You wouldn't believe..... I am attempting to move over to ILWG from TXWG and, I finally found a squadron to join. I ask about check airmen in the area and, how many of them are Chief/Asst Chief Check pilots (I am a Check Airmen and have to take my rides with them), the answer is none. The closest regular Check Pilot is 3+ hour drive and, if I the closest Chief/Asst Chief is in Chicago land area. WTF
Thank god I am an airline pilot and, if I have to I can jump seat to Chicago. Who ever runs the DO and DOV shop in ILWG needs to fix the problem. This is unacceptable burden to put on members, IMHO
With an attitude like that I'm not entirely sure you will get yourself off to a great start here, Our DO is one of the most talented pilots and individuals I've had the pleasure of working with. Every year dozens of people travel to the mecca of ES training (NESA) to learn from him as well.
The hard fast reality is that 80% of the membership in IL is in the northern 1/4 of the state.
The number of pilots in Southern IL is growing and I'll gladly look at the list and PM you when I see who is there.
^^^^
Easy on that "attitude" thing with the airline pilot...
It is pretty prevalent, even where I am from to get "some" check airman /men to even return a phone call...
Attitude??? How about a little service to us "underlings?"
Got u on that condensed map of ILWG.... but how hard is a phone call???? Attitude?? It's a two way street
Quote from: heliodoc on July 20, 2009, 11:54:34 PM
...but how hard is a phone call???? Attitude?? It's a two way street
? I don't see anything in this about a phone call.
He asked his prospective new unit CC whether there was a check pilot in his area. There apparently isn't. That's certainly not a failure of wing staffers. If there is no one in that area capable or willing to be a check pilot how is that wing's fault?
My advice would be to actually transfer to your new unit, and then work this up the chain, you may well find any number of people willing to help, meet you 1/2 way, etc.
Sir,
Please contact me. My Group DO and I will be happy to help you as best we can. While Southern Illinois may present some geographical challenges to some, we have the 39 most Southern counties in the state and quite a bit of activity. Each part of the Wing has it's challenges. While it may take four hour to drive form the top of the Group to the bottom it takes that long to drive across Chicago. It won't be long and Group 1 will have the most FM5 pilots in the Wing and I dare say the most Mission Pilots along with a couple of check pilots.
I'm here to help.
Coming from probably one of the largest wings (by members and size) I just find it hard to believe that there is a lack of Check Airmen available in the area. In previous wing's as the Group DOV it was my job to help develop CAP Pilots, Mission Pilots and Check Airmen. Its hard to develop pilots when there are no check airmen available at a reasonable distance to the members.
Sir,
I have contacted the group and, I am now waiting for an answer from ILWG on who is available to help me out. I meant no harm in my post, I just found it interesting how hard it is to get a CAPF5 done. I have been in 3 different wings in CAP, IL will be the number 4 and, never experienced a problem like this. I guess I have been lucky in my years.
Quote from: flynd94 on July 21, 2009, 02:34:34 PMIts hard to develop pilots when there are no check airmen available at a reasonable distance to the members.
Its hard to develop
anything without members, and they are sorely lacking in the Southern part of the state, due in large part to the rural nature of the area. Some of our best assets are down in the pointy part including the Wing CV, but that doesn't change the demographics of the area.
No harm no foul. It's all good. Group 1 is coming along in all areas. Eventually we'll have enough to either overthrow or secede from the Wing.
Quote from: Snake Doctor on July 23, 2009, 01:47:06 AM
No harm no foul. It's all good. Group 1 is coming along in all areas. Eventually we'll have enough to either overthrow or secede from the Wing.
Knowing who is in charge down there, something like that wouldn't surprise me.
We already seceded from the rest of you all. You just wernt payin attention to us as usual! ;D ;D ;D
Chicago Wing, Illinois Wing, Southern Illinois Wing. >:D ::)
We're paying attention. Don't worry. Others aobuve my paygrade are paying attention as well.
Wait until we shut off the gas pipeline to Chicago. It get pretty cold there in Feb. >:D
Capt Kirk, You know it!! ;)
Quote from: Snake Doctor on July 23, 2009, 03:01:21 PM
Wait until we shut off the gas pipeline to Chicago. It get pretty cold there in Feb. >:D
...that may be, but we have all the hot air up here.... :-)
Check rides require communication and cooperation to get scheduled. Sometimes the pilot needing a CAPF 5 or 91 needs to travel to where the check airman and airplane are located. I had a pilot from Scott AFB do just that. He had another member fly him and the plane North because the normal check pilot wasn't available. It can happen and it may require more effort but as Eclipse notes the Illinois wing can only provide what it has.
Good Luck