Saturday, October 11, 2008

The low down...

So I thought it would be nice to update everyone on my status with the flight school and my plans for flying helicopters. As some of you may or may not know here are a few things that have happened since I started flying helicopters in June of last year:


About 7 months into my training at Silver State Helicopters up in Utah, the school went under overnight and closed its doors nationwide to almost 2000 students and instructors. This drastically affected my training since I had a large school loan already paid to the school. I suddenly found myself stuck with no access to my flight funds but with plenty of flying left to finish up.

I researched other good schools throughout the country and decided to come down to AZ and continue my flight training here in Chandler. This was a good decision because Quantum Helicopters is a great school and I was able to move on and get my instrument rating added to my pilot license. Unfortunately, with my school loan still locked in the legal battle that is still ongoing with Silver State (former school) I have not been able to secure another loan to help me finish my training. I had enough reserve funds to fly for another 5 months down here but that was not enough time to get my commercial license (which allows me to fly professionally and get a job) nor get my flight instructor rating (which would allow me to teach). Faced with this situation I have been forced to temporarily suspend my flying.

To make matters worse, the economy has taken a turn for the worse regarding lending and loans. Giselle and I decided that to be able to finish my training we will have to proceed without the use of any more loans. With us both working full time jobs and saving everything possible along the way, we hope that I will be able to begin flying within the year. Any additional freelance work would also add to that savings, helping to speed the process. I have decided to try to get a job with one of the local police departments because this would give me some great law enforcement experience that would come in handy in the future since so many helicopter jobs interface with law enforcement. Plus Mesa has a police helicopter and their pilots are only hired from within so at least as a police officer I could one day be a candidate to fly the police helicopter. I have also submitted my resume for the University of Phoenix in the meantime since I don't know how long the process could take to get into a police department, and it would be a great full-time alternative if the police route does not work out.

With all that said: I will be testing next week and the week after that for a few of the police departments down here to see if I can start working and saving up for my return to the skies. I will keep the blog updated with what happens but at least now you will all know what's going on and why I am going through the process of trying to become a police officer. All these choices are part of the main plan of flying helicopters as my career. Wish us luck!

10 comments:

Holly and Matthew said...

OH GOOD LUCK YOU TWO!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. What a blessing it is to have the Gospel and to know the Lord understands what we do not comprehend. :)We wish you the very best as you move forward with your goal!!! :) It's amazing how the Lord works in mysterious ways. :)

Billie Sue said...

Sometimes you never really understand why things work out the way they do, but I think Heavenly Father knows each of us so well and knows just what we can handle. It's good to know that you two always have a smile and a happy outlook no matter what happens. We will see you Wednesday night!

Chelsea Johnson said...

You two have been through quite an ordeal! I hope and pray that it works out for you guys and you're able to do what you want to. Good luck with the tests and the new job applications! We know you'll do great with anything you choose!
Love you guys!

Billie Jo said...

Wow more adventures! You guys like to live on the edge all the time. I will just stay here in my little cave and sit in front of the firplace since it is snowing! If you guys could squeeze some trip in between now and Christmas Mia would be so happy. She tells me everyday she can't wait til Christmas! YIKES!

Giselle Rasheta said...

Billie Jo, we were just saying today that when we're both working full time we could make quick visits home more often... Mia's not the only one wishing for a trip between now and then!

The Gunnerson Family said...

Man, don't you hate when little details of life (like working and jobs) get in the way of living. I know that everything will eventually work out the way it should because it almost always does.

Kati said...

Giselle...I left you a comment on Nick's blog and then realized that you might not see it. Send me your email address (littlebitoflove76#gmail.com) and I will send you an invite to our blog. Thanks for your sweet compliments. I can teach you to make bows, just let me know when you will be in town. Does this mean that little peanut is a girl?

Staci said...

Good luck with the flying thing... You are very ambitious to accomplish all of these things... Good luck with POST!!! Not so fun. Giselle, you need to post more baby belly pictures, you will want to capture every change because after it's over, you will wish you did...

Rasheta Family said...

with the accent... "You can do it!"
So curious what will happen with you guys in the next few months. If you buy the winning lottery ticket all your problems will be solved! Bet you didn't think of that idea. You can thank me with part of your winnings.
Anissa

Explore & Grow said...

Love the view from the helicopter! How fun!