I'm a very proud father!!

[SVT-40]

My son realized one of his lifetime goals this last week!!!! He became a commercial airline pilot!! He has been a flight instructor, then chief flight instructor for a few years after graduating from Embree Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott Az. He currently has about 2,500 hours of flight time. Ever since he was a small boy he wanted to be a airline pilot. My only regret is that his grandfather (my Dad) was not around to see this happen, as he was a fighter pilot during WWII. He passed away a year ago.

So if at some future time you board a Express Jet flight and one of the pilots is a young blond fellow with the first name "Alan", You might be on board with him!!

I just had to share

[NorCalXJ]

Congrats to him. I too as a child wanted to become a pilot. Maybe one day I can also achieve that goal.

[retired]

Congrats to him dad!

[Fatgunman]

Congrats to him

[non sequitur]

My old college roommate had the same lifelong dream as your son. He was a CFI at age 23, then did a Part 135 gig at Ameriflight for many years and finally he was hired by ExpressJet. I know firsthand how hard and how long he had to work to get that first Part 121 ATP job. ExpressJet Captain upgrades are fairly fast too. My old roommate is now a First Officer for South West Airlines and he loves his job and the non-rev flight privileges too!

Congrats to your son!

[micro911]

Congratulations! I wanted to be a Marine pilot(aviator). I was waiting for the call from the Marines, but my dept called me first.

[Ron-Solo]

Cool!

[jonc]

Nice!!

[CBR_rider]

So when does he start giving you the hookups for airfare tickets? Seriously though, good for him!

[Doheny]

Very cool!

That's a very tough and reputable school.

[Tripeaks69]

Congratulations to him and you, proud Dad.. You mold him right....


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[Zedrek]

Wow, congratulations to you and your son. Aviation was something that I have always wanted to get into. One of these days!

[SVT-40]

Originally Posted by non sequitur

My old college roommate had the same lifelong dream as your son. He was a CFI at age 23, then did a Part 135 gig at Ameriflight for many years and finally he was hired by ExpressJet. I know firsthand how hard and how long he had to work to get that first Part 121 ATP job. ExpressJet Captain upgrades are fairly fast too. My old roommate is now a First Officer for South West Airlines and he loves his job and the non-rev flight privileges too!

Congrats to your son!

Yup, he has certainly worked hard and earned his place. In fact one of his CFI students (who is from Denmark, and came to Arizona each year for the past few years just to fly with him) paid for his ATP exam last month. One cannot quantify or express the pride a parent has for these type of acknowledgements.

Tonight we were sitting around commiserating about the perspectives one achieves while in the "FTO" role. Him as a flight instructor, and me as a FTO.....Just real cool, when talking about this stuff with your kid.

He said he is looking forward to being the "sponge" for awhile while learning the capabilities of his new airframe. He will be flying the ERJ at Express Jet.

As a parent I have always striven for him to exceed any limitations, and grow beyond any limitations, just as my parents did with me.

He has certainly done that.

Originally Posted by CBR_rider

So when does he start giving you the hookups for airfare tickets? Seriously though, good for him!

Actually I had not even considered those perks until tonight...... My wife (his step mom) and I took my son out to dinner to celebrate tonight, and while at dinner we ran into one of the guys who was involved with his hiring at Express Jet......Needless to say I bought the fellow a beer or two .... So after he is a full fledged EJ pilot I hope to take full advantage of those benefits!!!!

Originally Posted by Tripeaks69

Congratulations to him and you, proud Dad.. You mold him right....

I am a very proud dad.....But I take no credit. "Molding" only goes so far. Yes I was very involved in his life. Trying at every turn to give him the opportunity to achieve, yet not keeping him from failure.

But in the end he deserves all the credit. because it's been his life and his choices.

Thats why I'm so proud.

it's just refreshing to see a nice guy achieve one of his major life goals.

thanks to all here who know what these milestones mean.

[55chevypost]

Nicely done!!!

[Falconis]

awesome

[Mr.Matt]

Congrats to u and yours.

[Steve G]

Some of my best memories of flying is with my CFI! I know your son worked hard and put up with a lot of crap. Huge congrats!

[KD714]

Congratulations to you both.

[Che762x39]

congratulations

[AR15Man]

Originally Posted by SVT-40

Yup, he has certainly worked hard and earned his place. In fact one of his CFI students (who is from Denmark, and came to Arizona each year for the past few years just to fly with him) paid for his ATP exam last month. One cannot quantify or express the pride a parent has for these type of acknowledgements.

Tonight we were sitting around commiserating about the perspectives one achieves while in the "FTO" role. Him as a flight instructor, and me as a FTO.....Just real cool, when talking about this stuff with your kid.

He said he is looking forward to being the "sponge" for awhile while learning the capabilities of his new airframe. He will be flying the ERJ at Express Jet.

As a parent I have always striven for him to exceed any limitations, and grow beyond any limitations, just as my parents did with me.

He has certainly done that.



Actually I had not even considered those perks until tonight...... My wife (his step mom) and I took my son out to dinner to celebrate tonight, and while at dinner we ran into one of the guys who was involved with his hiring at Express Jet......Needless to say I bought the fellow a beer or two .... So after he is a full fledged EJ pilot I hope to take full advantage of those benefits!!!!



I am a very proud dad.....But I take no credit. "Molding" only goes so far. Yes I was very involved in his life. Trying at every turn to give him the opportunity to achieve, yet not keeping him from failure.

But in the end he deserves all the credit. because it's been his life and his choices.

Thats why I'm so proud.

it's just refreshing to see a nice guy achieve one of his major life goals.

thanks to all here who know what these milestones mean.

You've accomplished one of Life's very difficult responsibilities, (especially in today's culture).

My hat is off to you Sir, as you've demonstarted to be a great Father and Mentor!

Be safe.

[NOTARPilot]

Thumbs up!

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Having just flown yesterday, I fully appreciate a skilled pilot getting all of us to our destinations safely, while us passengers get to sit back and enjoy the view. My compliments to your son and all his fellow aviators.

[IA300]

Congrats! Well done!

[SVT-40]

Thank to all that posted ...

Well he was supposed to start class in Houston Tx. on the 22nd of this month, but just after I made my second post on the 6th he got a call from Express Jet, and asked if he could be in Houston for training on Monday the 8th as they had a opening in that class..

So I took him to Phoenix on the 7th and off he went!!!

I'm glad he's one of those guys who can quickly adapt to changes of plans!!!

Him employers at his "old" job are great guys and were very supportive with the short notice. Their response to the lack of notice was.... No problem what ever we can do to help we will do!!!

Thanks again for all the positive comments!!!

[oldleo123]

Congrats to him and you!

[RedFord150]

Congrats too both you and your Son. You have every reason too be proud.

[MaHoTex]

Late to the party, but great news SVT. My CFI was a captain with Express Jets and moved on to flying jumbos (cargo) between US and Africa.

I obtained my PPSEL in 2004 so I do know what is involved and how difficult it can be. Congrats to your son for realizing his dream.

[Hoopty]

Congrats on your sons fine achievement !!!!! Can you tell him when he talks on the mic to pull it away from his mouth a few inches . Every time I fly I get the teacher from peanuts that talks. Wha wha wha..

Again, Congrats!!!!!

[retiredAFcop]

Congratulations.

[Rider1k]

Something to be very proud of. Congrats to you as a parent and to your son .

Sent from a galaxy near you.

[xbuilder9mm]

Congratulations. I too at 40 earned my wings. We are very special people. I know how hard and expensive it is. My ground school instructor on the first day tolds
THERE ARE OLD PILOTS AND THERE ARE BOLD PILOTS, BUT THERE ARE NOT OLD AND BOLD PILOTS.
Fly safe.

[SVT-40]

Originally Posted by xbuilder9mm

Congratulations. I too at 40 earned my wings. We are very special people. I know how hard and expensive it is. My ground school instructor on the first day tolds
THERE ARE OLD PILOTS AND THERE ARE BOLD PILOTS, BUT THERE ARE NOT OLD AND BOLD PILOTS.
Fly safe.

My father was a WWII fighter pilot. I remember him telling us the same quote "THERE ARE OLD PILOTS AND THERE ARE BOLD PILOTS, BUT THERE ARE NOT OLD AND BOLD PILOTS.". It served him well, and I hope will also do the same for my son!!!

[SVT-40]

UPDATE!! Today my son piloted his first commercial flights with passengers in the back!! Currently he's based out of Newark New Jersey, however will eventually transfer to Houston or Denver. He's flying the ERJ 145

[AR15Man]

Congrats on raising a great productive American!

FYI, Post 9/11 airspace security has been increased and Aviation Ramp Checks have increased, (mostly involving General Aviation Aircraft).

Just let your son know that ANY Law Enforcement Officer can stop a pilot WITHOUT ANY R/S or P/C to check his Airman's Certificate, Medical Cert. and aircraft registration.

These Law Enforcement Ramp Check are pretty quick and usually uneventful if conducted by a NON-FAA Officer.

Conversely an FAA Inspector will be proactive looking for an FAR violation vs an LEO looking for evidence of criminal activity and maintaining airspace security.

You can PM me with any questions if your son might have questions.

I'd encourage him to enroll in the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program(FFDO).

AR15MAN

[Sacmedic]

You should be proud! Great pics as well.

[five.five-six]

A father's purpose is to have successful offspring. Good job SVT

[jeremiah12]

Originally Posted by SVT-40

As a parent I have always striven for him to exceed any limitations, and grow beyond any limitations, just as my parents did with me.

I am a very proud dad.....But I take no credit. "Molding" only goes so far. Yes I was very involved in his life. Trying at every turn to give him the opportunity to achieve, yet not keeping him from failure.

As a high school teacher I can tell you from experience that just be being very involved in his life, teaching him to take responsibility for himself, to work hard and persevere to attain goals that seem out out of reach, and teaching him a good work ethic, you gave him the tools to reach his dreams.

You deserve credit and have every right to be a very proud dad. This is the payoff for all sleepless nights and other times he caused you so much worry while he was growing up. You now know it was worth it.

Then the ultimate payoff comes, according to my mom, grandkids. I am still a few years away because mine is just finishing his freshman year in college.

Congratulations to both of you.

[Garrett128]

Congratulations! Having been in aviation myself, I know what kind of training, education, dedication, and skill it takes to fly a jet like that. Also to get hired by a major airline. Great achievement! Before you know it, he'll be flying a jumbo jet liner! No doubt, his grandfather is watching from above.

[SVT-40]

Originally Posted by Garrett128

Congratulations! Having been in aviation myself, I know what kind of training, education, dedication, and skill it takes to fly a jet like that. Also to get hired by a major airline. Great achievement! Before you know it, he'll be flying a jumbo jet liner! No doubt, his grandfather is watching from above.

Thanks for the kind words....During the summer of his Junior year in college he interned for Continental airlines in Houston. He did some projects for the CEO... , and was considered an "employee". So apparently when he gets 1000 hours of turbine time he will be eligible to transfer to Continental (now merged with United)... So he will probably flying bigger planes in about 18 months....

I'm sure his grandfather is watching... In fact when My son graduated from college his grandfather stood up at his graduation dinner and gave a little speech..

At the end he turned and said to my son...

If you are ever flying in a clear blur sky and see a glint off in the distance above you, as if the sun was glinting off a cockpit window don't be alarmed when you look closer there is no plane there .... It's just me watching out for you, as I'll always have your six...

There were no dry eyes in the restaurant...

Thanks again for the kind words.

[smak28]

Tell him to save some hot flight attendants for us! Haha. Congrats to you and him!