Round and round....

From Evansville, Indiana to ATL then to PVD where the winds were gusting. I took that last two legs which included the gusty crosswind landing in PVD then a smooth one back in ATL. Providence did prove to be a little too much for me. I'm still getting use to feeling out how much actual correction I need to put in while I fly the plane down. I definitely do a lot better without following the flight director and just flying the plane down visually. Once we touched down, the Captain once again bought us lunch from Wolfgang Puck Express. He bought me a bags of chips and a Turkey Sandwich on a special type of bun. The bread was great and the meet was appetizing. I have to say that the meat itself was just some turkey from an Oscar Meyers package or something, but it was tasty. I'm really grateful to the crew for such a good experience. They raise the bar so high that I just hope that each of the crews that I fly with from here on out are that awesome!

Anyways, so, on takeoff from PVD, I wanted to do it the way another Captain taught me, but it didn't work out that well because I still wasn't aggressive enough. I'm sure that I'll have a lot of chances and days that demand a lot of perfection in crosswind landings and takeoffs, but I want to master this now. I'll try some flight simulator or something to help me out. Atlanta landing was good but it was cheap because the winds were light. It still wasn't the smoothest that I've done, but good enough.

I had to rush though from once we got the gate at D Concourse, I had to run to the C Concourse to drop off my pilot bag full of Jepps in the crew lounge, then out to security but I took a detour back on the tram to D. I eventually took the trolley back the other way to the terminal, went through security, and then to Gate A10. I had <1 hour from the time we touchdown to get to my commuting flight back home to San Diego. It worked out to where I was #2 on what was remaining on the standby list that didn't get assigned a seat but I checked in at the gate with about 20 minutes left till departure. The whole security thing is a mess. I guess that it proves and means well, but the hassle of going back out to just get screened then back in just to catch a flight home is a little cumbersome. If I did get checked this morning, then I wouldn't have to go through it in ATL, but Evansville is just quaint and we still get to go through the crew area.

I made it as the last person on the plane back to San Diego and I'm here just hanging out once again. I'm finally going to get my eyes checked but ASA's Vision provider stinks! No one wants to accept them. The name of the company, Spectera is just plain awful. I'm just going to head to LensCrafters who also just recently stopped accepting them because of how bad they were. I can't believe that the company that I work for provides this poor insurance. I might as well not have anything at all! I was looking forward to heading to my old optometrist, but he doesn't like them either. Go figure!

I met a really cool dad on the plane. He's basically all set in life and it awesome to sit next to someone that is just really full of positive energy and stuff. It was the first time that I commuted in my uniform. I did that only because there was 1) no point to change 2) no time to change. Now, I just read that since I brought some liquids with me, I have to commute back to ATL in uniform. Geez. Oh yeah, my gel also exploded in my toilettres' bag. It got everywhere! Thanks to Adelle for helping me clean it out! Alright, well, I'm excited for some new glasses and contacts. It's been just a little over 5 years since I got my last exam. This one is going to cost a pretty penny for both contacts and glasses.

Best layover ever...so far...

It's definitely going to be really hard to top this trip. The crew that I was paired up with was just too much fun. The Captain and Flight Attendant were just really nice, outgoing, dinner was awesome and the Captain even treated us out! Thanks again Captain! If this is was flying was everyday or every time I went out on a trip, then it wouldn't be half as bad. Once again, don't get me wrong, it's not that bad at all just yet and I'm sure that it won't be. I was surprised that Evansville, Indiana was going to be this awesome. The Jameson Inn is really pleasant and comfortable. Apparently they had an awesome renovation and there is just a lot of stuff to do around here. I ate at the Rafferty's just down the street and had a 10-12 oz. Prime Rib with a House Salad and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. It was just too good. Dinner was awesome all together and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's trip followed by a trip back home to San Diego. The flights look good so far so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Tomorrow is going to be another long day but with only three legs. I'm going back to Atlanta early morning, then up to Providence, Rhode Island then back to Atlanta. I should be on the 1655 flight out of Atlanta back to San Diego, but like I said, we'll see how the loads go and hopefully the weather holds up in all places.

I got my first full month schedule for April. I did get awarded a reserve line but I can't argue that it's bad. Apparently, I got a shift that is from 1800 till 0000. This is designated a "nap" line where we go to some place for like only 5 hours then come right back. Should be fun and definitely tiresome, but it'll be some good experience if I ever end up getting these kind of flights. I made good friends with a scheduler today also and look forward to helping that relationship grow into some good terms. I trying to go for some flying out West still and we'll just have to wait and see if I'm "awarded" anything out there. Pray for me! Oh yeah, if you haven't already, you have to watch the Dora the Explorer spoof that SNL did last Friday. It's kick ass!

1st Trip out of I.O.E

Well, today marked the end of the first trip out of training. I flew a total of 4 legs on this two day trip, 3 yesterday and 1 back to Atlanta today. Definitely a good trip being that each leg was just about 2 hours long. Within those two hours, I got a chance to continue learning more about the plane and various techniques that the Captain has learned throughout his career in the CRJ 200. I consider myself very luck to get a Captain on my first trip that was really cool.

The overnight in Islip, NY was pretty cool, but once again, I didn't get a chance to venture out only because we arrived late, and I just wanted all the sleep I could get. The Radisson has some great contract with SleepNumber and I had a chance to sleep on one. It was great, but I have to admit that it still felt like my current air mattress from Wal-Mart. It wasn't that bad really, but it's just an air mattress that can inflate and deflate with you on top of it. One of the guys in the house just got a "tempurpedic" from Wal-Mart and it definitely feels quite comfortable. His bed was $280 and mine was only $59 or something like that. Huge difference, but like my roommate said, "It's a lot cheaper than back surgery." I might turn in this air mattress maybe 1) if i can find the receipt 2) if i really want to spend that kind of money. I don't even have a frame to put it on top of either. I'll see what's up sooner or later.

I got to go home to San Diego again and spend sometime with friends and family. I'm starting to actually commute if you will and hopefully I'll get the chance to go back home sooner than later. I'm looking at a flight for Wednesday right after I get off of my flight from Providence, RI but I've never traveled in uniform and I'm a little hesitant. I still have to check out my schedule too for the upcoming reserve line that I have for April to even make sure that this trip would be worth while. I'm going to use this trip as a last one for a while until I get the reserve thing figured out and to spend more time here in ATL finding a part time job. I need to definitely do something else to cover my ass.

The Luggage Works Pilot Bag that I ordered a while back finally came in. It was a pretty penny and it has already scratched me a little bit with its metal frame, but I'm definitely impressed with its build. I'm just glad that I don't have to carry my flight case in one hand and drag my suitcase in the other.

To answer all those questions about pay, etc and stuff, here's a print shot of an awesome website called AirlinePilotCentral on ASA's Pay Rates. It might look like a lot, but remember that here at ASA, we are contractually held to only 97.5 hours a month while the government allows 121 Carrier Pilots to 100 hours a month. The hourly rate is the pay we get when the plane is moving, so once again, we don't get paid while we are on the ground. We do get a per diem if we are on shift for that time which is $1.50 an hour. But hope that this little spreadsheet enlightens you all. Here's also a government description of our occupation: Airline and Commercial Pilots. It's probably the best description out there except for a few details left out.

Got to get some rest for another 1 legger tomorrow and 3 the next day!

The Chargers new uniforms kick ass and they are opening up against the Chicago Bears! That's going to be just pure awesomeness!

update: I know this is an old post but link to the bls was broken. I recently redirected it their updated site and also received a link to https://peoplemanagingpeople.com/topics/occupational-outlook-handbook Cheers in that new career!

Buffalo and Snow IOE

These are a couple of new pictures from my last flight up to Buffalo. The captain and I thought that we would have been canceled but because the storm moved so fast to the east, Buffalo wasn't that bad at all. It was my leg because the IOE Captain wanted to fly his last trip back to Atlanta and it just worked out that way but I was excited because of the conditions that I would be flying into. I landed on a runway that wasn't that slippery or contaminated at all, but the light snow and the snowy taxiways were something that I've never done before. We also had a chance to get de-iced which, of course, I have never done before. What better timing than to do it with an IOE Captain. I really hope that the next few lines that I get from Crew Scheduling are okay and are with an awesome captain. I heard that you get spoiled with your training instructors and that some of line guys aren't that friendly. Always have to stay positive and just make the best out of any situation. I get my first call tomorrow afternoon probably.

The picture to the right is just outside of my window on board the flight deck. It's pretty awesome I think! Oh yeah, from what I know now and have been awarded, I have April 23-26 as my Golden Days. Anyone going to come to town? Either than that, I'm on reserve till then. Oh joy!!!

I forgot to write lately about my diet too so here goes. I now weight in at about 173 lbs. which is closer to my goal of 165. I still have a waist that I need to run off but the diet of Tuna, bread and Ritz Crackers or whatever else on the plane is just awesome. I'm also able to save quite a bit of money bringing along a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and try to ease my appetite along the way with some various trail mixes too. I found a place called the "Nut House" just right down the street which has just about any trail mix that I would have imagined and I can't argue that it's expensive either. Over a span of 2 days for 2 people (the Captain and I), we shared $5.00 worth and I thought that it was perfect. I could of course maybe had it last longer but I'm the type to always share. I also have some Special K Cereal in the morning and or a shake of sorts. I think that I could lose that extra 8 pounds too by the end of the month. That's my goal at least!

Here's another picture of a frozen lake (I have no idea which one) on the final approach into Buffalo.

finally some time...

I'm blogging from a hotel room in Montreal now only because I've been in the middle of moving to a new 5 bedroom house loaded w/ 8 guys. I took the master bedroom with 2 other doods and it should hold up pretty good for a good crash pad. I've already completed 2 days of IOE and today was actually my third full day. It was blocked for almost a full 8 hours. I had to wake up extra early today because I forgot to pick up my dry cleaning last night (my fault) and in order to pick them up, drop my car off at Flight Safety for a car wash tomorrow and then take the shuttle from the Red Roof Inn to the airport just added up to about 2 extra hours. I got to the airport still with about 30 minutes to spare before I had to check it so it all worked out just right.

IOE is going well. I'm just demanding a lot from myself which is getting the best of me. To my surprise, an FAA Check Airman rode with use today to GTR and back and that just heightened my nervousness. It really wasn't that bad after it was all said and done but man, I have to say that it was a little nerve racking. The current captain that I have is awesome too. He's really good at explaining and teaching me things. I know that tomorrow will go well. I just hope that Thursday and Friday will also be awesome!

I'm about to head out by myself and just explore a little. I'm also going to try to wake up early and do some good morning exploring. Not sure exactly what to do yet, but I've got some ideas. Enjoy some pictures at http://www.elijahnicolas.com/cphoto

The Chargers have a trailer like commercial on their website for the new uniform. I can't wait for one! I'm trying to get some Atlanta Thrasher tickets against the San Jose Sharks. Should be a good game.

Chargers new Uniform!!!

It's time to get some new jerseys for the San Diego Chargers of 2007!!! Check them out! I think that the powder blue outline on the bolt is sick! I can't wait till they are officially unveiled this upcoming Wednesday! Saty tuned!

Oh yeah, I really love flying! I just finished my first two days of IOE and the overnight was cool, and New York flying was awesome around the Long Island Sound...I'll post more later on once I finish moving to the Loxford Lounge!

to Wiggle

I'll be wiggling my toes each and every second I get tomorrow morning starting the moment I wake up. I'm already having a hard time go to bed tonight just thinking of all the checklists and things that I have to test and do on my first flight. I am officially beginning my Initial Operating Experience after completing 8 legs of jumpseating to various places around the Eastern US.

My first trip is to KPHF then an overnight at KILM. Like I've said before, check out http://www.pilotcrossings.com and then add me as a friend. It's free and I'll be updating my schedule there often if you want to follow along. They also show you on Google Maps where the airports that I'm flying into are. You have to sign up for pilotcrossing.com in order to see my full schedule or you could just do a day by day thing by checking out the mobile version of the site that I use on my Palm Treo 650 Web App by clicking pilotcrossings mobile page. I will try to update my schedule on Google Calendar, but this website it just so much easier to do. Stay tuned on the results of my first land! See you on the other side!

of advertising and IOE Schedule!

I figure that I have to make money somehow. So, I decided to finally put up two banners for NC Software, the ones who make a Logbook program for the PC, Palm and Pocket PC. I've been using it for almost two years now and have to admit that it pretty useful in every aspect of keeping time. There are others out there like LogTen for the Mac, but I'm sure that most of you don't even have one anyways. Under the "link" sidebar menu, there's another banner for APDL (Airline Pilot Daily Logbook) which keeps track of just about everything and even inputs all the data that you get from your scheduling department automatically with a cut and paste. It's pretty neat too.

I just got my IOE schedule and have posted it on pilotcrossings.com. On pilotcrossings, it shows you when you'll be near your fellow pilots that you have as friends. It's really neat. I have a couple of friends and family members that signed up and this is the first time that you guys get to check it out, so go do that! You actually have to sign up in order to see my schedule, but I'll be putting it up on my gMail Calendar or something too in the near future.

I was able to study for about 4-5 hours straight yesterday and looks like I'll be doing the same today. Hopefully I'll get more done, but it was nice yesterday to have that university feeling again. I actually went to Emory University's Main Library with Kurt. They have 23" iMacs all over the place along with dual screen PCs for their students and the place was packed! Pretty nice college if you ask me. Well, back to work!

London in 28 Hours = No LAX

This stinks...during a spontaneous trip to London, my sim partner and I who were very excited to get the new LAX base found out that ASA was closing down its LAX operations this June. Looks like I'll be stuck here in Atlanta. It's not really that bad of a thing, but I was really looking forward to handing out with some old friends and just getting back to a normal West Coast Lifestyle. This is the airline industry though eh?

Here are some pix from the 28 hours that Eric and I spent in London. International Business to and from London! Now that's the way to travel. 6 course meals and everything. It was the royal treatment. It makes you feel guilty for what you get. Because the original plan was for San Diego, that's what I packed for. I wasn't ready at all for the colder weather in London, so first thing was the find a store with a sale and buy a sweater. I ended up with a gray cardigan from Espirit. I guess if I was to do some shopping in London it was the right choice since the US doesn't have too much brand influence from these guys. Ironically, my sweater says New York on the left upper arm. Eric and I had some curry fries which just proved to be the best food for a quick snack.

Next trip is to Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Hopefully I'll run into some friends from a past life. It was an awesome choice but way too expensive. The dollar just under-performs the pound making it all too hard to "vacation" in London. But, you have to give it up to them for keeping it up there.

I miss you babe! I really really do. I wish that I could have come see you this past break.

to become comfortable

It's about time that I come out of a Sim session feeling better about the whole thing. It did take up to 4 sessions to finally get to a comfortable level where I thought that I could actually fly the thing. It's awesome once you achieve that too! I had a chance to work on a lot of crosswind landings which did get better over time. I still have more to work on specifically on the final round out. I did a single engine cross wind landing too which went really well. I haven't shined has bright as I've wanted to yet, but I'm definitely getting there. I can just feel it. I got four more till the check. I also have a lot to study for the upcoming oral exam. That's going to be exciting!

I decided today that I might as well try to go home for a quick day. I'm going to be able to study at home which is good, so I won't be that far off. Getting home is going to be an obstacle again, but it is every time. I can't believe that it's Ash Wednesday already. What are you going to give up for Lent?

I had some Bronx pizza for dinner which was awesome! Just wanted to share that. I'm also going to probably have some awesome Chinese food but since it is Chinese New Year, I'm not sure if they are going to be open. Shucks...Happy New Year though!

of expansion

So, since my waist has been expanding this last few weeks since I started studying and working here, I've gotten rather depressed about it. I'm trying to cut out on the fast food dieting and trying to run a lot more. I've worked out 5 days straight which I haven't done for quite a while and still going strong. I'm noticing that my knees aren't that great anymore because they are starting to hurt a little bit, but I'm just proud that I'm going strong. My diet is a little better these days too with some Canned Tuna and just whatever else. I upgraded from the Chunk Light to the Chunk White Albacore Tuna and man, even though it is about three times the price (.54 cents to 1.37), it's damn worth it. You can't smell it and is just tastes awesome! I really like the fish section that they have. You can get them in pouches and cans, ready to eat, etc, its just so cool! I'm on a fish loving diet right now. I did crave some crazy McDonald's today but I avoided that catastrophe. Anyways...

On expansion terms, I finally just added a little item on my sidebar which links you to some of the items that I've read and think might interest you. I've been using Google Reader which I love. I never thought that I would start using RSS readers again, but it helps so much because I don't have to navigate all my various webpages. I'm leaving out a few here and there and sometimes it takes a little more time to scroll through some items that I wouldn't really read either, but I'm loving it so far. You have to sign up if you haven't already. I also use their mobile function which loads great on my treo 650 and it loads fast too!

The Chargers have always been a growing team and since the departure of the defensive and offensive coordinators, Mr. Marty Schottenheimer was fired today! It's just crazy! I don't know what's going to happen. That's really all I have to say about that.

Seattle here I come!!! Delta just announced that they are going to continue the awesomeness that which expansion in LAX. I'm excited because this just means that I will have less likely of a chance of being on reserve. Delta is going to be using ASA for these flights and it would be awesome if they bring the 700 there, because then maybe, just maybe I'll be able to bid equipment! I'm sure that Seattle is going to be a popular flight right? Check this out below!

 Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Los Mochis*,effective June 2:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4855     Los Angeles at  Los Mochis at   Wed., Sat      Atlantic         11:15 a.m.      2:35 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4420     Los Mochis at   Los Angeles at  Wed., Sat.     Atlantic         3:15 p.m.       4:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------

Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Seattle, effective June 7:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4778     Los Angeles at  Seattle at      Daily          Atlantic         6:05 p.m.       8:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4761**   Seattle at      Los Angeles at  Daily          Atlantic         7:15 a.m.       9:45 a.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines

new pix

New pictures from the weekend break. Check them out!

http://www.elijahnicolas.com/cphoto/index.php
--> 2007.02.03 - SD with Jomar and the Gang!

san diago...

Even though this weekend didn't turn out what Adelle and I was thinking it was going to be, we still enjoyed every single minute of our two days. I have to say that it was one of the best weekends in terms of "kicking" it old school where we just played video game amongst the 4-6 of us, hung out and eat at Niban Sushi, watch a play and just have an overall great time. We also had the awesome spicy pork chops from Sam Woo BBQ! Thanks for the great weekend guys! Jojo finally got his Wii today along with two Wiimotes and I got to hang out with Haas for just a little bit. It's going to be awesome the next time I come back!

I finally setup my Google Reader which, by the way, was recently updated and is so awesome and user friendly. It's all about the web applications these days.

Anyways, at Niban, I ordered two large cold, unfiltered sake bottles which were definitely put to good use. We all shared in good times. Thanks again! I've been so energetic these couple of days its awesome!

Now, I'm going to just have to get all serious and just put my head in the sand with a book and cockpit mockup. I'm up to bat and I need to hit a home run this month. It's going to get really tough! Let's see which flight I end up tomorrow. I'm hoping for a seat esp. with 6 First and 10 Coach available.

From (top) left to right: Me, Marella, Jomar, Jojo (bottom) left to right: Adelle, Corinne