Uncle Sam got a hold of me during Vietnam, only because I had enough insight to enlist in the Navy. My father was a pilot and introduced me to my first love, flying. During my high school, Navy and college years I garnered my pilot ratings and basic experience. August 1974 I moved to Alaska and got my first flying job, bush pilot. Since Mark Air I ve been flying internationally between the U.S. and Asia, most recently flying the Boeing 747-400 for Atlas Air Cargo.
Aviation is unlike any other profession.
After over 20 years of experience a move to another airline is not a lateral move. At age 45 I started my aviation career over again as a new-hire pilot. Makes it tough trying to save for retirement, age 60 FAA mandatory retirement age. Both are learning about life, balancing work and college while trying to get ahead. Both are also learning to fly and would like careers in aviation.