I was drawn to ATP/CTP because there was a hole in my heart from giving up my Captain seat during Covid. The B737-simulator helped bring back fond memories of my airline career.
My Aviation career shaped my teaching because I remember how much more I learned from kind and patient instructors, rather than know-it-all instructors.
There were so many moments that I felt my mentoring made a difference. Some specifics include a young man who kept saying over and over that he was having so much more fun than he thought he would. Also, there was a student who was determined to land properly, so I sat in the right seat, and followed gently on the controls, talking her through, relaying sound technique. She was elated when the result was a buttery soft landing.
Students seem to value the sharing of humbling experiences that shaped my 50 year Aviation career: emergencies, rigorous training, weather and routing challenges. And the hard times, such as September 11th, bankruptcy, furloughs. But they also value the sharing of great memories as well, such as favorite airports, beautiful flight deck views, great flight crews, fun layovers, etc.
I enjoy teaching the B737 because even with 5000 hours in the airplane, I seem to learn something during every session, or at least “relearn” something every session.
The most rewarding thing about teaching ATP/CTP is inspiring and connecting with the newest and youngest generation of pilots, who all seem enthusiastic, reading to learn, and really respect the Aviators that paved the way for them. I am proud to be one of those Aviators. The feedback I get from students when they grasp a concept is so rewarding!
With my mentoring and sharing of my airline experience, most of my students seem to understand that the job of their dreams is within reach.
Lauran Canatella