By American Flyers
Pilot’s Digest: Tell us about your aviation career. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
Steven Mendez: I started just over 10 years ago. It has been a journey full of experiences, challenges and many sunrises. I have worked in Copa Airlines, and I am currently in Emirates as Senior First Officer in the Boeing 777 fleet.
PD: When did you graduate from American Flyers?
SM: I graduated in 2007. It was something very special since I fulfilled one of my dreams and also because my father was present that day.
PD: What influenced you to build a career in aviation?
SM: I always wanted to be a pilot, and when I started, I confirmed this. I wanted to do this for all the time that life would allow me.
PD: What were some of the criteria that helped you decide what flight school was right for you?
SM: The criteria that I had in mind to decide where to study were the school location, the school professionalism, its airplanes, the housing option and the help I got with all the paperwork of visas and others.
PD: What influenced you to choose American Flyers for your flight training?
SM: I chose American Flyers for its trajectory in the formation of airline pilots.
PD: What was your first aviation job after completing your training?
SM: The first job I had was flying a private plane, a Citation II.
PD: What advice would you give someone interested in a career in aviation?
SM: The advice that I can give is to have patience and perseverance.
PD: What tips would you give someone starting the Airline Academy?
SM: The road is long. It has highs and lows but is full of exciting and enriching experiences.
PD: What was your favorite memory from the Airline Academy?
SM: One of my favorite memories is when we did night flights with my teammates each on their plane.
PD: Who influenced you along your career path?
SM: Actually, my inspiration has been the love that I feel for this career. It is something I love and every day I think of the responsibility that I have on my shoulders and that fills me with satisfaction.
PD: What is your favorite aviation movie?
SM: It’s a very good question. I like many, but I would choose “The Aviator.”
PD: What is your favorite aircraft to fly for work or for fun?
SM: All the aircrafts I have flown are special for me, but the b777 is amazing. I always wanted to fly it and now I can say that it is my favorite
