may prove useful. She plans to return to Houston in September to enroll in the instrument rating course. It “wouldn’t hurt in my field,” says Emmy, adding that she may be able to fly colleagues to different events.
Emmy graduated with a degree in corporate communications and currently works with the American Cancer Society. She hopes one day to work as an event planner, and finds that her new skills may prove useful. She plans to return to Houston in September to enroll in the instrument rating course. It “wouldn’t hurt in my field,” says Emmy, adding that she may be able to fly colleagues to different events.
Instructing a New-Found Career By Joe La Valle
In 1998 when Dave Willis began his flight training, it was the beginning of another chapter of adventures in a life that had seen many so far.
His first foray into flight occurred shortly after Dave left the US Navy in 1970. He took his first few flight lessons in the months following his departure from the Navy and these would set the stage for an ever-present desire to pursue a flying career.
Dave graduated from the University of Missouri in 1979 and soon after went to work for the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Rail Road Co. During almost thirty years in their employ he held many responsibilities: engineer, instructor, manager, and superintendent. After his career with BNSF, Dave went back to his roots, and took up flying again.
Over the next few years, Dave’s dedication and work ethic took him through a systematic training schedule, earning him a new rating every other year. His hard work paid off; he is a recent graduate of the CFI Academy, and already has experience teaching new pilots under his belt as a free-lance instructor.
Over the next few years, Dave’s dedication and work ethic took him through a systematic training schedule, earning him a new rating every other year. His hard work paid off; he is a recent graduate of the CFI Academy, and already has experience teaching new pilots under his belt as a free-lance instructor.
Destinations By Joe La Valle
As the school year begins, students of all ages are getting ready to return to a life of learning. However, you don’t have to be a student to appreciate the exciting and informative exhibits and displays the nation’s aviation museums have to offer.
Situated conveniently at Midland International (MAF) in Texas, the American Airpower Heritage Museum offers a full day of aviation, military and personnel history from all ages of aviation. Dedicated to preserving the “complete history of World War II military aviation,” the Airpower Heritage Museum showcases not just aircraft, but also weapons, artifacts, uniforms, armaments, equipment, photographs and memorabilia from Allied and Axis powers. With over 40,000 sq. ft. of permanent hands-on exhibits, this museum will appeal to aviation and history fans alike.
Also, don’t miss the American Combat Airmen Hall of Fame exhibit, as well as the Nose Art gallery. With 140 original works of art taken from actual combat aircraft, this is the largest collection of nose art in the world.
The American Airpower Heritage Museum operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
First Impressions Mean a Lot By David Menconi National Chief Flight Instructor
Everyone knows that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or trying to demonstrate to an examiner that you qualify for a certificate or rating, first impressions are important.
Everyone knows that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Whether you’re interviewing for a job or trying to demonstrate to an examiner that you qualify for a certificate or rating, first impressions are important. Each Practical Test Standard has a checklist that applicants can use to ensure that they have all the materials required for their evaluation. It includes things like logbooks, aircraft documentation, charts, etc.
Each Practical Test Standard has a checklist that applicants can use to ensure that they have all the materials required for their evaluation. It includes things like logbooks, aircraft documentation, charts, etc.
Be on time: This shows planning, judgment and respect for the examiner’s time.
Be on time: This shows planning, judgment and respect for the examiner’s time.
Be organized: Have all the eligibility materials ready. For example, paper clip all the pilot documents together and tag all the inspections in the airplane maintenance records, as well as the endorsements in your pilot logbook.
Have the airplane ready and accessible: Complete the preflight well before the flight test and make sure that all fluids and equipment are checked. Small things like having the airplane parked as close as possible to the building and having it serviced and fueled show both professionalism and planning.
Demonstrate a "pilot-in-command attitude": From making the go/no-go decision concerning the weather, conducting of the pre-flight passenger briefing or determining any other safety of flight issue, the applicant is the pilot-in-command and that needs to be demonstrated loud and clear.
Few of us have satisfactorily completed a flight test without a couple of hiccups along the way. Demonstrating an exceptional attitude with above and beyond preparation can go a long way in helping the examiner make their final decision.
Better Sleep Hygiene is Easy*
Insomnia is often the result of poor sleep habits and making a few changes can help you get a better night’s sleep:
Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol four to six hours before
going to bed.
Exercise promotes restful sleep, but not if it’s too close
to bed time.
Try to wake up at the same time every morning, even
on weekends.
Don’t go to bed until you are sleepy; if you don’t fall asleep in
15 to 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing.
Avoid napping during the day. If you do nap, do so for not
more than thirty minutes during the mid-afternoon.
Source: UT Lifetime Health Letter
*For more information about maintaining good health on the ground and in the air, stay turned for the November issue of the American Flyers Newsletter.
Flying Without a Parachute
A man jumps out of an airplane with a parachute on his back. As he's falling, he realizes his chute is broken. He doesn't know anything about parachutes, but as the earth rapidly approaches, he realizes his options are limited; he takes off the parachute and tries to fix it himself on the way down. The wind is ripping past his face and he's dropping like a rock. At 5000 feet, another man goes shooting up past him. In desperation, the man with the chute looks up and yells, "Hey, do you know anything about parachutes?!"
another man goes shooting up past him. In desperation, the man with the chute looks up and yells, "Hey, do you know anything about parachutes?!"
Q: I have to make a flight into an airport I’ve never been to before and was wondering what I can do ahead of time to be more prepared for the flight?
A: Good question. I think there is a lot that can be done to prepare for this kind of flight. The obvious answer is to study the sectional chart, terminal chart if appropriate, the AF/D and one of the various airport guides that are available. Maybe not so obvious is to make a phone call to the airport ahead of time to obtain what boaters call local knowledge. Call an FBO or flight school and ask if there is an instructor you can speak to. Ask about entry procedures and reporting points. Ask what you can expect from the controllers. Ask where is the best place to park and where the cheapest fuel is. You might also find out where the best places to eat are found.
When thinking about where to park your airplane, decide if there is one side of the airport or other that is more convenient for access to rental cars, motels, etc. After finding yourself on the “wrong” side of the airport a few times you begin to pay more attention to the details.
The most important thing is to never be afraid to broaden your horizons. Do your homework and visit a new airport each time you fly. It will add to the fun of being a pilot.
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“You’re Invited …” Join Us Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at 12:00 Noon For a Free Pilot Seminar & Lunch
October’s Topic is Weather Theory
Something that never changes is the challenge of predicting the ever-changing weather. Join us on Oct 4 for a guided discussion on Weather Theory.
Topics Include:
What goes into making safe go/no-go decisions
How to better understand and apply weather principles
Basic atmospheric theory
Avoiding hazardous conditions
Wingless Record Setting By Joe La Valle
The HL-10 was one of five aircraft built in the Lifting Body Research Program. It was designed by NASA to evaluate the "inverted airfoil" lifting body and delta wing planform. It was flown 37 times during the lifting body research program and achieved both altitude and speed records for a lifting body aircraft. On Feb. 18, 1970, Air Force test pilot Peter Hoag piloted the HL-10 to Mach 1.86 (1,228 mph). Nine days later, NASA pilot Bill Dana flew the vehicle to 90,030 feet, which became the highest altitude reached in the program. The lifting bodies normally carried enough fuel for about 100 seconds of powered flight and routinely reached altitudes of 50,000 to 80,000 feet and speeds above Mach 1.
First published in 1944, “Stick and Rudder is the first exact analysis of the art of flying ever attempted.” It has been continuously in print for thirty-three years and has often been called the Aviation Bible. With the principles of flight largely unchanging, this book has been a staple of pilots and instructors for decades as a resource and training manual for learning what, how and why the airplane does what it does. Whether you’re new to flying or a seasoned pilot, this book will make a valuable addition to your aviation library.
Written Classes
Free Simulator
IntroFlights
There isn’t a better, more enjoyable and guaranteed class available. Plus the class includes two free hours of simulator!
… you can enjoy two hours of VFR or IFR simulator instruction, free, by attending either one of our weekend classes or taking an “IntroFlight”.
Get involved… introduce friends to flying. If you have a friend or acquaintance who might be interested in aviation send them in, or better yet, bring them! We fly 7 days a week.
