By Guest Author 03 Oct 2024 3 min read

What It’s Like to Be a Pilot and Flight Instructor

Let’s hear from Vone Joseph Jr., a passionate Pilot and Flight Instructor, about his journey in the aviation industry. He shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the joys of teaching, and his aspirations for the future.

1. What made you choose to pursue a career in the Aviation industry?

From a young age, I’ve always been captivated by the skies. As a child, I would eagerly watch planes soar above my house, dreaming of being a part of that world. When it came time to choose a career after completing the 12th grade, while many were uncertain about their future paths, my passion for aviation made my decision clear. It was never a question of what I wanted to be—it was a calling fueled by my love for flight.

2. What path have you taken to embark on an Aviation career?

The path I took to embark on my aviation career was driven by my desire to be a part of general aviation and contribute to the training of future pilots. I chose to begin as a flight instructor, where I developed a solid foundation in flying training. As I gained experience and honed my skills, I progressed to becoming a check instructor, and later, I was appointed as Deputy Chief Flight Instructor. Additionally, I had the privilege of becoming an examiner, which further advanced my expertise in aviation training and evaluation. These roles have allowed me to continuously grow in my career while contributing to the success of aspiring pilots.

3. Give us an overview of what you do on an average day in your role?

On an average day in my role, my duties begin with a daily meteorology briefing to stay updated on weather conditions. I then review and reconfirm the assigned flights for the day. Following this, I brief the students for their respective flights. A typical day usually includes 2-3 flights, which could range from instrument flights, cross-country flights, instructional flights, or test flights. I also conduct Check Flights and oral tests for license issuance when required. After each flight, I hold debriefing sessions to provide feedback and discuss areas of improvement. In addition to flight duties, I also oversee the safety department, ensuring that all protocols are being followed. If there are any managerial meetings scheduled, I make sure to attend those as well.

4. What do you most love about your job?

The best part about my job is the opportunity to provide quality flight training to aspiring pilots and contribute to building a strong foundation for their careers. It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of shaping the future of aviation by guiding budding pilots from around the world. Additionally, the variety in my role—flying multiple aircraft, from single and multi-engine planes to high-performance aerobatic aircraft—brings me immense joy and keeps every day exciting. The blend of teaching and flying across different fleets makes this career truly fulfilling.

5. What are your goals for the future?

My future goals include expanding my flying experience by earning endorsements for multiple aircraft types, further enhancing my skills and versatility as a pilot. I aim to continue providing top-quality training to pilots, ensuring they have a strong foundation for their aviation careers. Additionally, I now having transitioned into general aviation by flying corporate business jets, and eventually stepping into the role of a Type-Rating Instructor. This would allow me to provide specialized Type Training and help pilots transition to more advanced aircraft.

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