Holidays are for reminiscing. Who, when gathered with family and friends during the holidays, doesn’t take even a moment to reflect on what has brought them to that very moment in life? Our pasts have built the structure that is now our present, and many in the aviation industry can recall meaningful experiences along the journey to their dream job.
Matt Foust, our IOS Developer, recalls his important role as a flight instructor in college:
When I was 20 years old I got my first job as a flight instructor for Louisiana Tech University. My students were about the same age as me, so I made many new friends while instructing. We all had the same goals: we wanted to be “big time” airline pilots! Some of us may have dreamed about flying for Delta or Southwest Airlines, but regardless of how we would get there, we all wanted to fly for someone, someday.
My students were always prepared to fly. I feel really lucky because I think I had the best students in all of aviation. However, some days were better than others; my student might fly great one day and other days not so well. Still, they were all learning, so the tough days were to be expected.
Some of my fondest memories are teaching my students how to do a short field landing. Supposedly, the short field landing is the most difficult for pilots because they must land within a certain area on the runway and come to a complete stop as soon as possible. This means that they must be on speed and on path or the landing may not be successful. I added a few of my own teaching techniques and I witnessed my students master this maneuver after a few attempts. The excitement on their faces when they landed was indescribable. It’s as if you are witnessing someone realizing that their dreams actually have a chance to come true! It really warmed my heart to see a student and friend succeed at something very challenging and difficult.
Helping others be successful is something that drives me to do my best not only as a good flight instructor, but also as a friend.
We know that aviation is as diverse as the many faces and machines that comprise it. Still, similar stories highlighting the importance of mentorship and achievement help to unite those with a love for flight. Please share your encouraging stories with family and friends this holiday season (even if they have heard it many times before). We would love to hear what you find rewarding about a career in aviation as well, so please comment below or tell us via social media.
Thank you to many instructors like Matt who have helped train thousands of pilots throughout this country and the world.
– Rochelle Johnson and Matt Foust, JETPUBS Inc.