Al Waterloo

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Al Waterloo

There is greatness walking the earth and they usually have wings of some sort, with an Avgeek label on their back. They are called pilots, and Al Waterloo is one of those special people. The other half of Simple Flight Radio, I had the great opportunity meeting Al at Aviation Universe during a live broadcast. 

Between he and Marc, they kept us in stitches. Al's humor and passion were awesome, as were his parents sitting in the audience. A family of aviators sharing a love. But the most amazing thing about Al is his attitude and love of aviation, despite where the wind blew him. 

He has learned two things in his career and sharing them with us today. I am ever grateful for yet another life lesson or two. Please meet Al

Al:

"Hey #avgeeks! I’m Al Waterloo and I’m nuts about aviation! For me, like so many others, it all started at Meigs Field. At least in the electronic sense. As many of you may recall, Microsoft Flight Simulator always started at Meig’s and I was addicted to the program. Who knew back then that my first days as a CFI started as I tried to teach baby sitters how to land an airplane on the computer. The reality of is that I was obsessed with airplanes and everything that had to do with them.

All the dreaming paid off in high school, as I was very fortunate to earn my private pilot’s license in Mtn. Home, Arkansas during the summer of 2002. That set me up nicely to be accepted (by a long shot) into the University of Illinois Aviation Program. Good fortune followed me as 2007 rolled around and a hiring boom at the airlines. 

 

 

I jumped in with both feet and rode the wave until 2011. Despite the negativity usually associated with the regionals, I thought it was a great job. It’s a great way to build flight time, enjoy real world flying, and shape yourself as a pilot in command (even though you spend a good deal of time as a first officer). While at the airlines, I learned two things that I live by in my own aviation career. I hope you find them of value and implement them into your aviation lifestyle.

First, aviation always gets what it wants out of you; make sure you get exactly what you want out of it! This was a lesson learned while sharing a crash pad as a young first officer. The aviation industry is ALWAYS changing. For example, the airline I worked for ended up furloughing a handful of junior pilots (I barely made the cut off by a few seniority numbers). There was doom and gloom projected by the airline. 

 

A few mornings later I woke up to the news that my employer had purchased another airline. It made for a big day. In a deja vous moment, the next morning, it happened again. We bought another airline!!! I could not believe my ears! It was really crazy. The point is that there are many peaks and valleys in aviation. I’ve learned that creates opportunity. While some pass it off as luck, I believe luck is at the intersection of hard work and opportunity...

 

 

A pilot that works hard, puts themselves in a position to take advantage of the opportunity. 

 

Said another way, aviation is constantly changing and impacting those that call it home. It is therefore appropriate for pilots to make changes throughout their career. You’ll find that you are handsomely rewarded with a great aviation career, which starts with a smile on your face that comes from a fun job that your love. That leads to the second thing I learned while at the airlines. 

 

Never apologize for a decision you make in aviation. 

 

 

You are pilot in command. You are in control, confident, and accountable for your decisions. Carry that mentality with you, whether you are on the ground, in the air, or on an aviation sabbatical.


An example of how I get exactly what I want out of aviation is by having a great time hosting Simple Flight Radio (www.simpleflight.net). I’ve learned the industry is not just about pilots flying airplanes. There are so many outstanding people doing so many amazing things, it’s opened my eyes to the incredible potential of the industry. 

 

 

The people we have as guests on our show and our listeners are really my aviation heroes. It’s amazing to hear how each is adding value to aviation and making it better every day. 

 

They are celebrities that make me proud to be a part of the industry. My two years as co-host of the show has provided another aviation learning moment. Aviation is in great hands and it has such an awesome future! I hope you can participate and enjoy some of the fun we have on the radio show at www.simpleflight.net/radio.html)." Al Waterloo.

Al, Thank you for sharing your amazing story and I'm excited to see what the future will bring on this incredible journey called life. With a great attitude and passion, there is nothing you cannot do.

XO Karlene