Article Contributed on: 4/20/2009 12:55:01 PM
Alan Fernandez frequently switches between two worlds: One on land and the other up in the air.
As the chief flight instructor for Journey's Aviation at the Jefferson County Airport in Broomfield, Fernandez spends his days teaching residents how to fly. He knew he wanted to be a pilot since he was 15, but becoming an instructor came later for Fernandez.
"I didn't want to be an instructor at first," Fernandez said. "But I enjoyed seeing the (student's) progression. Going from nothing to becoming a capable, safe, skilled pilot."
And with Fernandez, students literally go from the ground up. He begins with pre-flight procedures, then moves on to the plane and up in the air.
The idea of flying with an amateur student doesn't daunt Fernandez, who has been with Journey's Aviation for six years.
"Obviously, after some years you get to a point when you expect the unexpected," he said. "You learn to identify potentially hazardous situations."
Fernandez's day typically begins at 8 a.m. with a round of flight lessons. He said his morning schedule could consist of three to four lessons, which last for about two hours. In the afternoon, Fernandez then spends time in his office making sure his paperwork and programs are in order. And the curriculum does require a certain amount of night training, Fernandez said. He'll return to work at 8 or 9 p.m. for his night shift.
On average, Fernandez teaches five to seven days a week and training could go up to six months. Flight paths are generally near the Broomfield area, but Fernandez said students are taught to fly far distances to Pueblo, Colorado Springs or even out of state to Nebraska. He utilizes a small, single-engine plane or a light twin Piper aircraft to teach his students.
Once students complete his program, they earn a private pilot license/certification. This allows them to rent an aircraft and fly with friends, Fernandez said.
As the team lead for 18 flight instructors at Journey's Aviation, Fernandez said he is always looking for better ways to teach and disseminate information.
"Not everyone learns the same way," he said. "So I'm always reading new material and keeping abreast of new regulations."
"That's the allure of aviation," Fernandez added. "You thrive on change."
And what about pilots thriving on thrills? "Honestly," Fernandez said, "I enjoy skydiving and I ride motorcycles like a lot of pilots, but I don't put myself in dangerous situations."
But it was the thrill of flying airplanes that attracted Fernandez to become a pilot.
"I like the sensation of being up in the air and against the elements," he said.
While growing up in southern California, Fernandez was part of the Civil Air Patrol. He then moved to Florida to attend Flight Safety Academy, earning his certification as a flight instructor in primary, instrument and multi-engine training.
In 2003, Fernandez was awarded Journey Aviation's flight instructor of the year. He lives in Erie with his wife
Carolyn and 18-month-old son.