Maybe I can offer some insight for you on this as an "old head"...Class of '81.
The rule came about back in the 70's. You may think it stupid, but you will think otherwise if something were to happen and you had to hoof it out from somewhere. Granted, most of Central Florida is now paved over, but there are a lot of areas you will fly over on cross countries that are not and if you do have to put down off airport...yes it has happened...you'll be really thankful for the long pants and shoes you can walk in that keep critters and other things off your feet. Same with shirts. You can sunburn pretty damn fast down there.
As to polyester, you're right. That's why most of us spend the few extra $$ and buy worsted wool uniforms that are lighter weight than regular wool, cooler and wear better. For there as a student and later as an instructor, khaki's and a polo shirt always worked well.
The other unsaid part WAS appearance. We were always considered the "step child" of Riddle. More on that another time. Because of that, the Chief Flight Instructor, demanded that we look better than "those &^%$ up the beach," who tended to drop in in flops and grubby tees, looking like something the cat dragged in, and full of ego. (Hey, it was a different time). So we did. Partly because we wanted to show that we were as good (we actually were better pilots!:yupand partly because you didn't want to piss off Curt Truver.
He was a crusty old USAF F-86 driver from the Korean vintage and retired Colonel. He was also one hell of a stick and could fly any damn thing with wings. He was your best friend off campus, (especially to the Rho guys and the Flying team) and the meanest *&^%#! in the world at the flight line. Simply put...you DID NOT fail a lesson. It would be met with the "death stare." Many of us had tremendous war stories about him that would fill volumes.
More importantly, he emphasized skills over style. We didn't have the fancy new fleet like Daytona. We had a mix of Cherokee's with different cockpits. His theory was that you learn to follow procedures ...procedures...procedures and then once you've mastered the skills to be an airman, the glitz comes easier.
The school went through a rough patch for a few years. When I was instucting in the early 80's we had a few batches of students who came through with a lot more of mom and dad's money than desire to learn. Failures went way up and were met with an "I don't care" attitude by the kids and their parents (Truver had retired at that point)
It got better and slipped again under a couple of regime changes and so so leadership. I hear it's gotten much better.
If you are coming into the program; listen, learn, observe and keep paying attention. Focus on the skills, not the fancy stuff. What makes a pilot is not your ability to be a program manager, but your ability to think ahead and anticipate what will happen three or four steps ahead, not one. And then making the airplane do what you want it to do. Learn that and you will go far in this business.
How did we do? Everyone I know from my time frame (78- 81), who applied themselves and kept their noses clean is doing just what we wanted. Some are at the majors, some in management. Some of us have been through airline bankruptcies. (well, most by now) Even with all of the turmoil, it's a great job and needs people who are interested in being and acting as professional airmen.
Now you may understand the reasoning and value of long pants and shoes...and procedures...it's to start getting you in the mindset of thinking ahead and preparing for any unanticipted contingency that may come. Hey, the engines NEVER quit, right??
FIT (now Tech) has become recognized as a place that turns out excellent pilots. We paved the path for you...it's up to you to carry it on and pay it forward.
Good luck.
By the way... for any AHP guys on the board...is the frat still active? Do you still have the big leather photo album that was put together way back then?
Florida Institute of Technology
- Thread starter Kestrel452
- Start date
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
The other unsaid part WAS appearance. We were always considered the "step child" of Riddle. More on that another time. Because of that, the Chief Flight Instructor, demanded that we look better than "those &^%$ up the beach," who tended to drop in in flops and grubby tees, looking like something the cat dragged in, and full of ego. (Hey, it was a different time). So we did. Partly because we wanted to show that we were as good (we actually were better pilots!:yup
That sounds like something my father would say. And I completely agree with him.
You got it!
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
Does this big rivalry still exist between ERAU and FIT?
FIT (now Tech) has become recognized as a place that turns out excellent pilots. We paved the path for you...it's up to you to carry it on and pay it forward.
Good luck./QUOTE]
Thanks so much for the explanation, I always knew there had to be a reason behind it just didn't know why until now! I like to think that FIT turns out better pilots than riddle.
Thanks again for your hard work and hopefully our class and the people after us will continue to give FIT a good name in the aviation industry.
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
Sidious
Well-Known Member
I don't really think so. I've been here for going on 4 years and its mentioned here and there but its mostly by the Flight Team guys. They seem to get worked up into a frenzy about it.
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
How does one get on the flight team? Do you have to pay to fly when in it? How much time does it take out of the week? What do you do in it?
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
Kestrel, what do you know about the new planes you guys are getting? They look like a blast, and a change of pace from the normal 172/PA28 series. I've got about 3 hours in the Remos, and I must say, its a blast to fly. What's your opinion of the whole thing?
Sidious
Well-Known Member
You just show up to the first meeting and you're in. Anyone can join as well. There are annual dues but from what I've seen it seems like a good deal based on the flight time you get. They are at the airport on the weekends, mostly Sundays since that is a light student load day.
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
Anyone know whats up with FIT buying REMOS aircraft? Are they for flight students or 3rd party individuals? I was hoping I could train in Warriors and Arrows!!!
:banghead:
:argue::bandit:
:banghead:
:argue::bandit:KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
I think its awesome. That's specifically what I was asking about. It'll bring the price of some basic flying back down a bit, I would think. Plus, it'll teach some stick and rudder skills. I've flown that model, and it is just as fast, if not faster than a 172. Plus, the cabin is something like 4-5 inches wider, so there is a decent amount of room between you and the instructor.
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
My opinion is this: If they get rid of the Warriors and replace them with Remos, I will be insanely pissed off. I thought they just got those Warriors within the last couple years!?!?
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
I know they have some 172s left, maybe they will keep the warriors for about another 10 years and just replace the few 172s they have left with the REMOS. At least im REALLY HOPING thats the case!
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
Anyone know anything about this atrocity??? Can you even get a PPL with LSA only time???
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
:bandit:
Kestrel452
Well-Known Member
Im so RELIEVED! One of the reasons I chose FIT was the fleet; thats why I flipped out. All my time is PA28-161.
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
All the more reason to be excited about something other than a PA28. Learn how to fly airplanes, not a single airplane. It really isn't that hard to do.
I don't really understand why you would choose a college for what they fly. I mean they do have to be well maintained, and have enough planes to accomodate everyone, but beyond that I don't see what the big deal is.
Your going to have to learn how to fly other planes besides the Warrior if you want to continue. Plus, the amount of time you have won't make the transition that hard....at least I don't think it will.
Sidious
Well-Known Member
lol Kitty kat....
but like the others said, the greatest thing is flying other aircraft. Im sure Justin told you this in the PM but we are only replacing our very old warriors with the Remos and trust me, it is a good thing.