Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Welcome to an aviation podcast that caters to all aviation enthusiasts, ranging from pilots to airplane spotters. Our show covers a wide range of topics, including private pilot training, airline operations, and the latest aviation news. Our knowledgeable host, an experienced airline pilot with eight years of flying under his belt, is thrilled to share his own experiences and offer valuable advice to help you pursue your aviation dreams. We are here to support you on your journey, constantly wishing you Tailwinds & Sunshine!
Hey, aviation enthusiast. Welcome back to the show. I'd like to welcome you to the Tailwinds and Sunshine podcast. Today is part 2
Manny:of a 3 part series with my friend Vanessa Montano. She is a SkyWest
Manny:flight attendant currently on leave, to pursue her career as an aviation professional at SkyWest. She's doing it through the SkyWest Pathway Program, which offers the opportunity for non pilot employees to become pilots at the airline. If you're a new listener, welcome. I'd like to welcome you aboard to the show, and I encourage you to submit a review on whatever podcast platform you're listening to this, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etcetera. Go ahead and submit a review.
Manny:Tap that star. I really do appreciate it. If this show was recommended to you, I I encourage you to name drop, you know, you you can email me or you can message me through Instagram and, I'll I'll give them some kudos. I'll give them some props. I really do appreciate that.
Manny:Also, if you wanna be part of the conversation, don't be shy. You can send me questions. You can send me anything, any aviation stories. You can contact me as well and I will, I will share them with, the rest of the community. Just to give you a little bit of background for those new listeners, I am a captain on the Embraer 175 at SkyWest Airlines.
Manny:I'm also an instructor at the airline, so I teach procedures. I've taught systems. I've taught everything ground related, not the actual simulators. It does some more, but it's just a ground portion of that. I also like to consider myself an unofficial recruiter for SkyWest Airlines because I do talk a lot about the airline.
Manny:I do because I am very familiar obviously with my operation, but if you are in your journey to become a new hire at SkyWest Airlines, go go ahead and send me your questions. And if I don't have the answer, I'll be more than happy to get that answer from one of my recruiter friends or anyone in the training department if, whatever question that may be. But, feel free to reach out and we can talk about that. Anyways, this episode, we talk more about the differences between parts 61 and 141 training, pilot training, as it pertains to students and also the instructors and how, how that works and maybe you can make a better informed decision as to what, form of training is good, is, fits your your lifestyle. Also, we talk about people that lie to get ahead, whether it's padding their resume, lying to recruiters, or using company resources to get ahead.
Manny:We talk a little bit about that and see, that's, you might encounter some of these people throughout your career and it shouldn't encourage you to do the same. It should encourage you to be ethical and be, do the right thing. Right? So we talked some some thoughts on that during this episode. Also, we talk about professional image, being ethical, and also I share a book with you guys from the author Tony Kern who's the subject matter expert when it comes to professionalism and airmanship.
Manny:I have a few of his books and I like to read them every once in a while. They're really good material too so you can ascend to the higher levels of professionalism as an aviator. And it doesn't and it doesn't Also, we talk about how timing is everything in this industry. You know, you can be doing everything right, but you may be caught in a bad time in the industry such as, you know, COVID, 9 11, a recession, you know, or furloughs happening at a company or because a company is going out of business or they're adjusting their their capacity. So we talk about timing.
Manny:And also, last but not least, we also, well, actually, I take v through a sample, a sample of questions, a bank of questions, FAA questions for her pilot, private pilot checkride coming up. So if you're a student pilot, this is for you. Right? You can answer those questions. You know, you can answer those questions as I ask them and see how many of them you get right.
Manny:Anyways, enough for me. Let's go ahead and get started with the show. From the Summerlin Studios in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, this is the Tailwinds and Sunshine podcast. You know, I don't know if that's your intent and just kinda start the conversation
Manny:from there, you know, because I found
Manny:out that sometimes when you communicate that, the person was not even aware they were doing that, and they'll back off a little bit. Possible pilot deviation. I have a number for you. Adviser, they copy. Dude, this 777 has been really fun to fly.
Daniel:It's honestly just a bigger Embraer 175. But the fact that they were sitting on that runway knowing there was a heavy coming their way, unacceptable.
Rachel:I'm from the central part. So I'm from a town. We have more cows than people where I come from. Very country.
Micah:The aches I have, I can go on. Number 1, when the jet bridge is pulled back and we're ready to push and you guys don't have your headsets on.
Patrick:The plan has to be perfect because you can't turn back. You can't turn right. We only wait out of that if the pilot gets into a bad spot or if there's something that's, like, happened at the airport that shuts down a runway, the only way out is up.
Manny:Jeez. Yeah. I oh, man. It's these 141 programs can be pretty and it's really they're pilot males. That's what they are and sometimes it's hard to find a quality instructor that is there and has to put the, effort that is necessary to produce a quality pilot because unfortunately, there's a lot of them where they're just, hey, I wanna get my hours and this is the only way that I can get it quicker, and I wanna get the hell out of here.
Manny:Right? But, I think that, like I mentioned before, on a prior, prior episode is that, par 61 gives you a little bit more flexibility as an instructor, and you mentioned to me that you were in a 141, but you're in a par 61 and a part 61 is, a little bit more flexible. There's little less there's a less structure, but I I almost question like if you're part of a big school, a training center, what is the biggest difference between a 141 and a 61 if you're already in there?
Vee:So, my instructor now, bless his little heart, love him, Kaes, because he and I have really been through some muddy water. And that's the thing. I'm again, I'm like, hey, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I actually say his name instead of Oscar. I won't say Oscar Grosch's name, but, so I'm like, Eric. I'm like, Eric, you and I I'm like, we're gonna be gatering through some mud.
Vee:Like, I know that we are. I'm like, I from what I know now, we're gonna be gatering through some mud. But he has been so dang patient with me. It's so awesome. And he just and he he even says, while I'm at work, why don't I just do what I'm supposed to be doing?
Vee:I'm supposed to just do what I'm supposed to be doing. Right? So the reason why I switched to, from a 141 to a 61 is because, like I've said, I'm not gonna lie to kick it. Right? I have failed.
Vee:I have made mistakes. I have maybe not been properly trained, and it's been very, very, very difficult for me to get back on a typical 141 track because you can only you're giving the school like, you have to follow the syllabus. Right? And there are times where I needed to go back and I did need to learn certain things. So, after talking to my instructor, the 61 at the big school, because we're still that's kinda crazy, is I still have to follow, and I know that this isn't like a traditional 61 way of doing things.
Vee:They're still going to me to a 40 one standard. However, it's going to give me and my instructor more control, and I feel like that is going to be the best thing for myself because I don't have to do 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. I can do, you know, 1.1, 1.7, 1.5 in a 61, and I can work on what I need to work on, and I don't have have stress of a 141 situation. I did want to stay in a 141, but I did also look at, like, the pros and the cons of everything too. Because there are big pros and cons, and they can be beneficial to some.
Vee:You know, I don't have an aeronautical degree. So, like, a 141 where you can get hired on less hours, you know, that is definitely something that may be beneficial to someone. But being said that I'm gonna need my 1500 hours whether or not and I do already kinda have an end with the pathway program. The pathway program, I believe, too, and I don't know because things could change, so please don't hold my feet to the fire. But because I'm in a pathway program, because I'm already kinda have my foot in the door with SkyWest, I know that I have read or previously read, that I could be considered, like, with the 141 hours with 61.
Vee:Again, to hold my feet to the fire, I'm not a 100% sure. Not every company I think is gonna do that. But, you know, instead of maybe, like, the 1500 hours, maybe they'll take me at 1200 or 13 100 or whatever the, you know, the requirements, that type of stuff is. And forgive me for not
Manny:Or you might even start I think I think also the opportunity with SkyWest is that you may be able to, start getting your hours, at SkyWest Charter.
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:So they'll put you in, SkyWest Charter because they're, 135 Yeah. And not a 121 operation. They can hire at lower minimums and then you can just build your hours there and if you decide to move to the the the 121 side of the house, then you can already have your hours there. So that I think that's the intent.
Manny:Like I
Manny:said, it's still in its infancy, and I think they announced this last year, the whole pathway program. I don't know. Was it last year they announced it or was more than a year?
Vee:I believe it was last year. I think it was actually announced, because I started taking advantage of the pathway program. Still, they still had a lot of, like, little things that kinda, like, they were sure on, but I know that they've added and changed a couple things. That's why I'm saying, like, don't my feet to the fire too much on, like, our
Manny:3. Absolutely. It changes a lot.
Manny:Yeah. Yeah.
Vee:Yeah. But I do know I think I was here probably about, like, 3 to 6 months. Maybe, like, they did it sometime last year, after after I already came and started school. But, but yes. And, actually, I think that's awesome.
Vee:Like, I can't wait. Like, I know that they announced it, but I think they made it more official after a couple months. And my parents were even saying, like, oh, like, hey. Like, my mom was telling me. She's like, hey.
Vee:I saw that, like, you might be able to work with, like, SkyWest, like, you know, like, the Charter. She's like, I thought, you know she's like, there's less there's smaller planes, but that might be something that you could look into. And I was like, oh, yeah. That's actually, like that is something that they're they're wanting to guide us into doing that because then it they already know what kind of employee we are. They already know what kind of pilot we are.
Vee:They already know, and then we could just transition into, you know, the 175, CRJ's, that type of stuff.
Manny:Right. So, yeah, that's that's a that's a pro with the pathway program. And as far as the going back to your school as 141 and 61, I had students that were struggling or because that were struggling with either comms or just basic stuff, and we would transfer them over to a 61 so that we can actually cover some because, yes, the 141 is very structured and you have to do so many hours at a minimum like 1.1, 1.5, but 61 allowed us to actually go above that or before that. Right? Because part 61 is more proficiency based.
Manny:The, so if you can show proficiency in the maneuver, I don't have to be out there flying with you in a pattern for 2 hours. I can just do it in 0.5 and be done with it. With 141, I don't care if you showed me proficiency off, you know, as soon as we taxied out, you still have to fly the 1.5 per lesson. So that is the kind of the differences of park 61. So take that with for what it's worth.
Manny:Yeah. But it is, but the biggest takeaway here is just speak up for yourself. Be patient with your instructors because they're also human beings, but communicate with them. What do you need from me?
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:What am I doing wrong? What and then also critique them. Say, hey. I noticed that you're show you've shown up late, like, 3 times this week, and it's not like only 15 minutes, you showed up half an hour late, like do you need some more time? Do you need to coordinate a little bit better?
Manny:Communicate with the instructor to make sure you kind of address the problems with the person first before you go and talk to your superiors. Right? Now if it gets out of hand, then yes, definitely go and try to switch, but catch that stuff early So that way you don't spend 3 months, you know, spending your money with someone that is not giving you the, what you are worth. Right? So the time that you are worth.
Vee:Yeah. No. Absolutely. That's especially and I mean, that's that's kinda crazy. It's like, he and I try to work things out just prior.
Vee:And again, like, don't be afraid. Like, I know that, like, start at the bottom. Right? Follow chain of command. Do the right type of stuff that you're supposed to do.
Vee:If you and your gut just don't feel it, just please make sure that you're doing the best thing for yourself, especially because of that. And, yeah, that's, like, one of the biggest stress. Like, now I tell people, I'm like, just give somebody no more than 3 lessons. Three lessons. If it's not going more to South, maybe say something.
Vee:Right? That type of stuff. Oh. Right. And I would tell them and it's so funny because I told them, I was like, hey.
Vee:I'm like, hey, dude. Like, just wanna let you know, like, the airlines are not gonna put up with you coming in late. Like, I talked to him tons of times. He just he just didn't care. Oh,
Manny:my god.
Vee:You know, he's like, everybody's gonna care.
Manny:And I
Vee:was like, no. I'm, like, dude, I'm, like, you show up late like that, and you make the plane late or whatever. I'm, like, dude, you get these things called working sads, and they're, like, considered to be, like, no call, no shows. I'm like, you gotta and, Byron, I'll never forget. I got one working sads, and I was so stinking disappointed.
Vee:And it was kind of it was almost like I'll never forget my first working set.
Manny:And I
Vee:was like, oh my gosh. Like, it just sucked. Like, I left my luggage on a plane and the plane got switched. Long story short, I end up getting to the plane, you know, how we're supposed to get there at least, like, 30 minutes prior. I end up getting there, like, 27 minutes.
Vee:Mhmm. And then a passenger left their phone out in the terminal, and then they took 7 minutes to find it, which I know it's crazy that I even know all these amounts. Right? But they do make a difference. Because we didn't close the door on time and because I was the one that was initially late, technically.
Vee:Right? Mhmm. I was the one that got put the blame on, and I got a working set. And I was so bummed. I was so, you know, but that's that's, like, the biggest thing.
Vee:I'm like, dude, I'm like, we're holding all of us to a standard. Like, we all gotta be 1 safety. Right? Safety is huge. But it's, like, dude, airlines are nobody is gonna put up with you being late.
Vee:No one's gonna no one's gonna put up with you.
Manny:Yep. Absolutely. No. And I just got my my first work in SAD not too long ago, and I was so I was so mad at myself for that. Oh, man.
Manny:It's just my phone. I just I'm a dummy and I didn't send my phone right. I was playing around with it and I didn't wake up when they call me on reserve. Oh. And so, yeah, got my, yeah, I didn't call.
Manny:So that was like a no show. Right? So I they don't care what the circumstances were, and, you know, you just get a working set, you know. But here's the thing, it's like if you're a if you're typically a punctual employee, then it shouldn't matter. Right?
Manny:Yes. But it's those SADs are more for record that if like if you're consistently being laid, if you're consistently not showing up to work, then they can have a documentation. It's like, well, in the past year, you've had 5 working sads. You know, I was like, what is going on? Yeah.
Manny:Right? So that becomes a problem. Yes. But, but guys, whether you are a private pilot student or you are a CFI or wherever is at your career, you need to make sure you are doing it because you are passionate about aviation. Yes.
Manny:Because you need to represent the community as a whole. Right? Because showing up late, being disheveled, showing up to work with just like I don't know. Maybe this is not for you. Maybe this is not the career for you to be doing this Yeah.
Manny:Because you just have to, man, I don't know I don't know how to inspire people to be professionals about this, but it's just that's just like the bare minimum is just showing up to work. Right? And then just make sure that you're following, you know, just doing like your instructor, your current instructor is like, hey, if I'm at work, I might as well what I'm, you know, I might as well do what I'm supposed to
Manny:do. Right? Yeah.
Manny:You know, you know, and this is one thing that bothers me a little bit. I kind of want to be like you're being candid. I want to be candid about this, but you know what? You know what really grinds my gears? You know what really like chaps my butt?
Vee:Let's see. Let's see what's on.
Manny:Is that these that these instructors are gonna make it to the big airlines.
Manny:Oh.
Manny:Even with this kind of attitude, even though, you know, because I have met through my career just horrible human beings that I've had the grace or the, the pleasure, in quotes, right? I'm being sarcastic of meeting these people and I work with these people and now they are where they wanted to be. I'm like, oh my god, like how did they get through the hiring process? You know, they're just, you know, I had one person that I used to work with and he swore that he was never gonna go to the airlines. He's like, oh, airlines suck.
Manny:It's like I've done it before, and I don't wanna do it again. Like, this charter stuff is the, you know, the best and whatever. And guess where he's at now? He's at a major airline. And I'm like, wow.
Manny:I'm sure he found it. Hypocrisy is alive and well. Yeah. And it's like, oh, wow. It's like it it show well, hypocrisy really pays off, I guess.
Vee:Oh my god.
Manny:You know what? It's called integrity, you know? So just keep following. I sometimes that bothers me a little bit. I'm like, god.
Manny:Really?
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:Like, these people were like the I multiple people. One person that lied about their, you know, their military career, multiple that lied about their military careers and now they're where they wanted to be. I'm like, really? Are you kidding me? Yep.
Manny:And I'm like, wow. Mom. Yep. Yep. And I'm like, wow.
Vee:No way. So I was gonna leave it with, like,
Manny:2 And
Manny:I was like, wow.
Vee:So sweet. I was gonna say, like, oh, ma'am. Like, you know, everyone always has said my whole life, you know, like, find a job that you find a job that you feel like you don't work a day in your life. And that being a flight attendant and being a pilot has been exactly that. And that's the part where I'm like, dude, I'm always on time.
Vee:I'm always all this other stuff. And it's not like me me me me me. But, yes, you are absolutely right. And the fact I've never heard anyone ever laugh, like, okay. I'm laughing because, like, I'm appalled.
Vee:Right? Like, you they lied about being in the military? I'm, like, there has to be some type of,
Manny:like Yep.
Manny:They literally did. I remember, I remember I was talking to no. No. But, you know, like, I remember this because, the company I used to work for, they they're trying to get all this paperwork together and and they finally asked me for I think I provided, initially when I interviewed they said, hey, are you prime military? I was
Manny:like, yeah. And
Vee:Thank you for
Manny:your attention. Probably 4 my pleasure. My pleasure. Hey. But, it was good while it lasted.
Manny:But it was it was, I I told him, yeah. I'm a I'm a veteran blah blah blah and so whatever. But they didn't ask me for any documentation. They took my word for it. Well, once we're getting, like, probably 4 months into it or 5 months into it or something, they say, hey, we're, like, we're trying to get all this documentation stuff.
Manny:You have your DD 214. And I said, yeah, absolutely. So I produced my DD 214 and whatever. And then on the trip with my chief, it's like, yes, like, there's this one person at the company that we he cannot produce ADD 214. I'm like, and I was like, interesting.
Manny:And I got to fly with this individual too and I didn't call him out. I just kinda started asking questions like, this is not adding up. Something happened or maybe he attempted to get in but didn't get in. So he's just kinda using it as clout to get in some places. But, yeah.
Manny:I
Manny:don't know what happened
Manny:to that.
Vee:My mind right now is so blown.
Manny:I don't know the story and I'm still gonna give him the benefit of the doubt that he was, but it all the arrows are pointing towards. He just was using this as clout. Yeah, these people make it. So it it really it really bothers me sometimes to know this that people have taken advantage of the system and they've gotten, you know, to where they wanted to be. You know, and I was like, man, that is a little bit discouraging sometimes, but I always tell myself, you know what, you know, karma or karma's gonna get them or something is gonna happen, you know, but, yeah, I think it's gonna be, I shouldn't be shouldn't be focused on that and I try not to focus on that, but I've seen people that I'm like, wow, really?
Manny:Like, interesting. You made it You
Manny:know, I do all
Vee:this stuff. I do all this so that I could get my school paid for. I'm over here busting my freaking tail, and then this guy just comes in and just says, like, hey. This is what's up. That's actually super frustrating.
Vee:It's frustrating, actually Yeah. Multiple levels. Like, I, like, I didn't think that people actually did crazy stuff like that. I have heard that sometimes that people will say that they belong to, like, a certain club, you know, that type of stuff, that type. But I'm, like, dang.
Vee:But I'm, like, the military is not a club, like, a military Yeah. Like, that's, like, woah.
Manny:Well, it is a big club if we if it is a big club but, you know, and and honestly, and that's just something that, for me sometimes it discourages me a little bit. I'm like, man, what am I doing? Like, if I was just taking advantage of the system like these people were, I'd be like considered further
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:In my career, I guess I would say. And I'd be like, man, if I were just doing what these people did, you know, with, you know, with impunity, I'd just be like further away because, you know, I maybe the decisions these people made or whatever to further their career, I thought maybe they were unethical in a certain, you know, to a certain degree, and I said, nah. I'm not gonna do that. But, yeah. I'm like, wow.
Manny:So just be aware of that guys that sometimes I I wouldn't say and this is really something to talk. Do not compare yourself with anyone else. Yeah. You're not in the competition. You are where you need to be and just know that there are things that are gonna happen around you that is gonna discourage you from pursuing your goals.
Manny:Yeah. And it's always gonna happen. It's gonna be that little devil on your shoulder just saying like give up, give up, like you're not worth what you you know, you're not worth it. You should just stop. You should just quit.
Manny:Like, what's the point?
Vee:Yes.
Manny:When you start hearing those words, just flick that devil off your your shoulder and just push through what you gotta do because you are worth it. You've done everything in your power to do it the right way. Always follow the right path.
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:You know, and speaking of professionalism, I wanna, I wanna, and I think you should read this book as well. I wanna kind of like I'm not being sponsored by it and I think they've talked about this guy before. His name is Tony Kern.
Vee:Tony Kern.
Manny:And this is the book. It's called Tony Kern. It's called Going Pro. And he talks about it says the title is normalizing excellence in industry in government one professional at a time, The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism. In this book, oh my god, this, I it really helped me kind of get over that hump about seeing people that, were taking advantage of the system for their own personal gain.
Vee:Yeah.
Manny:And I a really, really good book. So all all all the listeners out there, it's on Amazon. It's a Yeah. I've already read it like a couple times. There's also little quizzes in here you can take, to kind of gauge your professionalism and how you can improve to be a professional.
Manny:And this really has helped me a lot. It's a really good book. I also have one of his others, books as well. And, yeah. But definitely go ahead and check it out, Going Pro by Tony Kern.
Manny:I think, Especially because, you know, you can never
Vee:be too professional. You really kinda never can. You can break it to a point where you can build rapport with someone, and then, you know, you can kinda let the walls down just a little bit. But at the same time, like, friendly reminders, things like that are always super big and super big. So I actually I really like that.
Vee:Going pro, I'm actually I'm gonna look into that. And that's the thing, man. You and I have got to be the ones that, people like us are the ones that because I'm a big firm believer. Time will always catch up with you. Right?
Vee:Like, time will always always always catch up with you. I'm just a firm believer of that situation. So I think that's also another thing why I didn't say maybe too much too about maybe, like, Oscar the Grouch or any of that type of stuff because I just kinda thought to myself, like, man, like, time will catch up with you. If you wanna be a brat, time will catch up with you. You know what I mean?
Vee:Like, if you wanna keep, you know it's just like learning a bike. You're gonna learn how to you're gonna fall eventually. Right? But you're gonna learn how to pick up.
Manny:You're either gonna learn from it.
Vee:Time will catch up. You'll either learn from it or you won't, and you will continue to allow time to catch up with you. And I have to just tell myself sometimes because there are times where it's like, man, like, I do get discouraged. And there are times where, have you ever seen the movie Luca? The little boy who lives in,
Manny:yeah.
Vee:And you know how, like, you know, everybody has Bruno's. Right? Everybody has the voice in the back of their head. Even, I was watching, have you seen also, the movie about Hot Cheetos, Flamin' Hot?
Manny:No. I haven't. No. I haven't seen it.
Vee:Oh, my gosh. It's such a good one. And, actually, you know what, Manny? I really I'm gonna follow-up because I wanna know if you watch this movie because it is very, very, very relatable to my story for 1 and relatable to anyone who has a background like us. Long story short on this, I mean, none of this is really I mean, it's just a movie that I watched a couple months ago, and it was extremely inspiring because he talks about how he was a blue collar worker.
Vee:He had big ambitions. It's the guy who, invented the Hot Cheetos. Now he's, like, a multimillion billionaire. Right?
Manny:Yeah. Mhmm.
Vee:And, excuse me. And so he is but he had a dream. Right? But he has a Bruno. He had a Bruno in his in his head.
Vee:Right? And it end up being, like, his parents. Right? Again, it goes back to the support system. It goes back to whatever.
Vee:Right? But he had the ambition of doing whatever, but he always did what was right. He showed up and he did the right thing and he did all this stuff, and he had this idea. And, his wife supported him in telling him, like, I'm gonna get his voice out of your head, and you're gonna hear my voice, and we're gonna do this, and we're gonna make the hot Cheetos, and we're gonna do all this stuff. But, again, man, that was such a crazy inspiring movie.
Vee:The timing of it was perfect because just like how you said, like, man, I get so discouraged when I see, like, if I would have maybe just told, like, you know, and and we're human. I'm not saying that you are saying this, but sometimes you think to yourself, like, man, like, if I would have maybe just altered my own story, maybe just a little bit. You know what I'm saying? Like, maybe if I would have done a little bit of this, like, would I be where I wanna be? But everyone does have their own timeline, and even I have my own timeline.
Vee:I'm not where I want to currently be in fight school, but I know that I'm gonna get there. And I know that with all the stuff and all the other things, they're going to they're gonna align when my timeline allows it to align, and I have to allow it to align. Just like even with you too, I hope that you if you do wanna make it to the big daddy site, you know, all that other stuff, the big the big companies, you know, mainline, that type of stuff. I hope that you actually, I'm not even gonna say I hope that you make it. I can't wait to give you a high five when you do make it because I know
Manny:that Yeah.
Vee:Our integrity and our merit and all that type of stuff, I know will get us where exactly where we wanna be.
Manny:Absolutely. You know, and for me, I think I mentioned this before, because I'm I'm 40 years old and I've and change is very scary, especially with the, what the economy is doing, what is what is predicted to do, and I'm like and I've had more thoughts where I'm like, man, I'm I'm happy working where I'm at right now, and I'm kind of in a special position as an instructor where I can actually do, I'm happy. Like, I was surprisingly, I was talking about this with, I got my shoe, my shoeshine yesterday in Denver, and, was talking I go I always go to him, and I was talking with him. He was asking me how things were going, and he's like, oh. It's like I showed him my 4 bars.
Manny:And I was like, look, I'm a captain now. We were like celebrating together. Yeah. Yeah. Show me your brother.
Manny:Yeah. So I'm like, in the eyeshadow, I was like, look. I was like, what's been going on? I was like, look, look, I have another bar on my shoulders. Like, oh, congratulations.
Manny:But we were talking about the timing of your career. Right? So this guy, he's, I believe, he's in early thirties. Right? Yeah.
Manny:He has a wife, he's an immigrant from Ethiopia. So he's, you know, working really hard. He's trying to achieve with the American dream. But, you know, I told him, like, I feel like for me, I'm like, it's really hard to move in a situation where I think I've reached, you know, like, I've I'm a comfortable position, and for me to go somewhere else and either even making a lateral move is scary.
Vee:Yeah.
Manny:You know, it's really scary for me to take a move and I'm like, I don't know. You know, because there's plenty of people that are SkyWest that they've been here for 20, 30 years. Yes.
Manny:You know? And I
Manny:was like, am I gonna be one of those? Am I gonna make a jump to, the majors? And what's gonna happen? I don't know. But I always tell people, I was like, man, I change my mind every 6 months.
Manny:I don't know what I'm gonna do sometimes, but all I know is that I'm happy where I'm at right now, and, I'm blessed to be working. I love the people too. Like, I get to fly with the same flight attendants. I get to fly with, you know, this, well, now now the captains are gone because now I'm the captain. So I gotta meet a new group of FOs.
Vee:Right? Right. Right. Right.
Manny:But I'm
Manny:just so happy where I'm at. But, you know, in the back of my head, sometimes because I feel like part of me has missed that opportunity, the window of hiring because I mean, everybody and their mothers was hiring, right? And I'm like, man, I missed that window, you know. I was like, maybe I'm I'm like, but you know, like, no. Things happen for a reason
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:And I just kind of try to ground myself again and say, you know what? Let's enjoy. Let's take steak of what I have. Be grateful. Be happy.
Manny:Like you mentioned, I get to wake up, have a cup of coffee, go fly airplanes, and the money situation is not bad. Like, I'm like, I'm happy. I'm good to go. Like, I got the time off that I want. Like, what else do I want?
Manny:You know, like, because sometimes the grass is never necessarily greener on the other side. But then another part of me is like, oh man, like if I life tastes risk to move ahead. Right? It's like, am I not gonna be taking a risk? You know, sometimes you do have to take a risk and take that leap of faith to move forward.
Manny:I'm like, I don't know. I don't wanna stagnate. I definitely don't wanna do that, but I don't know. But right now, all I know is I'm happy. And, but, yeah, I'll keep you posted.
Manny:I'll keep you guys posted if anything changes in the future. But right now, I'm flying the mighty 175, and
Manny:I love it.
Manny:I've deadheaded, I had a so I was on reserve and they called me to do a leg to Oklahoma City. So I was just I I drove up to Denver, flew one leg from Denver to Oklahoma City, and they dead headed me back on our medal. So it was on a 175. And I was I enjoy sitting in the back of that airplane because it is the quietest airplane you're ever gonna fly in. Even more even as quiet as, like, the Airbus neos, it is so quiet back there.
Manny:I was like, wow. This is really quiet. Yeah. And it was such an you know, I was like, man, I love this. And then the the the plane has the biggest windows ever.
Manny:So even if you're sitting in the aisle, like, you can see outside if the person has a window open. Sure. But it was like such an enjoyable experience. I like the plane and and I'm like, and then, yesterday, I did a turn to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And during my announcement, I told the, I told the passengers, hey, I encourage you to keep your windows open during this flight because you're gonna see some of the most spectacular views on Earth.
Manny:Sure. It's like you're gonna be see the you're gonna
Manny:be able to see the
Manny:Grand Tetons and it's like is it gonna be and then we landed on runway 19, which is actually so you get to see their Grand Tetons, the people on the left, and then when we make a left turn to runway 19, the people on the right get to see them on approach. So I was like, I encourage them and Show? Yeah. And then on top of that, like, I was so like I was I was so surprised that when I when we landed in Jackson Hole, I was, like, we had about an hour sit there and I went back and I was walking around the cabin. Every single window shade was open.
Manny:So actually, they actually did listen and they kept the window shades open and everyone was, like, looking outside. So I was, like, well, they actually listened to what I had to say.
Vee:Oh, that's cool.
Manny:So That
Vee:is super cool. Super cool. One thing I wanted to touch about is your age. Kate, so same. I'm 36 and, wait.
Vee:35, 36, 87. Where where am I at? Where am
Manny:I at?
Vee:You lose track.
Manny:You know, after after after 25, you start losing track. I know. Right? That's why I felt like, why don't I I like, I'll tell you really quick. Like, for one entire year, I was telling people I was a year older than I actually was.
Manny:Oh, darn it.
Manny:Like, that's how I completely lost. Like, I was like, how oh my Then when I realized, wait, I'm actually turning 28 or 30 or something. I was like, oh my god. I've been telling people I've been older than I'm actually am. I was like, wow.
Manny:I'm an idiot. Yeah.
Vee:You don't want everything expires sooner. You don't wanna do that. That's the last thing you wanna do, man.
Manny:Yeah. I
Manny:know. So funny. Jeez.
Vee:Being our age, though, is, one last thing. That's one thing I actually wanted to touch base on, because I'm also not a traditional student. Boy, is it hard to find scholarships. I have applied for a 100 scholarships. I swear.
Vee:It is so hard for someone who is a nontraditional student to get stuff like this too. So it's one of those things where I'm, like, staying with my age. Like, I think to myself, I'm, like, I don't wanna be here longer than I have to, and I'm already making a sacrifice financially, and I'm doing all this other stuff. I'm like, I know that I still have a full career ahead of me, but I'm like, the longer that I'm Right. I'm taking off of my highest paid captain years, and I'm like and it's so crazy because one thing that I wish that I could change or one thing that I wish that I could that people would hear me on is if I have the ambition and I've gotten myself here, why is your guys' age cut off 29?
Vee:Why is your guys' age cut off 30 years old? Right? So don't cut yourself short. But even if, you know, you are 40 and I'm 36 or 35, whatever. Let's say I'm 36.
Vee:I think I'm 36. I just had a birthday. So, let's let's use that as an excuse. But so, but, yeah, it's one of those things where I'm, like, dang, like, don't cut yourself short because that is also one thing that I've run into too is, and look. You're a captain.
Vee:And I know plenty of captains that have been, when I was based in Boise, I have made some really good friends. I've been captains, for SkyWest for 20 plus years. I know someone who probably now is going on, what, close to 30 years. They're gonna be retiring somewhat soon. But, yeah, we still have a full career ahead of us.
Vee:And so, but, yes, being, let's say, older in our career. Right? When did you start, Manny? When did you become a pilot? When did you finish your stuff?
Manny:Let's see. I started I think I was oh, jeez. Now, I probably I might have been 34 when I started. Okay. And I think I was probably because I just churned let me see.
Manny:30 let me see. 35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Yes. So I'm gonna say I was probably, I think 34, 35 years old when I started. Like I restarted my whole private pilot, you know, training and then I moved to Vegas to do all my other stuff.
Manny:So I started, like, my mid thirties.
Manny:We'll call
Manny:it my mid thirties.
Vee:Sure. So we're in the same spot.
Manny:Yeah. Yeah. So I think for me, it was it has been nontraditional because, like even though the military, I started pretty late. Like I was the oldest guy in basic training or one of the oldest guys in basic training. So I was like the grandpa, right?
Manny:I think it was one guy that was I think it was in my mid twenties when I started or late twenties. Yeah. And there was a guy in basic in my same platoon that was like I think 35. So I just my career progression, I mean, it's just started a little bit later in life, and, and that's why I'm where I'm at right now. I've turned down opportunities because of I aged myself out of certain things and, because of my age.
Manny:Like, I didn't pursue my career as a reservist or a guard Mhmm. Soldier or an airman because I was just like, I don't wanna put my civilian career on hold because I wanna, you know, so I've literally turned down a military pension because of my age. Yeah. People encourage me. It's like, no, you know, there's age waivers.
Manny:We can do that. I'm like, yeah, but that means I can go fly for the airlines until later. So And sometimes And I tell people if I was 10 years younger
Vee:Yeah.
Manny:Yeah. So I for me, I was like, you know what? I say if I was 10 years younger, I would have probably taken other opportunities that I had that I what is it? What am I saying? So if I was 10 years younger, I probably would have taken opportunities that, that I didn't take.
Manny:But it's just it is what it is, you know, and Yeah. But I think a lot of people have this bar setting that the pinnacle of your career should be at this point, but the pinnacle of your career is where you are gonna be happy, where you're gonna be like this is it. I've made it and you just have to measure yourself against yourself, not not against anyone else. Right. And that's really what's gonna bring you happiness because if you think that you're gonna be measuring against someone else is you're never gonna be happy.
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:And that's the biggest thing I think for a lot of people is don't measure yourself against anyone else. Otherwise, you're never gonna find happiness. So measure yourself. So let's talk about a little bit more about a little lighthearted stuff. So now in the spirit of flight training, I have a few questions for you because you're about to take your checkride.
Manny:You already took your, your written exam, so you're good to go. And now you're go when is your when is your check rate, by the way? You said in 2 weeks?
Vee:I'm hoping in about 2 2 weeks. So, I
Manny:actually so I'm
Vee:gonna up and take a refresher flight, with my instructor, and I'm
Manny:hoping that I'm
Vee:gonna be where I
Manny:need to be.
Vee:I'm gonna be hitting the sim really, really hard, and I'm hoping I need to be where I'm gonna be. If not, we're maybe I'm hoping it's 2 weeks. Let's just say it's 2 weeks.
Manny:Alright. Cool. Sounds good. Yeah. So now this is also for our listeners that are getting ready.
Manny:Any, student pilots out there, this is what some of the questions from the FAA. These are some of the questions for your private pilot checkride, or more specifically your actual written. But if you're if you're well, let's take the quiz together here. So for those listening, I have a few questions here that I'm gonna ask you and see how we do.
Vee:Oh, snap, Penny.
Manny:Alright. I'll put you in the hot seat here. Alright. So we have we have 2. First question is two way radio communication must be established with the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the area prior to entering which class airspace?
Manny:Acb echo or CG, golf?
Vee:Okay. So communications as in, like, a clearance or just communications generally?
Manny:Communications. So two way radio communication must be established with the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the area prior to entering which class airspace. C, e, or g? C
Vee:hold on one second. Sorry. C, e, or
Manny:Or g.
Vee:G. Right? Okay.
Manny:Uh-huh. C. Exactly. Very good. Classy airspace needs to have two way communication.
Manny:You do not to have you and you mentioned that you and and it was clicking in your head. Right? It's not a clearance. Yeah. It's two way communication.
Manny:Right? So
Manny:Yes.
Manny:If the air traffic control facility says back your tail number, you are cleared into that airspace. They and now if they say aircraft calling, stand by, you are not clear to enter that airspace. That's the biggest difference between the 2. Right? So communication means they have to communicate and say your hotel number.
Manny:So that's the big difference. Right on. Yeah. Okay. Number 2, the term angle of attack is defined as the angle between the a chord line of the wing and the relative wind, b, the airplane's longitudinal axis in that of the air striking the airfoil, or c, the airplane center line in the relative wind?
Vee:A, final answer.
Manny:Very good. Yes. The cord line of the wing and the relative wind. Very good. Alright.
Manny:Here's another one. While on a VFR cross country and not in contact with ATC, what frequency would you use in the event of an emergency? A, 121.5, b, 122.5, or c, 128.725?
Vee:121.5. Guard.
Manny:That's guard. Yes, correct. That is a frequency that we, whenever we're flying the line, we always have to monitor guard frequency. Yesterday we had to help a pilot relay some information to ATC, so it's good to have that even not for emergencies but just like when airplanes lose contact because they either missed a check-in or they're just kind of in a dead area. Yeah.
Manny:If they call on guard, we can help them out get in touch with air traffic control.
Manny:Sweet.
Manny:Alright. Here's another one. When making routine transponder code changes, pilots should avoid inadvertent selection of which code? A 7200, b, 7000 or 7000 or c, 7500. 7500.
Manny:That's correct. Right? 75 is the distress call when you have a hijacking. Right? So you're being hijacked.
Manny:The way that I you know, one of my students actually said a really good memory aid for those that are trying to remember those codes is 75 guy with knife. Right? So that's kinda like guy with knife 76 radio needs fixed. 77, you're going to heaven. That's how I remember them.
Manny:So 77 out. Yeah. So 77, you have an emergency. 76, you have radio comm or loss of comms. And 75, you are being hijacked.
Vee:That's kinda funny. I remember it this way. So I got 77, you're in heaven. 76, you're out on the sticks, meaning, like, there's no radio communication. Right?
Vee:And 75 I'm actually, mine's not as nice as yours. 75 terrorists alive.
Manny:Oh, wow. Alright. Cool. Whatever works for you.
Vee:Right? So it's usually, so 75 Osama's alive.
Manny:So Oh, wow.
Vee:That's how, that's how I was taught. But I know
Manny:That's very American.
Manny:Yes. Yes.
Vee:75 you think Earth's alive. Yeah. 76 out the sticks. 77, you're gonna go ahead. Yeah.
Manny:Very good. Alright. Next question. We have your cousin wants to take him, your cousin wants you to take him flying. You must have made at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings in your aircraft within the preceding, a, 90 days, b, 60 days, or c, 30 days.
Vee:90, 9 90 days.
Manny:90 days. Correct. Yes. We have to have 3 take ups and landings within that preceding 90 days. Now, Yeah.
Manny:Alright. Next question. Let's see. We have according to 91.151, what are the fuel requirements of EFR VFR night flight? A, 45 minutes, b, 60 minutes, or, c, 30 minutes?
Vee:Night time is 45.
Manny:45. Correct. Very good. So you have to have enough fuel to go to your destination and fly 40 minutes 45 minutes thereafter in a clean configuration, normal cruise speed. Very good.
Manny:Alright. Here we go. Next question. You passed your check ride and received your private pilot's license. When will you need to do your first flight review to continue to act as PIC?
Manny:And this is a tricky question because when I was in training, you're always in training, right? So it's kind of this is kind of like you're done you're done your pilot your private pilot, or any training really and you're kind of out and you're done and then so when is going to be your next review? Is it a 24 calendar months? B, 12 calendar months? Or c, 18 calendar months?
Vee:It's 24 calendar months because all you're still in training. Yeah. All you're still in training, like, what if people stop, you know? Yeah.
Manny:Exactly. So it's kinda hard to remember that one because you're always in training, especially you're when you're still in training, you don't need a review because you're constantly being reviewed by state checks and check rights, so those count as your reviews. Alright, next question. What minimum pilot certification is required in order to operate in class Bravo airspace? A, student pilot certificate, b, private pilot certificate with an instrument rating, c, private pilot certificate or a student pilot certificate with appropriate endorsement.
Vee:PPL with a student, so it's a c c one.
Manny:C. Correct. Yes. So Yeah. You can have a private pilot's license.
Manny:You're free to go. You're out in the wild. You can do whatever you want, just with proper clearance from a Bravo Aerospace Controller and or you can be a student pilot if your instructor actually signing you off to be able to operate in Bravo Aerospace. You are good to go. Cool.
Manny:Yeah.
Manny:Alright. Next question. A 26 year old female is issued a 3rd class medical certificate on August 15th. How long will her medical allow her to exercise the privileges of her private pilot certificate? A, until August 15th, 5 years later, b, until August 31st, 5 years later, or c, until August 31st, 2 years later.
Vee:August 31st, 5 years later.
Manny:Ding ding ding. Correct. Yeah. Very good.
Vee:60 months.
Manny:Very good. Cool. Next question. How often must your transponder be tested and inspected? A, 12 calendar months, b, 24 calendar months, or c, 6 calendar months?
Vee:Transponder, 24.
Manny:24. Very good. Alright. So we are man, you're
Manny:like
Vee:doing 8 tomato flames in my head.
Manny:8 tomato. But yeah. You got, man. You're nailing all of these right here. Alright.
Manny:Next question. What actions should be taken by the pilot when operating VFR in a military operations area, also known as an MOA or a MOA. A) obtain clearance from the controlling agency prior to entering the MOA. B) operate only on the airways that traverse the MOA, or c, exercises extreme caution when military activity is being conducted.
Vee:Exercise extreme caution.
Manny:Right. So a lot of people think that you cannot go into MOAs. It's probably not a good idea to enter an MOA especially if it's hot, But, yeah, you can enter it. There's no restriction in going into an MOA. You can fly through it.
Manny:Just, I we actually heard someone on guard recently. I think yeah. I was going to Oklahoma City and, someone was transmitting on guard and just saying, hey. You're in an MOA that has a hot MOA. Just be aware of the situation.
Manny:So they were trying to communicate with this other pilot. I don't know if they got a hold of them or not, but but anyways, all right.
Vee:Yeah.
Manny:Let me see. We got here next question. We have, so let's see. Select the 4 flight fundamentals involved in maneuvering an aircraft. A) aircraft power, pitch, bank, and trim b) starting, taxiing, takeoff, and landing, or c, straight and level flight, turns, climbs, and descents.
Vee:What was the initial question again?
Manny:So I select the 4 flight fundamentals involved in maneuvering an aircraft.
Vee:Okay. C.
Manny:C. Very good. Yes. Straight level flight turns, climbs, and descents. Very good.
Manny:Alright. Here we go. Next question. If the engine oil temperature and cylinder head temperature gauges have exceeded their normal operating range, the pilot may have been operating with a) the mixer set too rich, b, higher than normal oil pressure, or c, too much power and with the mixture set too lean?
Vee:Mixture too lean.
Manny:Very good. Yes. So think about the fuel as like the cooling fuel or the cooling liquid that you're adding to the engine. If you're running a little too lean, your similar head temperatures can go pretty hot.
Vee:Yeah.
Manny:Alright let's see. We have one more one more question. That responsibility for ensuring that maintenance personnel make the appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been approved for return to service lies within a, owner or operator, b, pilot in command, or, c, mechanic who performed the work?
Vee:PIC. No. PIC. Owner operator, I must say. It's owner operator, but PIC makes the final decision.
Manny:Right. Correct. So, yeah, they have to make sure that the entries are done. And every time you take a plane, right, you have to check the maintenance records making sure it's good to go. As basically as a airline pilot, we just kind of look at our electric, it's called the EAML or the electric, what?
Manny:EAML, electric aircraft maintenance log, and then we just have to make sure that there's no maintenance items pending. We have to make sure MELs are good and we're good to go, but as a private pilot or kind of in training, you really have to dig into those and making sure that your, your transponders up to code, oil changes, all that stuff has to be up to date. Cool. Alright. Very good.
Manny:So, hey, for those of you who took the quiz along, see how many you actually got, how many you got right. Yeah.
Manny:So I Yeah.
Vee:Pat myself on the back right now.
Manny:Sup, nerds? Before I let you go, I have a task for you. I have a challenge. If you can go to the platform where you're listening to this podcast in, go ahead and leave a review. Just tap that star.
Manny:Whether it's a 5 star, I like that very much, or a 4 or a 3 or 2 or a 1, it doesn't matter as as long as you leave a review and Sunshine podcast to be your podcast. So go ahead and leave that review now. I also wanna give a huge shout out to my friends and coworkers for sharing the podcast with their friends and family. That means the world to me. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
Manny:Also, if you wanna be part of the show, go ahead and hit me up. It doesn't matter where you are in the world. We'll make that show happen. We'll make you a friend of the show. Until next time, wishing you tailwinds and sunshine.
Manny:See you. The statements made on the show are my own opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.