Some of you may recall I wrote a journal on this site about a year ago as a freshman. Since then, I have completed my second year of college, now hold junior standing, and still pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science. In addition, I also now hold Commercial Pilot certification for Single and Multiengine Land Airplanes.

For the summer months ahead I will be writing about my internship at Continental Airlines. I’m currently based at Newark Liberty Int’l Airport (EWR), working in the NYC Chief Pilot Office. During the month of June I will be in Houston, Texas receiving training for Continental’s Boeing 737 fleet. I am very excited and appreciative to have been accepted to such a program.

I applied through a link made available by the Career Services department and within two weeks received a phone call about an interview. The interviews were conducted in Houston and Continental flew me out there from Orlando. Upon arrival I was greeted by the current interns, had breakfast with them, and had some time beforehand to ask them questions.

I was told shortly after the interview that I had been accepted for the position. I was so happy to hear those words. Afterwards, I was taken on a tour of the pilot training center. At the end of the day, I returned to Daytona Beach to finish the spring semester and began working one week after final exams.

So far, I’m completed three weeks and I’ve learned so much! Most importantly I have enjoyed every minute of it!

On my first day, I got settled in at my desk and began some of my daily tasks. These daily tasks include distributing mail to pilot’s mailboxes or v-files, collecting and storing international flight envelopes, and various other office tasks. I occasionally get assignments from the Chief Pilot and the Assistant Chief Pilots as well.

On my second day, I assisted at a meeting with Continental’s Boeing 777 check airmen. Afterwards I was invited to join them out to dinner, where I got to meet all of them and ask them about their experiences and very extensive careers.

 While at Newark, I’ve attended some classes taught by pilots, for pilots, about common topics and upcoming issues. These classes were so neat to attend because they offered lots of insight about working as a pilot, and more specifically at Continental (soon to be the new United).

I got a chance to visit the operations tower at Newark’s Terminal C, which has a great view of Manhattan, as well as the ramp it controls.

After a week into the position, I travelled to Houston, TX for corporate orientation, where the other interns and I got to meet executives, including the Chief Operating Officer.

The following Monday, I returned to Houston again to take advantage of an Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) tour/demonstration. It was quite amazing to see how sophisticated their trucks really are. Interns at Continental are given opportunities to tour many facilities. Some of the tours I can setup myself while at Newark. But others are setup for me, by our coordinator, and take place in Houston. For those tours I can commute or ‘deadhead’ to attend.

As Continental and United merge to become the world’s leading airline, many changes are taking place. It is certainly an exciting time to be a part of this company! During this past week, I was in charge of handing out the new crew IDs.

The best part about working in the Chief Pilot’s Office so far is meeting all the pilots as they pass through and listening to their advice and stories, which are invaluable.

All interns at Continental are given standby travel-privileges. Just this past weekend I travelled round-trip to Geneva, Switzerland in Business First. All I needed to pay was a departure tax when returning to the US. I hope to travel to more countries and cities throughout the summer and I am very appreciative to have this opportunity!

That’s all for now!
Over and Out.

The Spring 2010 Semester has finally come to a close, which unfortunately means that this is my last journal entry. A lot has happened in my life throughout my first two semesters in college. I hope that by following me many of you are able to paint a better picture of what college life will be like. I also hope that many of you can learn from my experiences and take them into consideration to make decisions yourselves.

I just recently passed my Private Multi-Engine Instrument checkride. Making me a Private Pilot in both single & multi-engine land airplanes, with instrument privileges in both classes. I’ve completed all of those certificates and ratings along with a complex endorsement and a high performance endorsement.

My plans for Fall 2010 Semester are to take the Commercial Multi-Engine course in the Diamond DA-42-L360. Along with Commercial Ground and other Aeronautical Science (AS) courses. I’m still keeping my Air Traffic Control minor, as a backup for flying.

I moved out of my dorm on Thursday, May 6th. I split a storage garage with four other guys and the rest of my stuff I packed into the car and took home. I left big items, such as my bike, TV, shelves, mirror…(etc). I had more stuff than I had originally thought: something to keep in mind when buying things throughout the year. My room looks quite empty and plain now as the posters are taken down. All that is left is the furniture.

I’m moving back to New York for four months, where I will be taking a few courses at community college to continue my studies as well as save money.

I was able to take my parents flying before I left Daytona Beach. I rented the Cessna 182T from Air America and flew to Flagler County Airport where we ate lunch at Highjackers. I was able to log an hour of flight time, making the $100 hamburger a $180 hamburger. However if you can split the cost, it comes out a reasonable amount.

These last two weeks have been quite busy: having a checkride/flight test, moving out, and having my parents in town. I also volunteered time at the Alumni Welcome Reception for graduating students. This was held at the NASCAR Daytona 500 Experience, which is quite a lot of fun. There were car races, tire changing races, movies, and many cars on display. Overall it was a blast, and the Alumni Association hosts it each semester for the graduating class.

I want to thank all of you for reading my journal these past few months. I appreciated the nice comments many of you have left me. It’s always nice to know someone out there is reading and enjoying my work. I also write for The Avion Newspaper, so be sure to check that out! I wish you all the best of luck!

As always,
Over and Out.

Hello everyone! This is my second to last journal for the school year. I’ve received many comments and made many connections while writing to you about my first-year experiences.

I’m happy to say, I’ve successfully completed my instrument training and I am now a Instrument Rated Private Pilot. I started the course in January and with my availability this semester, as well as my instructor’s, I was able to complete 47 flight activities (Flight, Simulator and Ground Lab). I took the Check-Oral exam on Monday (4/19/10) and took the Check-Ride flight on Wednesday (4/21/10). I passed both tests with an FAA Part 142 Examiner. Coincidentally the two examiners were brothers.

Sneak Preview day is coming up this weekend (4/24/10) and I will be there to cover the event for our newspaper, The Avion. If you see me feel, free to stop and chat.

Finals are approaching and the final projects that I discussed last journal have been completed and on both I got an A+.

On campus we had guest speaker Michael Durant. The movie Black Hawk Down is based on his experiences. He spoke as part of Veteran’s Appreciation Day, last Monday.

Most recently, this past weekend (4/17-4/18) was the annual Sun ‘N Fun air show in Lakeland, Florida. On display were static aircraft, which were mostly the same airplanes from the AOPA AirportFest, however there were a few I haven’t seen before. In addition, there were exhibits in the hangers which consisted of representatives from King Schools, Garmin, and Beechcraft. My friends and I stayed overnight in town and returned late Sunday night.

Finals are approaching, and I’m also figuring out how I’m going to finish my Private Multi. Hoping to finish that before I head home.

Over and Out.

It seems as though it was just yesterday that I said it was the beginning of the Spring 2010 Semester, but now it’s apparent that only one month remains. Classes are coming to a finish and final projects assigned in January are… just getting started.

Housing for next semester is finalized and I am living just down the hall in O’Connor with 8 other friends. That’s going to be a great year (Fall 2010 – Spring 2011).

For those of you who are starting ERAU in the fall, look out, as I just might be your Orientation Team Leader!

Student Alumni Association is getting a move on as upcoming events such as the Etiquette Dinner are giving the exec board quite a list of things to do.

Fall course registration started today for sophomores. I registered for Commercial Pilot Operations (AS 321), Flight Physiology (AS357), Air Traffic Management II (AT302), Technical Physics (PS 103 w/ Lab), and Aviation Weather (WX 301).

Next semester’s flight, I’m registering for Commercial Multi in the Diamond Twin Star (DA-42-L360). That will be on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

As an incoming freshman your academic advisor makes your schedule. But the following semester and on, you are given the course offerings booklet and you select the courses and times to suit your needs.

Just the other night we watched as the last ever night space shuttle launch took place. It was quite a sight in Titusville and quite a long day thereafter, as the launch was 6:21 AM on a Monday.

That weekend my friends and I spent two days at the beach. It was a really nice day out, both days! Hoping to do the same next weekend!

Daytona is a really great town to be located for college! Some might disagree, but everyone has got their own opinion.

Don’t forget, if you’d like, to add me on Facebook! (Just make a note that you know me from my journal)

Over and Out.

Hello Everyone,
It’s been quite a busy last two weeks for me. With school work and last week’s Spring Break, I’ve been occupied with a lot of activities. During Spring Break, I headed home from Saturday to Wednesday to see my family and to go flying up north. Home was nice and I was glad to see my parents again, after only visiting the weekend prior. I was able to fly down the Hudson River Corridor with my Dad while I was home as well. The new rules are in effect, so I had to read up on them, however they are mostly revisions to the old rules.

After Wednesday, I spent Thursday through Sunday in Daytona Beach. The weather wasn’t exactly beach weather, but it was warm at least. I spent most of my time back here hanging out with friends and going to Orlando at nights. I’m finishing up Instrument training and I’m beginning my Cross Country flights. Private Multi is coming to a finish also as I’m just waiting to be scheduled for a Practice Checkride.

For the Student Alumni Association, I’m working on, with the rest of the executive board, setting up this year’s Etiquette Dinner. It’s a lot of fun, and a lot of work. I’m hoping the final product is a hit. Now that classes are back in session, the time is coming for the second wave of tests. I can’t wait!

For those of you who read my journal regularly: I’ve noticed a spike in the amount of Facebook Friend Requests that I usually get. If you would like to add me as your friend, just make a little note in there that you read my journal. I’d be more than happy to add you. Without saying that, I assume I don’t have any connection to you and then click Ignore.

Over and Out.

It’s now more than halfway through spring semester and I’m looking forward to next week’s Spring Break (March 15-20). I’ve started practicing approaches using VOR, RNAV/LNAV, GPS, ILS, and Localizer systems. After approaches I get to start working on IFR Cross-Countries. This (unfortunately) reminds me that I need to take my instrument ground written exam. On the days when I’m not flying IFR, I’ve been learning Private Multi in the Turbo Seminole across the field.

The Daytona Bike Week has concluded and the only indication of that is that the noise level has returned back to normal. All these events that Daytona hosts are exciting and fun but if you expected to catch up on your sleep during those days, think again.

I went home this past weekend prior to spring break to see my family. On my return flight (HPN-MCO) we overflew the Ormond Beach VORTAC, which placed us right over Daytona. I was able to snap a photo of ERAU from the air, pretty sweet I’d say. I realized I missed home so much that I’m going back again next weekend for spring break week. I return during the middle of the week so I will still be able to enjoy my days off in Florida too.

The weather has been perfect for flying these past few weeks. Not a cloud in the sky. Great VFR weather! Now that I’ll be flying IFR, I’m hoping for some clouds actually, so I can log actual instrument time in my logbook.

I see that many prospective students have already been emailing me for advice and such. Feel free to ask me a question. I’m more than glad to help.

Over and Out.

The weather here in Florida is finally starting to warm up and it’s about time. The last few weeks have been the coldest it’s ever been. It was even warmer at the Winter Olympics than it was in Daytona Beach. However cold weather is still good flying weather, so no complaints there.

I’ve finished learning holding procedures and I’m now starting to fly instrument approaches. Instrument training is a lot of work, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. I’ve been thinking a lot about the next step, which is commercial multi-engine. I’ve decided before I do that, I should get my multi-engine add-on to my private pilot’s license. That way when I start commercial training, I get to log the time as Pilot In Command; which is important when looking for a job.

As for extracurricular events, I’ve gotten involved with the Air Traffic Control Organization, as well as the Student Alumni Association, of which I’ve been selected to be the President of. I’m very excited and honored to have that opportunity.

I’ve been sick for the last two weeks, only recently has it affected me enough to put a flight-only ground on my training. I seem to be getting better, but it needs time. Health services has been a great help and I highly recommend using them when needed. Dorms are known for spreading illnesses around, so you’ve got to be careful, but even if you are, there is still a good chance you’ll get what is going around.

The College of Aviation had its family weekend this past week. There were different seminars for parents ranging from financial aid, to flight concepts, to simulator sessions, they were even allowed to sit-in on any Aeronautical Science class with their son/daughter.

The Daytona 500 was a quite interesting time in this town. Surprisingly it was the quietest of all the speed-week races, considering how close we live to the track. Students get a discounted ticket price, however when I called up, they were all sold out. Traffic was a nightmare and a lot of stores were closed because they sold their parking spaces to NASCAR spectators. The airport closes Runway 16/34 to use as a parking area for visiting aircraft. Those were certainly a sight to see!

Spring break is just around the corner (Mar 15) and I bought a resident beach pass ($20) for my car, so now I can park there anytime I want for the whole year. After four visits, the pass pays for itself.

Over and Out.

Now that the semester is in full gear, I realized that I have a lot of free time during the week. So I’m looking for a job off campus to earn a little extra money and, at the same time, do something interesting. My classes are Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday and I have off Tuesday and Thursday.

I have just completed Stage One of Instrument Training here at ERAU. I’m progressing rather quickly and I’m very happy about that. I had my first no-show since being here; I was scheduled outside my flight block, with a different instructor (for the day) and forgot all about it. That was a busy day, in addition it was Friday night. No worries, I went to the deferment seminar and it was wiped clean from my record.

Many organizations opened their doors to me at the activities fair this spring. I’m interested in joining the Air Traffic Controllers Organization, International Society of Air Safety Investigators, and NBAA Official Student Group.

I just found out I got an 85 on my first SF 210 (Intro to Aerospace Safety) test, which I’m very proud of because it is the first test of the semester. Hopefully more good reports to follow.

The weather here in Florida is still warm for the most part, but some nights are chilly and some days I wish were warmer than others. No biggie, I could be covered in snow.

The last ever night shuttle launch was the other night and I managed to get some sweet pictures of it, even from Daytona it’s an amazing sight. It’ll be sad to see the shuttle program go.

The upcoming Daytona 500 race has got this town on its feet. Many tourists and car enthusiasts are arriving by all means of transportation. It’s going to be jam packed. I’ve never been here for the races but I hear the aftermath (traffic) is a disaster.

Over and Out.

It’s official, I’m now an FAA Certified Private Pilot! I took my checkride on December 16th with FAA Designated Examiner Bob Raskey. The weather was Marginal VFR and not preferred, but I was driven and well-motivated to finally finish up the course. I made it my goal to finish Private Pilot before I came back home for winter break. After staying on campus for an extra week, while everyone else was already home, you can see why I was so eager.

Prior to my actual flight test, I took a practice checkride and soloed two times to practice maneuvers and to reassure that I was confident and prepared enough to take the test. The practice checkride was with another instructor and consisted of an oral exam and a flight test. Both of which are what make up an actual checkride.

The university provides housing to students during the days that classes are not in session but the flight line is still open. This time period is called “overflight,” and costs just 25 dollars per day.

Classes finished on December 3rd and all of my grades are finalized and available on the ERNIE portal. I feel I did very well for my first semester away from home and in a new setting all on my own.

As soon as it was all over, I booked a flight and headed home back to NY. I’m glad to be home for the Holidays, but I think the warm weather may have spoiled me.

Over and Out.