5 years ago Paul wanted a career began flying and set a goal to become a professional pilot. When Paul puts his heart and mind into anything, he gives everything he's got to make that goal happen. Paul worked full time as a crane operator working 40-60 hours a week, took flying lessons on the weekends, pursued a bachelors degree in Aviation at UVU at night taking on full-time schedule each semester, and worked on motorcycles in the garage to make extra money for flying. Not to mention he was a new father and always took the time to help neighbors and friends! Paul graduated with a B.S. Degree in Aviation 3 years after starting. He earned his Private pilots licence, instrument rating, commercial licence and last his multi engine rating. Oh man..its been a crazy 4.5 years. Paul has been fighting a strong headwind the past year and 1/2 with his goals but he has keep his sight on the goal. He took a year off to be with his daughter fighting cancer.
Paul had to tell the employer that we were going on a "make-a- wish" trip and that he could interview when we got back. This is never something you want to have to say. He told Paul that he would be doing another round of hiring later in the spring and that he would call back. 2 months later he got the call. We were starting to wonder if we would ever get the call. He had one week to prepare for his first pilot interview. He studied, worked on getting all his medical cards updated and drivers licence recovered (he lost his wallet a week before the call). He did some work on a simulator and ground preparation with a local flight instructor! We knew this interview would be such a blessing for our family in so many ways.
His suit was dry cleaned and he had a special gift from us and we sent him on his way.
He left for Boulder City Nevada on Wednesday. I wanted to go but knew Paul needed some time away to focus and prepare his mind.
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| This is only 1/2 of all the paperwork that Paul had to fill out before the interview. The FAA requires so many background checks, drug test and former employee notes, and notes on Paul's pilot licence. This didn't include the work history and letters of recommendation. I thought the paperwork for signing a teachers contract was a lot. |
He had to fly the simulator, take a Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam, and an interview. This process took about 5 hours.
We got the call Friday afternoon of how the interview went. I was trying to take a nap but couldn't. Presley and I spent that night before in the hospital. We didn't tell daddy that we were headed to the ER. He didn't need the distraction. He called during nap time.
Do you want the good news or the bad news? At this point in life I don't even like to hear the bad news. In fact the week before the interview I was really numb. I really didn't want to feel disappointment so I self medicated. The good news was that he was offered a job. With Pilots they have to still complete ground school (training) so the job is not final until that is passed. The hiring manager told Paul he would call him next week and let him know when training will start and when they know who is going to be based out of what airport and what aircraft he will be flying. He got a picture shaking hands with the man who offered him a job. I still look at the picture and smile. I think I haven't stopped smiling.
I write today to document and to share how proud I am of Paul. He has been dreaming and working so hard for this first step to happen. We laugh and joke..that we have never been so happy to make $12/hour. Its all about perspective. Many young pilots don't make it and leave the career because low pay and long hours at the beginning. We know that with time things will change. As he builds time in the new airplane he'll get airline pilot experience as he will be operating under new (to him) FAA rules and standards that companies like Southwest and United follow. Not only will he be learning a new game, he will be getting flight time in a highly sought after aircraft, the DHC Twin Otter. We are so blessed and so grateful for this experience as a new pilot and family moving forward with a new chapter in our lives.
We sent a tiny box with daddy, to open before the interview:
Here was the note that was enclosed!
Turquoise is the ancient GOOD LUCK charm of the sky. Today as
you interview for your first pilot job, carry this blue/green turquoise stone
for good luck. You have worked so hard for this day to come. I remember
cheering you on as you took your first solo flight, today you have over 300
hours logged in that book. I know that you have had a strong head wind this
past last year. Many people would have given up and settled for something
easier. Your time the last year has been given to your little cancer fighter,
she/we have needed you. You are dedicated, motivated and willing to go the
extra mile. Today is your day to shine. Always remember,
"When everything seems to be going
against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with
it. -Henry Ford
The Navajo and many other North American
Indians called turquoise "pieces of sky" or "sky stones"
and believed it protected them and gave them a connection to the sky. Turquoise
is one of the oldest PROTECTION gemstones.
This stone has been used for pilots as a natural protection for many years. Carry
this special sky stone with you always in your suite jacket or pant pocket. Did
you get clearance from tower, have you done your run-up, do you have your sky
stone with you?
This is a special gift from the three that LOVE you the most. Love is another one of
the symbols of this gemĪ. Luck,
Love, Protection and Healing are the energies of the sky stone. Each of these
energies you need today. So carry that little stone and know we love you. Your
co-pilots adore you. I'm so thankful we get to enjoy your love of flying with
you.
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