Page 11 - March 2019

When I heard someone saying, ‘I was taxiing ALPHA with “Many people go that route. They want to build their
my 172 FOXTROT ECHO WHISKEY OSCAR,’ it was so hours and this is one of the easiest ways to do it,” says
confusing. My classmates loved airplanes; they knew them Joy. “You have to pay your dues, no matter which way
inside out. It was very intimidating and discouraging, to you take it, or which route you go. There are a lot of
listening to the other students talk, as they knew all this openings, different places you can go to, but I think
information. I was hearing a new language. How was I going Africa would be a dream place to be,” recalling Kristen’s
to get it?” desire and plan to head to Kenya and Uganda for six
weeks in the spring of 2017.
Joy responds, “But it all just comes, doesn’t it? As long as
the interest is there. I think you will find that you will really “When you are starting to teach, including instructors,
start to learn when you start to teach.” you learn before you teach and you keep learning. It
develops. It is so exciting to see your students come
“My instructor says, ‘Your instructor rating is a license to
back with what you taught them; it comes full circle.
learn.’”
You will have so many students, you can never
“Exactly,” says Joy. “You have to ask a lot of questions. And remember all of them, but bear in mind, each one will
you get the lay of the land from your students and their always remember their instructor.
reason why they want to fly -- and their background -- you
get to know your students and you cannot throw things at “Every instructor is different, different knowledge, skill
levels, different backgrounds, you are still teaching and
some of them like you can at others. Some are slower at
learning, others catch on more quickly. Some students can they are teaching you back -- maybe they might present
a problem in a different way than you would -- and you
only come on a weekend. Some are working and can only
think that is a neat way.
come when they have a day off. Then there are others who
are full time students like you.” “Like when you held your hand out the car window and
tipped your hand it went up! Little things like that to

help you convey an idea.”
Joy continues, “I found as a female instructor, male
students’ frustrations came more from the fact that I knew The two women continue sharing their experiences with
each other. “Learn from everyone around you. Impart
more than they did. But they lost that attitude within an
the wisdom to others.”
hour or two in the air -- all they had to do is get up there
and see that I did know more than they did -- I could do this Kristen says, “My journey has been amazing, so far. At
and they couldn’t -- and then we could move ahead. They first the staff at the airport didn’t think I would make it
are more acceptable to this and they see there is more to it through the program because I was so shy.”
than riding a bicycle or driving a car.”
“But you are flying now!” says Joy. “Once you’re
Kristen says, “I haven’t done any lessons for any other bitten...” Joy pauses. “There hasn’t been a day I didn’t
students yet. I have tutored a few of the other students and want to go to work!”
find it easier one on one. So often, they won’t understand
“I have started to love flying. At first it was very
things in class, but won’t ask their teacher.”
overwhelming. Now it’s all I really want to do. It has
Joy replies, “This is often a point to make at the beginning of been cool to hear about your experiences, Joy, and what
your class, for example in Ground School. ‘Don’t be afraid you have learned from teaching. I have learned new
to ask. Everyone in the class is hoping you will!’ They all things today, including people can instruct and be happy
want to know the same answer. Help them along.” instructing. It’s cool to hear about another female
thriving in the field, especially from that much further
“I started Instructor Ground School with another student,”
back.”
says Kristen. “He went on and got a job with a charter
company up North. I know I could get a job with a charter Joy laughs. “Way back!” She continues, “I’ve had a good
and do pipeline patrol and it would be easier to get the job, life, Kristen. I cannot complain. I would love to be
but that’s not what I want to do. I want to teach people.” starting back where you are. I envy your youth and your
position.”