Returning to the Nest
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“One who looks not back at whence he came, will never arrive to whence he is going.”
“One who looks not back at whence he came, will never arrive to whence he is going.”
Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal
Recently, I had the great honor to be invited to talk to students at my former flight school, Cochise College, in Douglas, Arizona.
Having graduated from Cochise in ’83 with an Associate of Science Degree in Pro-Pilot, and all my rating short of ATPL, it had been over 20 years since I’d last seen the campus.
Gearing up for their 50th anniversary, Cochise has truly ridden the waves to great achievement.
By “riding the waves,” I mean that, along with the world’s economy, it, too, has been along for a wild ride.
I am happy to say that, today, the campus flourishes like never before.
Recruiting Specialist Liz stands by while Spencer shows off one of the college’s state of the art trainers.
Featuring facilities far more modern and sprawling than from my humble days, the campus is strong in many areas, including Athletics, Nursing, and, of course, Aviation.
Blessed with perpetually sunny skies, over time, the program has expanded to offer degrees in not only Professional Pilot Training, but Avionics and Unmanned Aerial Systems.
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Indeed, the college even sports its own runway, right on campus! Along with that is a fleet of modern single pistons and a light twin—all of which are slated for another update soon!
The new hangar. L-R: me, Liz, Felix, Patricia, and Spencer!
From the moment Bunny and I set foot on campus, we were greeted and treated warmly by all staff and students, from Aviation Recruiter & Marketing Specialist Liz Stoddard to Aviation Director and Chief Flight Officer, Ms. Belinda Burnett.
With student Felix snapping pics and scholarship-winning student Patricia helping out,
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Flight Instructor Spencer gave us a fun tour of campus, showing off the college’s state-of-the art planes and school facilities.
Our students will always be a name, not a number.Belinda Burnett, Cochise College Aviation Director
At one point, Spencer even tossed me into their crosswind landing sim to see what this grizzled ol’ alumnus was made of!
Trying out the crosswind sim…full motion, no less!
I can’t help but brag: On my first try, I got a 951 out of a possible 1000 points—
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Take that, XBOX!!
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After the fun and games and lunch, the students and I sat down to chat.
Campus was nearly deserted for the last week of Fall semester; nevertheless, we had a great turnout. Maggie, President of the “Flight Club” (love that name!) rallied the remaining students to come hang out!
Chatting with students and faculty. Great turnout, and a great time!
I spoke candidly to the kids about what they could expect in an airline career—the “ups n downs,” the realities, and the adventure.
I tossed in some fun stories and videos, such as Livin’ the Dream and Cap’n Dillon’s Ecstatic Adventure.
The audience loved Livin’ the Dream video, and absolutely gushed over everyone’s favorite Cap’n, Dillon!
Cap’n Dillon meets the amazing Jessica Cox!
Totally charmed by Dillon’s persona—and who isn’t?—the students and faculty all insisted that he be included as an honorary guest for the 50th anniversary celebration in March!
Schools like Cochise offer low prices and waivers to lower ATP requirements.
Looking back on this post, I realize it may come across as one big ad for my former school.
Well, I can’t help but beam with pride over the fine program they have, but I do wish to stop short of ever telling you, “Go here, don’t go there.”
They even launch UAV’s from campus!
Frankly, I would be doing you a major disservice. I don’t know the present state of the flight training industry out there, and it is up to each and every one of you to research all programs to find out which one works for YOU.
But, I will say this. Airlines require:
—all flight ratings through ATPL
—a college degree in something (at LEAST a 2-year, and preferably a 4-year)
It matters LITTLE where you get these—it’s not the name of the school that makes you, it’s the name you make for yourself!
This is your Cap’n Speaking. Welcome aboard!
When you speak to the passengers on the PA, you don’t say, “This is a Captain of XYZ College speaking,” you say, “This is Captain Your Name Here!”
What I do know, is that schools like Cochise offer some of the lowest prices out there, and have waivers to lower the ATP requirements. In addition, Cochise is affiliated with such schools as Embry Riddle and Arizona State University. That is, credits are fully transferrable.
What am I saying?
CHECK OUT ALL CANDIDATE SCHOOLS AND DECIDE WHICH IS THE BEST FIT FOR YOU!
And, perhaps one day, YOU will be invited by your alma mater to speak at your school!
A special Cap’n Aux HOWDY to all of our new friends at Cochise College! L-R: Spencer, Maggie, Patricia, Gabi, Liz & Jason!
Cochise College would be a good place to start your research.
Check them out at http://www.flycochise.com
On the same trip, I had fun chatting on-air with KDAP radio host Howard Henderson.
Liz and I chat it up with Host Howard. Bunny (taking this pic) even got on air to regale the audience with scary (& hysterical) passenger tales!
Afterward, Mayor Ortega himself called to congratulate us on an entertaining show!
Oh, and what did Cap’n Aux look like, way back in The Day? Here I am as the Lead “Guitarist” of The Kamikazes, in an Airband Contest! (Yep, sooooo 80’s!)
Jammin’ to the B-52s’ “Private Idaho!”
OK, so we came in last place…but had a dang good time doing it!
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This blog post is dedicated to my new friend Jason, a veteran of Afghanistan and now a flight student at Cochise College.
Jason, I am honored and humbled by your service to our country.
Bunny and I thank you!
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Cochise College Links
- Cochise College http://www.cochise.edu/aviation/
- Cochise College Phone 1-800-966-7943
- Cochise College Email flycochise@cochise.edu
Related Cap’n Aux Links
- The Airline Cockpit in 7 “Simple” Steps http://capnaux.com/the-airline-cockpit-in-7-simple-steps/
- Is the Pilot Shortage Really Looming? http://capnaux.com/bif-is-the-pilot-shortage-really-looming/
- Top 10 Downers of an Airline Career http://capnaux.com/top-10-downers-of-an-airline-career/
- Top 10 Things to Never Say to a Pilot http://capnaux.com/top-things-never-to-say-to-a-pilot/
- Confessions of a Regional Pilot http://capnaux.com/interview-with-jonny-mcb-regional-pilot/
- Cap’n Aux’s Most Inspirational Role Model http://capnaux.com/capn-auxs-most-inspirational-role-model/
- The Future of U.S. Aviation http://capnaux.com/happy-4th-the-future-of-u-s-aviation/
- A Few of My Fa-vorite Cap’ns http://capnaux.com/interlude-may-the-fourth-be-with-you/
- Cap’n Aux Answers Your Avgeek Questions http://capnaux.com/capn-aux-answers-your-avgeek-questions-part-i/
- Interview With an Alaska Bush Pilot http://capnaux.com/interview-with-an-alaska-bush-pilot/
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Lined Up & Waiting
Departing January 8
There I Wuz! Pilots of the Caribbean
Desperate to kickstart his career, a young Cap’n Aux takes a huge risk.
“Luck means taking chances. Rolling the dice.”
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
