Being that I am an Air Contract for the United States Marine Corps I still plan on following that career path and my career aspirations have not changed at all since the beginning of the semester.
Although it was very interesting learning about the possible career paths a civilian pilot can take and learning a lot about the industry I have no intentions of following any of those career paths after college. I plan on commissioning in the Spring and following my passion of flying in the United States Marine Corps.
Below are the four career goals I plan on achieving in the next coming years:
1) To commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on May 1, 2015.
2) To successfully complete the 6 month Basic School for the United States Marine Corps.
3) To successfully complete Naval Flight School. I also have made it my goal to graduate at the top of my class.
4) To get selected to fly F/A-18 Hornets for the United States Marine Corps and to get my wings as a fighter pilot.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Space Tourism
On October 31, 2014 Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo crashed in the Mohave Desert killing one pilot. This specific flight was the first flight of SpaceShipTwo with a new fuel mixture for an updated propulsion system. Currently, the NTSB is alluding to the fact that this crash was more than likely human error. They suspect that a key braking system was unlocked prematurely by the co-pilot.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/virgin-galactic-spaceship-crashes-1414781841
Virgin Galactic started back in 2004, their website explains their history and how space tourism came about. It states, "The 2004 Ansari X Prize called for private sector innovations in the field of manned space exploration.
Specifically, participants had to design and manufacture a privately funded vehicle that could deliver the weight of three people (including one actual person) to suborbital space.
The vehicle had to be 80 percent reusable and fly twice within a two-‐week period. "
http://www.virgingalactic.com/statement-from-virgin-galactic/
Currently there are no specific regulations as far as space flight and space tourism go besides some safety procedures in operating such spacecraft, as well as, making sure passengers understand the risks. The FAA has kept its hands out of the pot on this specific topic, and has not even been involved with monitoring the design process of Virgin Galactic aircraft/spacecraft. After the recent crash in October the FAA is reviewing rules and regulations for implementation and this has sparked new debate as far as regulating space tourism.
Personally I feel like private space travel and tourism will continue to gain popularity and within 20 years we will see space tourism grow the way airlines have. Aviation has grown exponentially over the years and with technology increasing I see spacecraft becoming safer, cheaper, and more readily accessible to the normal person. Just like with anything else, space tourism is in the pioneering phases, so it will take some time before it will become safe enough and cheap enough for everyone.
There are no specific requirements to work as a pilot in the space tourism industry, but if you look at the pilots that fly the Spacecraft for Virgin Galactic, they were experienced pilots with Aerospace Engineering degrees and also helped design some part of the aircraft. One thing I am surprised at is the fact that the pilots in the scheme of things had low flight time with only more than 2000 hours.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/virgin-galactic-spaceship-crashes-1414781841
Virgin Galactic started back in 2004, their website explains their history and how space tourism came about. It states, "The 2004 Ansari X Prize called for private sector innovations in the field of manned space exploration.
Specifically, participants had to design and manufacture a privately funded vehicle that could deliver the weight of three people (including one actual person) to suborbital space.
The vehicle had to be 80 percent reusable and fly twice within a two-‐week period. "
http://www.virgingalactic.com/statement-from-virgin-galactic/
Currently there are no specific regulations as far as space flight and space tourism go besides some safety procedures in operating such spacecraft, as well as, making sure passengers understand the risks. The FAA has kept its hands out of the pot on this specific topic, and has not even been involved with monitoring the design process of Virgin Galactic aircraft/spacecraft. After the recent crash in October the FAA is reviewing rules and regulations for implementation and this has sparked new debate as far as regulating space tourism.
Personally I feel like private space travel and tourism will continue to gain popularity and within 20 years we will see space tourism grow the way airlines have. Aviation has grown exponentially over the years and with technology increasing I see spacecraft becoming safer, cheaper, and more readily accessible to the normal person. Just like with anything else, space tourism is in the pioneering phases, so it will take some time before it will become safe enough and cheap enough for everyone.
There are no specific requirements to work as a pilot in the space tourism industry, but if you look at the pilots that fly the Spacecraft for Virgin Galactic, they were experienced pilots with Aerospace Engineering degrees and also helped design some part of the aircraft. One thing I am surprised at is the fact that the pilots in the scheme of things had low flight time with only more than 2000 hours.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Norwegian Air
Norwegian Air International is the third low cost air carrier in Europe. The company is licensed and based out of Ireland, and the pilots are hired from Asian countries such as the Philippines and Singapore, as well as, Europe and the US. They are classified as an international air carrier, but operate around the World excluding the United States of America.
US Carriers are against Norwegian Air International for a few reasons. One of the reasons being that they would be able to sneak by labor laws and safety rules. This could potentially cause an ample amount of issues here in the United States. Also, due to the fact that Norwegian Air International is licensed in different countries, it would be very hard to hold someone accountable since there would not be one place that could be held responsible.
The United States Department of Transportation recently rejected Norwegian Air International from flying routes to the United States on the basis of the complexity of the situation. The DOT only grants temporary access in clear cut cases, so they decided to reject the case temporarily until a permanent decision can be made. I personally believe this is the best decision at least maintaining the intercontinental routes we have here in the United States.
If Norwegian Air International is granted access in the United States I think this will be very detrimental to the United States air carriers. We should continue to protect our routes and only grant subsidies to international airlines. This way we can protect US companies and allow their business to grow while still maintaining competition.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Unmanned Aviation
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, is a technology that is expanding and developing at significant rates. This field of aviation is becoming more practical and suitable for use other than by the Military. The civilian sector is utilizing UAVs in ways that make jobs more efficient and advanced. Law enforcement is using UAVs for public safety, Border Patrol uses UAVs for border security and surveillance, the DNR and US Forest Service are utilizing drones for wildlife research and conservation, and even private sector companies like Amazon are looking into the possibilities of delivering packages by UAV. This area of aviation for now is very regulated, being that you need strict permits to be able to operate UAVs and they cannot be operated in Class B Airspace.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/
Personally, I believe that UAV flight will be limited for the next few decades, until technology becomes more advanced. I foresee UAV flight being limited to certain airports for takeoff and landing, certain airspaces being off limits, certain routes of travel designated or off limits, and the FAA will regulate who can fly these UAVs legally. Until there is better technology, like NextGen, I do not foresee UAVs being integrated into the NAS.
The use of UAVs in the Military has greatly helped the outreach of the battle field commander and also has changed our strategy when fighting an enemy. For example, you can send in a drone to conduct tactical airstrikes instead of sending in actual troops or actual human flown aircraft. Also, commanders can utilize this asset to help conduct reconnaissance missions, take out valuable targets, and instead of risk human lives they can conduct airstrikes by UAV.
The only jobs I was really able to locate in regards to UAVs are in the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. There were a few others working directly for aircraft manufactures like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. One thing I did notice was there are a lot of colleges starting to offer classes and even Majors in unmanned aviation systems.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/
Personally, I believe that UAV flight will be limited for the next few decades, until technology becomes more advanced. I foresee UAV flight being limited to certain airports for takeoff and landing, certain airspaces being off limits, certain routes of travel designated or off limits, and the FAA will regulate who can fly these UAVs legally. Until there is better technology, like NextGen, I do not foresee UAVs being integrated into the NAS.
The use of UAVs in the Military has greatly helped the outreach of the battle field commander and also has changed our strategy when fighting an enemy. For example, you can send in a drone to conduct tactical airstrikes instead of sending in actual troops or actual human flown aircraft. Also, commanders can utilize this asset to help conduct reconnaissance missions, take out valuable targets, and instead of risk human lives they can conduct airstrikes by UAV.
The only jobs I was really able to locate in regards to UAVs are in the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. There were a few others working directly for aircraft manufactures like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. One thing I did notice was there are a lot of colleges starting to offer classes and even Majors in unmanned aviation systems.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Corporate Aviation
There seems to be some very distinct differences between pilot jobs at corporate level aviation and airlines. Some of these include scheduling, pay, and living conditions. For example, someone working in the airline industry would be on a strict schedule, unless on reserves, and flying at very different times throughout the day. A pilot working for a corporate aviation department may not have a set schedule, and could always be on call. Someone flying for corporate will need to be ready to fly at any time. Also, another difference is the living conditions. Flying for the airline you may not be able to live in one location, especially as a newer and younger pilot. In Corporate you will be able to live in one location, wherever the company bases their aircraft.
This argument is based upon the fact that if employees or executives are waiting at airports, being stalled by cancelled or delayed flights rather than working then the company is losing money. Also, it allows people to be more efficient workers and get wherever they need to be without the wait. Personally, I agree with the fact that corporate aviation departments can actually save a company money. I think that if corporate aviation can help get an employee somewhere faster to make that sale then the company ultimately is making money.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/businessaviation/2012/08/06/business-aviation-the-unfair-advantage/
The LECO Corporation, based in Saint Joseph, MI has a corporate aviation department. They operate one aircraft out of South Bend, IN and currently have two pilots. They are not hiring at this time and do not have any real job requirements posted.
This argument is based upon the fact that if employees or executives are waiting at airports, being stalled by cancelled or delayed flights rather than working then the company is losing money. Also, it allows people to be more efficient workers and get wherever they need to be without the wait. Personally, I agree with the fact that corporate aviation departments can actually save a company money. I think that if corporate aviation can help get an employee somewhere faster to make that sale then the company ultimately is making money.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/businessaviation/2012/08/06/business-aviation-the-unfair-advantage/
The LECO Corporation, based in Saint Joseph, MI has a corporate aviation department. They operate one aircraft out of South Bend, IN and currently have two pilots. They are not hiring at this time and do not have any real job requirements posted.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
NEXTGEN
NextGEN brings new technology and new systems to both pilots and airports. It is modernizing how airports function and how aircraft operate. Using new satellite and digital technologies airports and aircraft will be safer. Part of NextGEN's purpose is to provide airports with a safer, more efficient, and economical process that will be able to accommodate the increasing air traffic at airports. As the aviation industry grows, including general aviation, NextGEN will be able to help make the air and airport environment safer for all.
NextGEN is a series of programs that help create a better, faster, more effective aviation infrastructure. This is a revolutionary program that will get ride of aging technologies and create more of a technologically advanced system that will be easily accessible and standardized for the aviation community. ADS-B will be mandated in most controlled airspace by January 1, 2020. Most all of the other programs in the NextGEN series will be implemented by 2017-2020.
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/ga/
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/qanda/airports/
This program seems to have a lot more positives than negatives. One major positive for commercial aviation is that it is more efficient and so air carriers can get more flights out, in turn, making more money. On the other side of that a negative is due to an increase in air traffic airports may not be able to accommodate capacity wise. For GA a positive is that flying smaller less equipped aircraft will become safer and able to be accommodated by larger airports, so long as they have the required equipment. Pilots also will be able to fly safer and be aware of the surrounding traffic before it becomes a danger. Lastly, the biggest negative their is, is the fact that NextGEN is going to be very expensive.
Personally, I believe that the fees and taxes should be applied to air carriers and other on airport companies. General Aviation is already a very costly hobby/endeavor, so to tax any and all aircraft would be hard on general aviation pilots. Now, on the flip side I could see the major airports such as O'Hare or JFK taxing any and all aircrafts some sort of airport use fee.
From every thing I read and understood about the FAA's NextGEN it will not apply to the Military. Being that I want to be a Marine Corps pilot I could see some sort of effect on the Military aviation communities, but I don't believe this will effect it that much.
NextGEN is a series of programs that help create a better, faster, more effective aviation infrastructure. This is a revolutionary program that will get ride of aging technologies and create more of a technologically advanced system that will be easily accessible and standardized for the aviation community. ADS-B will be mandated in most controlled airspace by January 1, 2020. Most all of the other programs in the NextGEN series will be implemented by 2017-2020.
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/ga/
http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/qanda/airports/
This program seems to have a lot more positives than negatives. One major positive for commercial aviation is that it is more efficient and so air carriers can get more flights out, in turn, making more money. On the other side of that a negative is due to an increase in air traffic airports may not be able to accommodate capacity wise. For GA a positive is that flying smaller less equipped aircraft will become safer and able to be accommodated by larger airports, so long as they have the required equipment. Pilots also will be able to fly safer and be aware of the surrounding traffic before it becomes a danger. Lastly, the biggest negative their is, is the fact that NextGEN is going to be very expensive.
Personally, I believe that the fees and taxes should be applied to air carriers and other on airport companies. General Aviation is already a very costly hobby/endeavor, so to tax any and all aircraft would be hard on general aviation pilots. Now, on the flip side I could see the major airports such as O'Hare or JFK taxing any and all aircrafts some sort of airport use fee.
From every thing I read and understood about the FAA's NextGEN it will not apply to the Military. Being that I want to be a Marine Corps pilot I could see some sort of effect on the Military aviation communities, but I don't believe this will effect it that much.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Professionalism
In the next year I will be commissioning in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Upon completion of both The Basic School and Naval Flight School I will be a Naval Aviator in the United States Marine Corps. I hope to end up as some sort of fixed-wing pilot, but would be happy and proud to fly any aircraft in the fleet.
The United States Marine Corps, in my opinion, is one of the finest fighting forces in the world. The Marine Corps can handle any mission at any time, and is the worlds "911 force". The forces main mission is to support the Marines on the ground at all costs, and the mission of Marine Corps aviation is to do just that through close air support. The Marine Corps prides itself on professionalism, and their core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
With any job in the Military their is a inherent risk associated with it, as well as, a multitude of safety concerns. In my chosen career path, not only are you flying the World's fastest aircraft, but you are flying them into combat zones. The Military has some of the best training and take safety into consideration in everything they do. The Marine Corps in particular does an excellent job maintain the aging fleet of aircraft that it has. There really isn't much I can do to mitigate the risk of flying combat missions, but my plan is that I will continue to expand my training and level of education, as well as, fight complacency no matter how old or experienced I get. I believe that as long as I continue to follow procedure and continue to learn I will be able to lower the risk of being a Marine Corps pilot.
To me professionalism is more than just doing your job and doing it right. Professionalism is being bold and courageous. It is making decisions and being a leader in situations that call for it. Professionalism is being a representative of the company or organization you work for and acting accordingly. It is upholding your appearance, personal hygiene, and having couth at all times. Being a professional is also not just about how you represent yourself and your company, it also has a lot to do with your morals and character as a person.
In the documentary "Flying Cheap" there were many examples of both pilots and aviation officials showing a lack of professionalism. One example of this is when a Captain at Colgan Air, fixed the passenger manifest so that they legally were under weight. This shows that the Captain not only had bad decision making skills, but also shows laziness, immaturity, poor morals, and a lack of professionalism. That Captain put the passengers and crew at risk, and luckily no one was hurt. Another example would be when a hearing was conducted over the falsifying of these documents Colgan Air supported the Captain and went as far as to say he was a great pilot. This shows a lack of professionalism from the company because he was caught falsifying documents yet they chose to stick up for him anyway. They should have fired the Captain and cared more about the image of their company.
One thing the Marine Corps prides itself on is professionalism of its fighting force. Every Marine represents the Marine Corps and most all of them uphold the highest of standards. Going into the career I have chosen I plan to always maintain the highest level of professionalism as a Marine first! Being a Marine Officer and a leader of Marines is my number one job. After that I can focus on my job as a Marine Corps Aviator and ensure that I again hold myself to the highest of standards as a pilot.
The United States Marine Corps, in my opinion, is one of the finest fighting forces in the world. The Marine Corps can handle any mission at any time, and is the worlds "911 force". The forces main mission is to support the Marines on the ground at all costs, and the mission of Marine Corps aviation is to do just that through close air support. The Marine Corps prides itself on professionalism, and their core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
With any job in the Military their is a inherent risk associated with it, as well as, a multitude of safety concerns. In my chosen career path, not only are you flying the World's fastest aircraft, but you are flying them into combat zones. The Military has some of the best training and take safety into consideration in everything they do. The Marine Corps in particular does an excellent job maintain the aging fleet of aircraft that it has. There really isn't much I can do to mitigate the risk of flying combat missions, but my plan is that I will continue to expand my training and level of education, as well as, fight complacency no matter how old or experienced I get. I believe that as long as I continue to follow procedure and continue to learn I will be able to lower the risk of being a Marine Corps pilot.
To me professionalism is more than just doing your job and doing it right. Professionalism is being bold and courageous. It is making decisions and being a leader in situations that call for it. Professionalism is being a representative of the company or organization you work for and acting accordingly. It is upholding your appearance, personal hygiene, and having couth at all times. Being a professional is also not just about how you represent yourself and your company, it also has a lot to do with your morals and character as a person.
In the documentary "Flying Cheap" there were many examples of both pilots and aviation officials showing a lack of professionalism. One example of this is when a Captain at Colgan Air, fixed the passenger manifest so that they legally were under weight. This shows that the Captain not only had bad decision making skills, but also shows laziness, immaturity, poor morals, and a lack of professionalism. That Captain put the passengers and crew at risk, and luckily no one was hurt. Another example would be when a hearing was conducted over the falsifying of these documents Colgan Air supported the Captain and went as far as to say he was a great pilot. This shows a lack of professionalism from the company because he was caught falsifying documents yet they chose to stick up for him anyway. They should have fired the Captain and cared more about the image of their company.
One thing the Marine Corps prides itself on is professionalism of its fighting force. Every Marine represents the Marine Corps and most all of them uphold the highest of standards. Going into the career I have chosen I plan to always maintain the highest level of professionalism as a Marine first! Being a Marine Officer and a leader of Marines is my number one job. After that I can focus on my job as a Marine Corps Aviator and ensure that I again hold myself to the highest of standards as a pilot.
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