When I started my flight training in 1995, my instructor explained to me that the one thing most students have problems with is being able to talk on the radio, and I should not to be concerned if I, too, have problems with it (“Around the Patch,” May 2014 Flight Training). He forgot what I did for a living. As a deputy sheriff, talking on the radio was pretty much second nature for me. What I had problems with is that the law enforcement alpha code is different from the aviation (military) alpha code. Naturally, I revert back to what I know, so everyone gets a laugh at my expense.
I have a couple of tips for those that shudder at the thought of talking on the radio.
1. Organize your thoughts before you keythe mic. Know what you want to say.
2. Pretend the person you are talking to is right there with you and you are just having a normal conversation.
3. Don’t get hung up on formalities. When all else fails and you forget the proper terminology, just say what you need to say in plain English.
Remember, the whole principle of communication is relaying information so everyone understands.
Paul Goldasich Jr.
Mount Olive, Illinois
I have been a pilot for 38 years and I learned in the “thumb” area of Michigan. When I first got my certificate, I thought I would be restricted to flying in that area for the rest of my life. When my flight instructor went with me for my 10-hour insurance checkout, eight of those hours were at towered fields and approach controls, where I was forced to learn how to talk on the radio. I could finally leave the area and explore the country.
After the air traffic controller strike in 1981, I was hired to become one. I worked for 26 years at Houston Center and Detroit Tracon. I have heard many, many first-time radio calls and sympathized with all of them. Most of the controllers tried to speak slower and be more conversational when we encountered newer pilots.
I am now a CFII and I try to take all my primary students on a tour of a tower and my instrument trainees on a tracon tour. They see firsthand how those fearsome voices belong to regular folks like you and me. I also try to teach them to use the who-who-where-what format when initially contacting ATC.
One line in the article struck a chord with me: “I was my own worst critic.” In flying with other pilots, every one has asked me to watch them and point out when they were doing something in error. So far, I have never had to because each one of them realized that they had forgotten, missed, overlooked, or mishandled something and announced it—sometimes even before I caught their error. Each pilot is their own worst critic, especially when flying with another. And that may not be a bad thing. Self-awareness of one’s own mistakes makes us strive to improve.
Dale Nuss
Plymouth, Michigan
Career Advisor
I enjoy Wayne Phillips’ columns, especially those that address career changes for those of us that are more mature (“Seeking a Career Change,” May 2014 Flight Training). I can tell you that at the ripe old age of 45, I swapped careers. After eight years of being a public school principal, I swapped my career (and benefits) for a position as a full-time CFI, and I could not be happier. Is it the right decision for you? Only you can answer that. I will tell you that one element that was critical to my decision was the support of my wife and family and their willingness to downgrade our lifestyle, at least for a while.
My original CFI checkride was scheduled for September 11, 2001, so my flying career was derailed, but I never gave up on that dream. Now I get to share my passion of flight with others by teaching them to fly, and getting paid to do so. I make a lot less money and I have no benefits, but I am working as a professional pilot and I sure am enjoying life.
Rod Allen
Temple, Texas
Bahamas bound
Congratulations on Jill W. Tallman’s May cover story “Bahamas Bound.” What a great article; I loved the story, the photos, and the fascinating details of atrip to the Bahamas islands. Jill’s article nicely describes how fun an adventure like this canbe—especially flying as a group, and also how much careful planning one should do in order to minimize risks and do everything right and safely.
Inspired by a similar story titled “Spring Break” from Greg Brown’s “Flying Carpet,” long ago Iadded that destination to my flying bucket list.
Sergio Schaar
San Antonio, Texas
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
The annual meeting of the Members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will be held at 12 noon on Friday, September 5, 2014, at the headquarters of AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701, located on the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), for the purpose of receiving reports and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, specifically including the election of Trustees.
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