From: John Cortez [mailto:---@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 4:47 AM
To: Jim Koziarski
Subject: Thank You ATP! - Ameriflight Interview Results
Mr. Koziarski-
I would like to update you about my Ameriflight interview on July 15th, 2009. The interview was held at ATP Phoenix and I am proud to say that I have been granted a conditional offer of employment for a Captain position with Ameriflight pending successful completion of training. I received confirmation this week for a September 21st start date, and am looking forward to the next stage of my professional pilot career.
My experience with ATP both as a former student and current instructor has outright fully prepared me for the next level in my pilot career. With that being said, I need to give special thanks to everyone at ATP who has helped me achieve this goal. I chose ATP as the #1 choice in fulfilling my pilot career goals because of the extensive research into the programs offered here, as well as visiting and talking with current students and instructors at the ATP PHX location at the time. After touring 3 other similar flight training academies prior to ATP, I honestly was not sure on what school to choose because there was not one that really stood out as a solid choice.
I toured the PHX location a little over 2 years ago and was thoroughly convinced that the structure and culture that existed at ATP was the way I wanted to proceed. This was instilled by the dynamic and professional demeanor of the current Training Center Manager, Dave Tatone. I was highly impressed with what was presented that I enrolled that very same day. Mr. Tatone was honest and straight forward with me, and didn't sound like a "salesman" pitching the perfection of what the company would offer, unlike the other academies that I visited that made me feel that I was just another sales opportunity. I was able to realize, myself, that the ATP program was the right choice for me. I owe a great deal of thanks to Dave, as I believe that I would not be at the experience and competency level that I am now as a professional pilot if I had not made the choice to attend ATP. His guidance and mentorship throughout my ATP experience allowed me to aspire to become a better pilot because, as pilots, we are always learning. I began the Fast Track Private Pilot Program on October 1st, 2007 and completed the Airline Career Pilot Program in Mid March 2008. Throughout my days as a student, Dave and his exemplary staff of top notch instructors educated and challenged me to perform and excel towards higher standards.
After a tough, long, but very successful 6 months of training, I was immediately offered a position to join the ATP Team of instructors. I did not think twice on accepting this offer as I wanted to "repay" what I learned and received as a student from my previous instructors. The extreme dedication of all of ATP's Instructors is what makes this school stand out positively in the aviation industry and ultimately makes this program such a success. You will not find any other flight school with extremely motivated and competent instructors that are willing and able to work with you everyday, all day, if needed, with 100% commitment to your success! This is what Dave and ATP Management instill in the capabilities and mindsets of all of their instructors. I am honored to say that I have instructed at ATP for almost a year and half and I do not regret my decision to work for ATP post training. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL and I had the privilege to teach at 3 different ATP locations (PHX, VGT, and SAC) that are very challenging as far as the amount of vertical shift in terrain that would not be capable in the midwest, as well as many other memorable training and flying experiences. The quality of instruction at ATP far surpassed my expectations, and this can be said because 3 of the 4 instructors I had as a student are still instructing for ATP! I gained a remarkable amount of experience working with students and instructors who have the same passion as I for attaining an aviation career. I learned something new almost everyday, and this mentality has prepared me to take on the rigorous and highly challenging career as a "freight dog" flying single pilot IFR flights for the largest Part 135 cargo airline, Ameriflight. I started training at ATP with 6 hours in my logbook with a student pilot certificate, and less then 2 years later I am proud to say that I have attained ATP Pilot Certificate minimums and proficiency all with ATP. I am currently preparing to take my ATP Multi-Engine Checkride prior to my start at Ameriflight.
To all the current and future students and newly hired ATP instructors, I would like to say that you all are in the right place. Always have a positive attitude and know that it is the perfect time to start building experience in this highly demanding, yet cyclical aviation environment. Everything always turns around. We can all achieve our aviation goals, in due time, no matter how tough the industry gets. Keep your heads up and your opportunity will come, and ATP is a great way to get to that rewarding career as a true professional pilot.
Thank you to all ATP ADMIN, Dispatch, and all the flight instructors I had the opportunity to work with. And all of the students I have had the opportunity to train and watch progress successfully in your aviation education. It is the greatest experience by far to see your students reach their goals, and to think that I was one of them just under 2 years ago is amazing, all because of Airline Transport Professionals. I look forward to working with you somewhere down the road in the future and wish everyone only the best.
Sincerely,
John B. Cortez ATP Flight Instructor Ameriflight Captain New-Hire Candidate
