Delta Connection Academy

Unexpected networking opportunity

You never know when networking opportunities will present themselves… I went to New Orleans with my fiancé this past weekend to begin planning our wedding. While listening to jazz at Fritzle’s on Bourbon Street, I met two female pilots. We had a great conversation and their husbands gave Nick an idea about the schedule to expect when I get an airline job. As I mentioned in a former post, professional organizations are great for networking, but those are no good to you if you don’t make personal relationships. I made sure I got Erin’s & Laura’s phone numbers and email addresses and I will definitely keep in touch with them. Not only are they female pilots, they live in an area where Nick & I are interested in moving, and we all got along very well. They are about my age and had lots of good insight to share with me.

From everything I have heard, Delta Connection Academy does everything they can to get you to the airlines, with Delta Connection or one of their many partners. They do guarantee interviews upon graduation, but I think they’d agree that professional pilots need to explore every opportunity for leads to jobs. This economy is tough on all industries. Historically, the airline industry has had a few years of prosperity followed by a few years of hardship. I believe I am in training at exactly the right time. You could be too. I believe there’s not a better place to be than in training while cuts are being made. As I gain experience, accumulate hours, and become qualified with various ratings, the airlines will be looking for more professional pilots to hire. On a personal note (speaking of ratings) I should be closer to my first rating this week. I have finally been put up for my first instrument stage check! It took a long time, but since I’ve been hoping for approval every day, I’ve been studying like I expected it each day. This allows me to have the confidence I need to go into my oral exam.

More organized studying tips

Being an academy student at DCA is a full time job. I continue to look for new ways to study to keep my interest and not get overwhelmed with the variety of knowledge I’m supposed to know. 

1. Certifications & Documents
2. Airworthiness Requirements
3. Weather information
4. Cross Country Flight Planning
5. National Airspace System

6. Performance & limits
7. Operations of Systems
8. Aeromedical Factors
9. Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment

10. Instrument Cockpit Check
11. Air Traffic Control Clearances
12. Compliance with Departure, En Route, & Arrival Procedures
13. Loss of Communications Procedures/Scenarios

Professional Organizations

There are many benefits of being involved in professional organizations. Most offer reduced rates for students, along with free joining incentives such as free newsletters or magazines, online or in print. By joining, you open up possibilities unavailable to you on your own such as social networking, special offers, and the ability to apply for scholarships! You can increase your chance of being considered for a scholarship by being active in a chapter near you. The first organization I joined was Women in Aviation (WIA) dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women (and men) who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries(www.wai.org). They hold an international conference in a major city each year. I was able to go when it was in my hometown of Cincinnati in 2003. This year it’s in Atlanta, Georgia, February 26-28. You can visit their website at www.wai.org for more information. (They do give out scholarships which were due in November.) They also have local chapters in many cities and colleges. Don’t be fooled by the name – men are welcome to join the organization and get involved. The 99’s are a similar group “founded in 1929 by 99 licensed women pilots for the mutual support and advancement of aviation”(www.ninety-nines.org). Another Organization I joined was the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, “founded in 1976 to enhance, advance, and promote education opportunities in aviation (www.obap.org). They also have a conference each year, this year it’s in Atlanta, August 4-9. They hold ACE camps for high school students in selected cities every summer. They also offer scholarships to their members. AOPA is the Airplane Owner & Pilots Association. They offer tons of services to pilots. From their pilot training magazine – free to student pilots - to safety seminars around the United States. They offer insurance and scholarships as well as current weather & planning information. You name it, they’ll probably be able to provide or lead you to it. Visit their website at www.aopa.org. I enjoy my memberships in these organizations. They keep my interest and continue to expand my knowledge base. I’m looking forward to becoming more involved and meeting people enhancing my aviation network. I hope you check them out!

Vacation

 Vacation...