With the near
completion of another school year, it comes time to reflect on
everything SAMA has accomplished. One event that particularly stands out
is the annual SAMA trip. Last November, 24 members packed their bags for
an excursion to Orlando, Florida, home of jetBlue University, Flight
Safety International, Cessna Citation and of course, Orlando
International Airport. With so many sites, we needed to keep a tight
schedule:
Day 1:
Early Wednesday morning members excitedly crammed into two vans and
embarked on a five hour ride down to the Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport. After the vans were parked and all luggage pried
out of the back, everyone received their ticket and headed for the
gates. With security surprisingly running smoothly and two hours before
takeoff, many grabbed a light snack and a drink. After the wheels were
up and the plane was headed to Florida, it wasn't long until we arrived
at the classiest hotel in all of Orlando, the I-Drive Inn.
Day 2:
With the early arrival of morning and lots of coffee, the group crowded
into the "Silver Bullet" and "The White Stallion" as we raced to jetBlue
University. Accepting the warm greeting from the panel of employees, we
soon learned everything there is about training new hires of jetBlue.
Upon the completion of a walkthrough and a sneak peek of the simulators
we would be privileged to fly, we headed out to the Orlando
International Airport to see how an airport is managed.
Orlando International
incorporates many new technologies in their quest to be the top airport
in the world. With high traffic flow and a hotel in the center of the
airport, things from carpet pattern to alligator security were all
considered in the design. Next, we hopped on the "VIP" bus and ended our
airport endeavor with a drive around the property.
Day 3:
Yet another early departure and everyone dragging their feet, we were
off and running to Flight Safety International. With everyone looking
professional, it was time to learn how corporate pilots earn their type
ratings. Flight Safety gave us a nice walk-through on how new technology
is utilized in the flight training departments. Going beyond full motion
simulators, customers of Flight Safety were being taught on the most
technologically advanced equipment used today.
Just a short walk
across the street, our next tour took us through Cessna Citation's
Maintenance Facility. With one of the larger operations on site, this
facility maintained Citation jets from around the globe. One that gained
the most attention was the "Wildcat" Citation X which was painted in a
Bobcat scheme. After completing the one mile walk, it was time for us to
earn our wings.
Back at jetBlue
University, we were put to the test behind the stick of the Airbus A320
and Embraer E190 Level D simulator. Each member was given the privilege
to try their hand at flying these aircraft.
Day 4:
On the last full day in Orlando, it was time to relax and enjoy the
warm weather. Separation of the mob led to destinations like NASA's
Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Coco and Daytona Beach.
Day 5:
Badly sunburned and extremely tired, it was time for a 6 am departure
back to the great plains of North Dakota.
Four days and three thousand World Perks Miles later, we were back to
where it all began. The group had endured many trials and tribulations,
but the memories and lessons learned will last a lifetime.
