John McDermott
John McDermott’s passion for aviation began in a Michigan bookstore when he found a story about a chance encounter between enemy pilots during World War II. Soon, after watching countless hours of fighter jets and traffic from his home near O’Hare International Airport, he was hooked forever. These days, John is a student pilot from Chicago pursuing a career in professional aviation. He works with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow’s Digital Media Team and has experience as an airline ramper and customer service agent. Though he is also pursuing a Religious Studies degree at Northwestern University, he does not plan to become a missionary pilot. Instead, he dreams of far-off destinations with warm beaches and fun adventures. With years of experience writing and editing for aviation news websites, John is ready to take the next step towards pursuing his life-long career goal of becoming flight crew.
How I Learn About Flying Outside the Cockpit
I recently took a new job as a flight instructor in central Florida. The company I work for, besides providing instruction, also provides FBO...
The Value of Reading NTSB Reports
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released their preliminary report on the door-plug failure on Alaska Airlines flight 1282. The report contained a...
The Importance of Adversity in Aviation Careers
Flying is necessarily a performance-based endeavor. Pilots must pass tests and regular recurrent training to remain legal to fly an aircraft no matter what...
Using the Past to Change the Future
I am to begin instructor-development training with a new flight school in the coming weeks. Included in my initiation package was a letter written...
Applying Professional Practices to Casual Flying
While working on my flight-instructor training, I have spent a lot of time studying risk-management procedures. The CFI Practical Test Standards have a section...
Variation in Flight Training
Various scenarios to enhance real-life flying
I started my flight training in the Chicagoland area, and for about three years, did all of my flying...
The Benefits of Flying GA
Pros flying non-pro can make for better pros
I’m somewhat surprised to know that many professional airline pilots stop flying general aviation (GA) after making...
Why I’m Becoming a Flight Instructor
I have overcome my resistance and reluctance
When I began flight training as a teenager, I was adamant that I did not want to be...
Balancing Short-Term Sacrifice for Long-Term Success
I attended an aviation networking seminar a couple of months ago. While going over important tips for how to build a résumé, find a...
Why Mentorship Is Critical
I’m the only member of my family pursuing a career in aviation. The bug hit me early in high school, and it took me...
