We asked our flight instructor Cesar Pacheco, CFI, CFII, MEI, about his experience and why he loves flying. Read more below!
Q: How did you get into flying?
A: I wanted to join the Air Force in Colombia, but I decided to go college instead and get my bachelor in Economics. I never stopped asking myself “what if I was a pilot?”
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a pilot?
A: During my discovery flight right after my first take off. I knew right away its what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Q: What do you think is important when choosing a flight school?
A: Quality over quantity, the school’s safety record and if the school has mechanics on site.
Q: What do you like most about being an instructor?
A: To see my students succeed in their career and become safe pilots, that’s my biggest reward.
Q: What is your most memorable flying experience?
A: I have some many, it’s hard to pick one. But the day I took my parents and siblings on a local tour flight around Jacksonville.
Q: What advice would you give students?
A: Enjoy the process, don’t try find to shortcuts, frustration is part of the learning process and be safe. A focused mind is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Q: What advice would you give individuals interested in instructing?
A: It takes a lot of you but being part of your students’ success and be able to celebrate with them every small victory. That’s what you live for. Fly friendly and be safe out there, this is the part of your career that comes with a bigger risk before reaching the airlines.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Currently I’m applying to the F9 Frontier cadet program, I have my interview scheduled for May. Hopefully every works out by the time I’m down with my ATP minimums.
Q: If you could fly anywhere, where would it be?
A: I want to go to every country in East Asia & the Pacific.
