Introduction

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:22:00 GMT

Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to fly. Its been my dream for as long as I could remember. When I was old enough, I realized that there were pretty much three routes to flying:

1. Airport Bum: Everyone who has been around an FBO (Fixed Base Operator, the business at an airport, usually giving flight lessons) knows of that one guy who is always just hanging out, bumming rides, talking nonsense about flying, and no one really knows what he does for money. Somehow, he always has enough to buy a plane or lessons for the license that he has been working on for 30 years but never seems to have. He is usually in his 30's-50's and, more than likely, divorced. This is your typical airport bum.

2. Commercial: The guys in the Navy-looking business suits who walk around airports with their rolley suitcases and checking out chicks. These guys usually walk with a swagger that would make George Clooney jealous. They look, talk, and act like confidence. Of course, there are pilots who work in other jobs, but when you think commercial, you think cocky airline pilot.

3. Military: They shoot down bad guys and blow up their stuff. These are the only men in the known universe who think they are badasses because they wear Onesies to work. They fly fast, kick ass, and take names. They are the envy of every man, and women flock to them in the thousands.

Note: this may not be an accurate description of any of these career fields, but to a 12 year old kid who wants to fly, these are the perceptions one has. Now, number 1 was out of the question because my parents wanted me OUT of the house as soon as I reached college age. Also, I still have yet to figure out where the Airport Bums of the world get their money, probably some secret stash that I was never made aware of. This left numbers 2 and 3 as my only valid options to actually slip the surly bonds of earth...

This blog will document my journey to where I am now. Many names will be changed to protect the innocent and protect me free from libel suits and jealous ex-girlfriends. I will try to answer any questions you may have, and will keep posting as long as anyone keeps reading. Maybe even if you don't.

Catch-22: My journey to pilot training

Introduction