I am Kelly McDermott Davies and received the 1991 Judith Resnik Scholarship from American Flyers. The scholarship provided me with my Flight Engineer and Airline Transport Pilot Written Ground Schools.
In 1991, I graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with my BS in Aviation Studies. I was a CFI/CFII working on my MEI and felt I needed help taking the last few written exams in a formal setting. I had a dream to become an airline pilot since I was 5 years old.
At the end of 1991, I was at the right place at the right time which is key in aviation. I was giving ME Instruction and ferrying light twins around the Caribbean and noticed a little airline named Sunaire Express. I had 800 TT and 100 Multi Engine. (most of the 100 hours ME I flew around on one engine teaching so it’s funny it counts as multi-engine). I was offered a position as a First Officer on a Twin Otter DHC-6. I had just turned 22 and was living my dream flying 1200 hours a year, landing on the sand and doing up to 18 segments a day. I was fortunate to make Captain a couple years later.
In March 1994, I was hired by Atlantic Southeast Airlines and flew the Bandarante E-110 and E-120 Brasilia. My dream came true when United Airlines called me for an interview in March 1995. I have been with United Airlines for nearly 18 years now having flown the 727, 737, 757, 767 and A-320/319. While my 21 years as a member of the Airline Pilots Association has been tough at times, I can not imagine a more rewarding career. I have seen the most amazing things and worked with great people I respect. I have received world class training and every once in awhile I look outside on pushback and am so excited still I’m about to go fly.
I still think about receiving the Judith Resnik scholarship after all I have accomplished. Being chosen and honored by American Flyers gave me confidence. It told me that people believed in me and were behind me supporting me! At this stage of my career, I think this was just as important as receiving the ground school. Receiving a scholarship in the name of such an accomplished woman is an honor to this day. I have an idea how hard Judith had to work to become an electrical engineer and space shuttle mission specialist. I skipped school to see both of her shuttle missions being an avid fan of the space shuttle and still remember it’s first mission when I was in the 6th grade. Women like Judith told me it was possible for girls like me to aim high and that dreams come true.
Thank you, Judith, for the example you set and many thanks to American Flyers and the committee that makes these scholarships possible for young women helping them financially and telling them their dreams can come true.
Sincerely,
Paige “Kelly” McDermott Davies
Thanks for the great job processing my CFI renewal. I was amazed that you were able to process my temporary certificate yesterday on a Federal Holiday. I look forward to working with you on my next renewal and will highly recommend this course to my fellow CFIs.
I compliment the program. I just renewed my CFI using the FIRC for the third time since joining in 2010. I appreciate the value and the lifetime membership, but more importantly the friendly and efficient service that American Flyers has provided. Ashley took the time to answer a few questions I had last week and even provided a critical tip which ensured that I finished prior to my expiration date. Thanks again for the assistance, I look forward to using American Flyers for other services as well in the future.
The course was excellent. The paperless process was very well explained and easy to follow. I finished the course Friday, and I have my temporary certificate today, Saturday. Outstanding!
This letter is written to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you and the Staff of American Flyers of Morristown for the outstanding and most effective delivery of the Instrument Airplane Course. From the test preparation seminar to the program’s unique balance of computer and aircraft training, you and your staff brought to my experience not only a mastery of subject matter and superior pedagogical techniques, but also a confident professionalism and good humor that was at once encouraging and demanding.
In retrospect it is not difficult to understand that American Flyers has been at the business of instrument instruction for a very long time. It is reflected at every turn. I would have no qualms at all in recommending to anyone interested in learning to fly informed and well, whether for a private pilot certificate or for an instrument or additional rating, that they enroll with you at American Flyers of Morristown. You run an excellent program with an outstanding staff. I wish you every success in the future.
I really liked having the topics and quizzes broken into smaller categories. Also, having the self pacing was good.
Your course gets the job done with pertinent and to the point information…also, it’s devoid of subjective questions. For those who want simplicity and a comprehensive review of the applicable material, this is a great choice. Thank you.
I love you guys, GREAT customer service, very helpful, really organized and professional. After I completed my FIRC I received a call from you guys the next morning reminding me to sign my IACRA. Honestly, I appreciate your job and hope to talk to you guys two years from now. Good Day.
It has by far been the best, hassle-free FIRC I have ever taken. The course is direct and to the point without any unnecessary “fluff” material added in. Unlike previous courses I’ve taken, I’m actually looking forward to doing it again in a couple years!
I just received my temp CFI-I online, I’m happy with it. I had some difficulties on IACRA as it shows not supporting Firefox and even with explorer was somehow laborious when e-signing the form. Otherwise my overall great satisfaction on the smoothness all along the process and specially the valuable help from live online assistance personnel from American Flyers. For your information I earned my CFI Instrument with AF in Pompano Beach Air Park in Feb 2005. Thank you all and best regards.