Gotta Start Somewhere

摘要

"Beginning Aviation Jobs," by W. Scott Olsen [February 2013], reminded us to keep the dream alive. After high school in 1981,1 enrolled in a two-year technical school, where I received all my ratings, starting out in a Cessna 152. After that, I started flight instructing for $10 an hour. I moved up within an FBO to Part 135 charters in a light twin, building much-needed multiengine time. I built enough time to get hired in 1987 by a commuter airline called Chaparral Airlines in Abilene, Texas, flying under contract as American Eagle. After three years of flying with them in such equipment as a Casa 212, Beech 99, Jetstream 31 and G159,1 was ready for the majors.