Greetings from Do-Da

[flyanddive]

I'm new to computer forums.

I was certified by PADI in the 70's but up until last summer, I've been out of diving since the mid-80's. My three oldest kids were certified last summer. I've been working on specialities and moving toward dive master.

Not a lot to say about diving in the midwest - poor viz and not much to look at. But we're heading to Panama City Beach in July.

It's interesting to see how things have changed since I started diving. What was the norm back then, many would consider hazardous today (I still have a couple of steel tanks with J valves, pressure gages were a luxury).

For my real job I test fly airplanes, so I know a lot more about flying than I do diving, but I'm learning.

Any suggestions about Panama City Beach, I'm open.
thanks.


Cheers!

 

[Scuba Diver 03]

hi!

 

[the_kuang]

Welcome. I'm jealous about your job -- I hope to start working towards my pilots license later this year. How did you get a job test flying airplanes? For what company?

 

[Scuba Diver 03]

hi again doda

 

[flyanddive]

I'll try to keep this short since it's a SCUBA forum, not flying.

I'm a test pilot for Cessna a/c and manage the new projects within flight test, jets and props. I know a lot of test pilots in Wichita and in the industry in general, military and civilian. There's no single path to become a test pilot. I worked my way up in the civilian ranks since my poor eyesight kept me out of the military. Most of the test pilots in Wichita are not ex-military, but some are and it's not a bad way to go. An engineering or other technical degree is a must. After that it's attitude, hard work, and being in the right place at the right time - like most jobs.

I'd be happy to share more if you wish. I don't know if this is the correct way to reply in these forums. If you want to discuss flying at length, I suggest you e-mail me at 6williams@sbcglobal.net. I've been flying for 20 years but I continue to learn everyday.

Good Luck!