F-22 Raptor Informative Site

document.write("")

VOTE

Should the F-22 be exported to major Allies of the US?

INFO

You are visitor #

My Flying Page 1

I always had a passion for aviation as a teenager. I remember my father explaining the importance on deciding on a career at a young age. His words inspired me to calculate carefully my goals and ambitions. I wanted to do something I would enjoy sincerely and at the same time provide a service to the public. At the tender age of 13 I made the decision after attending an air show at Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Willow Grove, PA. I was so enthusiastic about my experience at the show I knew this is what I wanted to do. The exhilarating shrills of a F100-PW-200 F-16 engine in afterburner is a sight and sound to behold. I began positioning myself for a career in the air force due to my desire to fly fighters. Inspired by classic movies such as Iron Eagle and Top Gun as well as Discovery wings I did all I could to succeed. I dedicated my time to building countless model aircraft, and researching the history of aviation. My father encouraged me to move to New York City with him and attend high school along with my youngest brother to broaden my opportunities. I found a well structured high school by the name of Benjamin Banneker Academy in Clinton Hill Brooklyn,NY to attend. This school was a great selection although I passed up Aviation High School in Queens and Wingate High in Brooklyn. The former two schools particularly Aviation High is regarded as a great choice primarily for mechanics. My father introduced me to the great invention of a computer in 1996 and a particular game known as a flight simulation. I will still remember my first sim, Advanced Tactical Fighters (ATF). Since this magical moment in 1996, I have accumulated over a thousand hours of flight simming. I own all sorts of flight sim controllers for the PC replicating the actual devices found in the real deal and various realistic simulations. Fortunately in 10th grade my career began so to speak with the real introduction to flying from a caring teacher. I'll never forget Mr. Byron, my Social Studies teacher who started an after school class by bringing in a flight instructor to give us a little ground school. I soaked up the information like a sponge and was determined to pursue an aviation career as a pilot.

I continued attending every local air show I could locate and surrounding myself around friends who also had a love for aviation. A military career was promising and I believed the recruiters advice. Initially my goal was to attend the US Air Force Academy in CO. I tried to involve myself in many extracurricular activities to enhance my chances of getting in. The AF liaison officer I was in contact with made the process much easier. Things fell apart when I did not obtain a congressional or senate nomination in the allotted time frame. It was then the decision was made to not accept failure under any circumstances. Visiting various aviation museums kept my dreams alive by seeing firsthand the true pioneers. I respect these admirable individuals who paved the way for me, 101 years later. Before I knew it I was walking down the aisle during graduation from Benjamin Banneker with confidence that my dreams would finally come true. I overwhelmingly thank Mr. Murray, my splendid math teacher of a few years for introducing me to the college brochure of Farmingdale State University of New York. This incredible college has everything I wanted, a 4 year degree in either Aeronautical Science or Aviation Administration at an affordable price. The locality is also a plus, positioned just 35 miles from New York City in Farmingdale Long Island 5 mins from Republic Airport (KFRG). I enjoyed my college experience. I achieved my goal to become a pilot by obtaining my Private Pilot certificate in the summer of 2001. I added an instrument rating 3 years later. Most importantly I met a great bunch of friends and learned valuable information from nationally renowned professors. The aviation curriculum at Farmingdale is top notch, equivalent to Embry Riddle according to some professors. With a fleet of brand new aircraft the program is assured to become the best in the country in due time. It has improved dramatically in the four years I attended and I have lots of memorable moments. I could sit here and type a book with the recollections I have and the great people I've met but I will spare you this time. :) I certainly wish I could reverse time a few years and do it all again.

Next Page -->