I hope all is well with the both of you and that you are in good health. Below is my farewell letter to Jeppesen after four years. Please be sure and read the referral to your school at the end.
"Jeppesen colleagues.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Jeppesen for an incredible four years. Anyone that knows me well, understands my passion for Jeppesen and the aerospace & defense industries. It has been a natural progression for this passion and admiration to extend to our parent company of Boeing.
I have recently accepted an offer to work for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services (CAS) in Seattle as a "Strategy Analyst Specialist." My last day at Jeppesen will be Friday June 29th. While I am anxious to start working directly for Boeing , it will be sad moment in the fact that I am leaving this company which has been so very good to me.
I greatly appreciate the opportunities and experiences that Jeppesen has afforded me. I look forward to a continued rapport with Jeppesen and its various business units as I move on to face the challenges and opportunities that Boeing has to offer. I hope that in my new role I am able to further nurture the cooperative and collaborative efforts of both entities.
Thank you again,"
Mark Payne
The majority of my successes over the last five years can be directly or indirectly linked to having attended the "Flight Control Academy" in Tucson, Arizona. Many Thanks guys ! -Mark Payne
In order of achievement: Aircraft Dispatcher (Samoa Air, Air Midwest), Flight Operations Specialist (Jeppesen), Private Pilot, Chart & Display Standards Analyst (Jeppesen), Commercial & Military Aviation Market Research Analyst (Jeppesen), and soon to be Strategy Analyst Specialist (Boeing Commercial Aviation Services in Seattle, Wa.)
Dear Jim and Ed:
Thank you for the immediate accommodations in your class which I was able
to
obtain updated recurrent training after returning to airline dispatching.
Both Jim and Ed are superior instructors with outstanding knowledge,
assistance, training technique and high level of professionalism which
adequately prepared me for a dispatching career. Also, Pat and Kenny's
expertise was also helpful as well as motivating.
Flight Control Academy does not only prepare students for the ATP written,
oral and practical, but more importantly the knowledge and understanding
of
dispatching required in the "real world". I have taken many courses in the
past, and this was by far the most effective and professional. FCA has
taught more than just dispatching, and sending me on into my future career
with more than just a license.
With your impressive assistance and support in job placement, any student
will find confidence upon the completion of the course in finding
employment.
I will never forget my experience and knowledge that I have gained at FCA.
"To be the best, Learn from the best."
I am confident I will find a good company to work for soon.
Thanks again for giving me a great education. Keep up the good work.
I'll be sure to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Patrick S. Boyle
Dispatcher Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings Inc
J. Palombo
Phoenix, AZ
>
I want to commend Jim and Ed for the excellent training that I received
while at FCA. The training was right to the point and preps you for the
best possible placement with some of the major airlines. The in-depth
review of weather was beyond all expectation. Jim's knowledge of aviation
weather is far better than that you would receive from any other
school. The extra care that the school gives in this subject is valuable
in
the aviation profession. With being a graduate from FCA I feel that I
have
received the best training for the dollar. Also the use of the 737-200
Basic, helps you better in the understanding of all aircraft type. The
commonality of this aircraft to what most air carriers use assists you
better in understanding aircraft systems. Once again I feel that Jim, Ed,
Pat, and Rick provide the best training possible.
Just recently I had the opportunity to attend the FAA approved Flight Control Academy, Aircraft Flight Dispatcher School, in Tucson, Arizona. I had called several other schools in the nation, but did not receive the greetings and information that made me conforatble, until I talked with Mr. Patterson on FCA. The phone conversation with Mr. Patterson was very informative, friendly, and complete. There was no criticism of other schools offering the Flight Dispatcher Course and even praise for them. He explained in detail the course program and what was required to complete the course.
Upon arrival at the school and meeting with Mr. Jim Coleman, the chief instructor, I was given the tour of the school. His friendliness and informative narration of what to expect during the next two weeks and what was required for me to graduate. To say the least I was very impressed, with both of the principles.
The training received was very intense and tiring, it required all my training as an Airline Transport Pilot to learn the information that was given to me each day. There was no play or goof off time as some might say, it was all work learning the knowledge needed to pass the end of course test, oral and demonstrated practical.
I recommend this school to anyone who is interested in learning the required subject matter and becoming an FAA licenced Aircraft Flight Dispatcher. They both are excellent instructors, very easy to like as they go the extra mile, to make the course and attendance exciting and enjoyable.
Respectfully,
Mr. A.J. Guitz
Hi Ed and Jim!
How is everything going at the school? I'm sure by now you guys have all the students you can handle! I just wanted to write and let you know where I am career wise. I would have written sooner but just a couple of weeks after I came home from Tucson a friend of mine called to offer me an Air Traffic Control job up in South Lake Tahoe, and it's been non-stop studying ever since!
Jim, the weather training I received while at the school has been invaluable here at the control tower. Not only are we controllers up here, but we also are LAWRS weather observers. I went down to Reno Flight Service Station to take the LAWRS test and completed it in one day, when it takes most people two or three days! I know it was the training I received from you that made it possible! I am also the one that has to read the TAF's to the pilots because nobody else up here knows how to read them too well!
I just wanted to thank you both again for the excellent training I received while in Tucson. You are doing a good thing down there, and like me, you're changing people's lives after the completion of every class! Keep up the good work, and I will talk to you soon!
Sincerely,
Marc A. Murphy
San Diego, CA
I would like to take the time to thank the two of you for the personal
and professional training I received while at Flight Control Academy. Your
dedication to your school, students, and profession is top notch. After doing
considerable research on several aircraft dispatcher schools, I found that Flight
Control Academy was the one for me. Your limited class size ensured the one on one instruction
I was looking for. It was satisfying to know that there is a school out there that isn't
interested in how many students it can pump out. The daily practical dispatching of actual flights
combined with state of the art computer flight tracking and flight planning
gave me the confidence needed to succeed in this profession.
I have been recommending several of my friends, family members, and colleagues to take the opportunity
to visit or call Flight Control Academy. In fact, as a Sergeabt and air traffic controller in the Arizona
National Guard, I have been recommending your course to my troops who are interested in pursuing an avaition
career. The best thing about your school is the fact that you do not try to take advantage of your students.
While other aircraft dispatch schools contract living accomodations for out of town folks at a huge profit, you
merely negotiate a fixed rate with local hotels and apartment managers for the student's benefit only. That by itself
proves your integrity and commitment to your students.
Flight Control Academy has prepared me very well for a successful career as an aircraft dispatcher with a major
airline. Dedication, commitment, and honesty are your watchwords. Your experiences within the avaition industry,
your specialized instructors, and "real-world" dispatch environment make FCA a top notch of the line school. I feel my preparation
was without a doubt the best instruction I ever received.
Thank you for all you have done in helping me prepare for the future.
Sincerely,
Jason Forcier
Dear Ed and Jim,
Tucson, Arizona
Please accept my thanks for an excellent aircraft dispatcher training program. The course was intensive, well planned, and thoroughly enjoyable due to the combination of quality instructors, training resources, and subject matter.
FCA’s facility was comfortable and conducive to study, and the resources, including the computer weather and flight planning systems, as well as airline and aircraft manuals and other teaching aids, were excellent. All four instructors were first rate and expert in their fields, including all aspects of flight planning systems, regulations, meteorology, air traffic control, and aircraft systems and performance. All utilized their experience in the industry to keep the classroom sessions engaging by constantly relating textbook material to practical issues of dispatching and flight operations.
In addition, the daily exercises of students giving weather briefings and preparing flight plans and releases were extremely helpful in learning how to apply the material we studied. FCA’s association with LorAir enhanced the course considerably by providing actual flights to follow, a good source of guest speakers, and even a Boeing 737 to examine in conjunction with the classroom module on aircraft systems.
Thanks again for all of your assistance and support, and best wishes for FCA’s continued success.
Sincerely,
Larry Wippman
I would like to take this time to thank you for the wonderful training
and hospitality I received while attending Flight Control Academy. The
knowledge that both of you have of front line airline dispatching and
meteorology is the edge Flight Control Academy has over other airline
dispatching programs. The years of knowledge and experience that is
provided by the instructors at your school is truly priceless and will
definitely provide myself and other graduates the advantage needed to
land that first job within the airline industry.
Flight Control Academy will be the school I recommend to my friends,
family and colleagues when they inquire on where to do their dispatcher
training. The use of modern technology in acquiring weather and
producing flight plans is what the airline industry demands and what
Flight Control Academy delivers. The intricate knowledge of part 121 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations is what is needed to land a job as a
dispatcher with a major airline and Flight Control Academy with their
experienced staff of instructors delivers.
Flight Control Academy has prepared me very well for a future in a
Dispatching office of a major airline. The education is a tribute to
the vast experience of the founders of Flight Control Academy, Ed
Patterson and Jim Coleman. Whether you are a individual trying to land
your first job or a airline that needs to train internal dispatcher
candidates Flight Control Academy can deliver. The Tucson Arizona area
is a great learning environment and being based at Tucson International
Airport it is a very convenient and a plus for out of town students who
fly in for two week accelerated course or the six week extended course.
Thanks again for helping me prepare for the future!
John A. Oyster
San Leandro, California
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the training that I received at Flight Control Academy enabling me to qualify for and obtain an Aircraft Dispatcher License.
Your curriculum for the accelerated dispatcher course is well thought out and addresses the required elements in a logical fashion, simplifying the learning process. By being tailored specifically for individuals with a background in aviation and flying, this course is perfect for those only requiring the additional training specific to being a dispatcher without wasting valuable time on redundant information.
The knowledge and professionalism of the instructors is impressive. Having people with not only professional aircraft dispatching experience but also specialized training in areas such as flight planning and meteorology teaching the class is a valuable asset and the instructors act as a compliment to one another. Plus, being closely associated with a Part 121 air carrier and its operations is an added bonus for the class. I am very satisfied with my experience at Flight Control Academy, and highly recommend this training program to anyone interested in becoming an aircraft dispatcher.
Very truly yours,
Bill Austill
Santa Clara, California
I want to thank you for the training I received at the Flight Control Academy. It was extremely fortuitous for me that you are located here in Tucson; I would not have been able to attend training away from home. I had looked into dispatch years ago but had not pursued it for that reason.
Although I enjoyed my previous job, it was not a position I could make a career out of. I had been at a loss about what to do next, and it was time to move on. That's when I found out about FCA. I knew immediately that I would have to attend your school.
There is so much information to learn for the ATP Dispatch exam! I felt the material was well covered; I was well prepared when I took the exam. I enjoyed learning to read the weather and becoming familiar with practical dispatching. I also enjoyed hearing about your experiences as dispatchers.
I was interviewed by Sun Pacific International the week after school ended, and was hired! This would not have been possible without the invaluable training I received from you at the Flight Control Academy. Thank you both for all your help (and patience)! I would highly recommend the school to anyone interested in a career in dispatch.
Deborah Brown
Tucson, Arizona
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank both you gentlemen for the outstanding Airline Dispatch course. I am very thankful for the ability to earn my dispatch license through you. I found your staff to be very professional and exceptionally helpful. Through your sharing of your combined experience in the world of dispatch and airline operations, I felt more than adequately prepared for entering any airline dispatch or operations center and be able to make a contribution. Those experiences also made for some great, and often poignant stories, helping to illustrate many of the principles you were teaching.
Our class was well prepared for the written test; we actually learned it as opposed to "cramming" the information. The practical exam was very close to the flight planning that I am currently doing as a dispatcher. Also, the close proximity to the airport provided motivation as well as your association to LorAir Airlines. It was a bonus to study an aircraft system, and then walk around the hanger and see it in person.
The bottom line was Flight Control Academy provided excellent instruction and preparation as well as job placement assistance. The proof is that I was employed as a Dispatcher upon graduation. Thank you. Best of luck with the continued success of Flight Control Academy.
Sincerely,
Brian Plescia
Tucson, Arizona
I am really happy I choose the Flight Control Academy to get my license. Your hospitality was excellent during my stay, and it shows that you really care about your students and are willing to go the extra mile.
I am thankful to you for preparing me for my professional dispatching career. I am sure any graduates who complete this class will not have any difficulties in the real life of flight planning, flight release, and flight dispatching. I learned a great deal about weather and flight planning through "real life" scenarios. This is the difference between other educational institutions and FCA. Your knowledge, the facility, as well as the opportunity to visit an actual dispatch office showed us what we need to know, and what to expect in our future dispatching career.
Thank you also for your after school job searching assistance. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Prem Kumar
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Aloha from Hawaii where the skies are clear and the ocean is deep blue.
Thank you very much for teaching me the finer points of avaition dispatching. I'm sure with the knowledge I received from the Flight Control Academy
I would be able to work as a dispatcher anywhere in the world. Durning my stay in Tucson yur generosity and hospitality was greatly appreciated. And your genuine care
and concern for your students made learning enjoyable and easy. I am very excited about my new career and I owe it all to you. I would highly
recommend this school to anyone who has the desire to become a dispatcher.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with me.
Aloha,
Kyle Sanehira
Honolulu, Hawaii
I waited two years for a school to offer the accelerated dispatcher's course. Many schools advertise it it but no
one actually offered it. When I called Flight Control Academy, my first question was "Are you actually going to
offer the accelerated class?" Ed and Jim came through on their word. Their experience and teaching made the practical
test easy. Again, many thanks to Ed and Jim.
Douglas Furlong
Lantana, Florida
