Things are good here in JAX. It's great to finally meet the people that I spent so much time on the phone with. I will say, I am even more impressed with ATP now that I see how much they are running on a daily basis. I really only knew about the career pilot program. But, after a week and a half here, I realize that ATP's other programs (ATP, MEI/II, Multi-Comm., etc.) are even an even larger part of their buisiness.
As far as JAX itself, it is quite nice. The apartments are in a great complex -- tennis and basketball courts, three pools, 24 hour workout room, computer center. The downside is living with 5 other guys in a 4 bedroom. After being out of college for 14 years, its quite an adjustment.
The offices are a nice -- as are the people. We work 5 days per week in three shifts -- 8-5, 10-7, 12-9. Once every three or four weeks, we have to work a Saturday shift. The job involves basic office work, as well as answering the phones and signing people up for flight training. The one interesting aspect is the posturing and jockeying amongst the MEI's waiting to be placed. There is constant guessing game as to who is going where and when. When two people want the same location, it creates an interesting dynamic -- alliances and secret talk. Kind of like "Survivor" in the officeplace.
Couldn't tell you much about the ladies -- I'm happy to say that I am marrying the greatest woman in the world on June 29.
No word yet when I'll be heading back out west (Riverside or Long Beach). There are two on the list in front of me waiting for the west coast, but I hear that ATP gives priority to people that have a family -- I have a daughter who is 7. I would feel bad for them since they have been here a number of weeks, but I would jump at the chance to get back to my family in L.A.
We have back-seat priviliges whenever we get time to head to the airport. I got to backseat a navy pilot ATP prep last weekend -- those navy boys love to whip the plane around! ATP has also instituted a new policy which allows the MEI's in the pool to get three takeoffs and landings and one GPS approach every ten days. I should be getting out to fly next week.
If you have any other questions, I can be reached at the 800 number.
Travis
How many "older" dudes go through the career pilot program? What are the ages of your fellow poolies? Do you think your age played any sort of factor in your getting hired by ATP?
