PAL Pilot Exodus
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Going up the aviation ladder in the United States as a Filipino is not easy. Everywhere I turned (in civilian AND military), I heard words like "you don't belong here" or "I have seen your kind and you are wasting your time.." or my favorite line "Im sorry but it matters to our passengers who is up front. If they see you and not another caucasian, they may not board.." Very capable professional filipino pilots that migrate to the US fail to pursue their careers because they are not able to break into the industry -- I personally am close to one. Corporate by itself is a "good ol boy club" and, is the hardest to get into as a minority, especially as an asian.
My saving grace has been my (15 years and going) background in the USAF. That and the kindness of a few people that appreciated my struggle despite the odds. These people instrumental to my career progression are caucasians - 2 were military vets (AF & NAVY FEs) and one was a high profile Corporate Pilot who flew royalty in the middle east. The latter remembered all the pinoys in Saudi that cooked for him and welcomed him into their quarters -- not to mention provided him with homemade wine <tuba??>) If it wasn't for this, I would be flying overseas right now or worse, working another career. Salamat "dudong"!
Last year, I helped a fellow Filipino USAF Reservist form the Filipino American Pilots Association (FAPA). Aimed towards mentoring Filipino Americans into the US aviation industry with a panel of boad directors consisting of 6 professional Filipino-American US Industry based pilots in Corporate, Airline, Cargo, Military and one retired PAL Captain. We are based out of the Bay Area in California and are currently mentoring about 2 dozen Filipino-American college kids that have taken aviation majors at San Jose State University. We mentor to ensure they will not have to endure what I and my fellow board members have and provide them the yellow brick road and a survival guide to being a minority in a racially challenged career. The mission encompasses scholarships, career guidance, job referrals, networking or just about anything thats needed to help them get and stay on track. The organization is steadily growing and I will soon ask you, the Filipino Professional Pilots of the world, for your support. The organization is currently under review by legal so we can establish ourselves as a non profit organization -- I will keep the forum advised of developments.
To this date, I have people come up to me @ the FBO (if I am deadheading and wearing civilian clothes) or @ the hotel (in uniform) and ask to carry their bags. Some ask for the Captain when they can clearly see 4 bars, whereas the other (white) guy has 3. A Lola @ GoldiLocks told me "Hijo, my son is like you...nasa barko rin sya." I just smiled and said "Oh, iba ho yung barko namin.." Have a filipino stop to talk to another at any airport and the best assumption they have is that you are a mechanic. I'm determined to change that with FAPA and your help.
Cessna 1052 send me a private email if you are in the US and looking. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about FAPA. Unplanned but perfect in reaching a worldwide audience. Mabuhay!
SBV
Filipino American Pilots Association
"Filipino Americans Breaking Barriers"
PS - And yes, I did go back to one of those places after I made the ranks. It was a Flight School/Charter outfit in Concord CA that operated a Merlin under p135 and the Chief Pilot there told me that "He has seen my kind and that I would not make it, I'm wasting my time". 4 months later, I flew into KCCR in a Corporate Citation X and walked pass the Merlin across the ramp to visit. Their office faced the ramp so some of the staff saw me coming and recognized me (The CP was knocking jokes as I walked out 4 months earlier). I walked in and asked for the CP and was pointed towards his office. I guess he heard somene ask for him because he got up and stuck his head out to see a guy in a corporate uniform matching the colors on the Citation X that just landed. His smile quickly deminished as he looked up and recognized me. "Good Morning Captain Andersen. You know that resume I gave you a few months ago? I don't think I'll be needing to pursue that anymore." I turned to walk away with a big smile and was greeted by other smiles of the staff. Stopped, turned around and said "Oh, by the way, I made it." and walked out the door with the best Chuck Yeager swagger impersonation I could do. Karma is a Xitch, ain't it? Mabuhay!!
Last edited by Soundbarviolatr; 14th Sep 2006 at 20:07.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: pinas
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hardwork realy pays off
soundbarviolatar!! I'm glad and proud that our kapwa pinoys distinguished themselves to the BIG U.S of A. More power to you and may you're good breeding expands to the whole horizon. i have done thru Gen Av and airline flying for the last 12 yrs in P.I. I have been thru 3 major airlines and i feel i want to quit asap!!! I would rather go back flying in civs with decent pay. for the meantime i'll stick it out with the new outfit i have no choice since 2 of my kids are still in school. wish me luck!!! 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: here and there
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
More Power Soundbar
Soundbar,
Congratulations! I am happy to know that there is a pinoy pilot there who can be successful. Helping other pinoys to be successful in aviation is a noble thing to do. Wishing you all the best!
Congratulations! I am happy to know that there is a pinoy pilot there who can be successful. Helping other pinoys to be successful in aviation is a noble thing to do. Wishing you all the best!
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: yo momma's house
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mabuhay Kabayan!
Commander Soundbar...,
OK ka pare ko! Can you provide us with more info/details about FAPA? I did a lot of flying out of the bay area (LVK) and now based out of FAT. Like you, I've jumped through a lot of hoops to get to where I am. So, it's time for me to give back. I'm interested in getting involved with helping our kapwa Pinoys progress through the aviation ranks. And I know a couple more within my airline who would definitely join. As you know, the only way to get ahead in US aviation is through networking. In this regard, I think an organization like FAPA will be invaluable to all aspiring Pinoy aviation professionals.
Salamat Pre! And best regards!
OK ka pare ko! Can you provide us with more info/details about FAPA? I did a lot of flying out of the bay area (LVK) and now based out of FAT. Like you, I've jumped through a lot of hoops to get to where I am. So, it's time for me to give back. I'm interested in getting involved with helping our kapwa Pinoys progress through the aviation ranks. And I know a couple more within my airline who would definitely join. As you know, the only way to get ahead in US aviation is through networking. In this regard, I think an organization like FAPA will be invaluable to all aspiring Pinoy aviation professionals.
Salamat Pre! And best regards!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FAPA on MYSPACE.COM
Thanks for all the kind words fellas. The structure is set and manned with officers and members and we are actively meeting at least once a month. Progress on being an official non-profit organization has been a bit slower than we would like because of everyone's schedule with work or school -- walang pahinga. The founder is a very sharp young fella who is currently running for presidency of the world reknown Alpha Eta Rho aviation fraternity at SJSU.
I encourage all of you to become mentors (pro pilots) and mentorees (student pilors - junior pro pilots), and join forces with us. We have not set up a website as of yet because of concentrated efforts on the legalities of establishing a non-profit organization. If anyone can donate their time and expertise in creating one please sound off. We were selling tshirts (see the FAPA logo on the Group's MYSPACE WEBSITE) to raise funds to pay for the legal fees and establish treasury for the group so ask for yours today by signing up on MYSPACE.COM under FAPA or Filipino American Pilots Association. Tell the moderator/admin Nick that the Deputy Chief Pilot sent you and he'll know who it is and approve your membership.
This is a great opportunity for all of us.The only concern I have is history. I know the PAL Exodus and behind the scene squabbles have divided the PAL Pilots and have taken a toll on friendship. I only respectfully ask as you enter these doors that you leave the scandals of PAL as HISTORY. I would like to see this organization grow itself into a fraternity of brotherhood.
We have the sharperst minds and the best hands in the world. It is time for all pinoy pilots worldwide to unite and show some ownership in this industry. Not only can we mentor our young, but we can also be one of the world's largest career network.
Mabuhay!!
"Effrego Obex..."
SBV
I encourage all of you to become mentors (pro pilots) and mentorees (student pilors - junior pro pilots), and join forces with us. We have not set up a website as of yet because of concentrated efforts on the legalities of establishing a non-profit organization. If anyone can donate their time and expertise in creating one please sound off. We were selling tshirts (see the FAPA logo on the Group's MYSPACE WEBSITE) to raise funds to pay for the legal fees and establish treasury for the group so ask for yours today by signing up on MYSPACE.COM under FAPA or Filipino American Pilots Association. Tell the moderator/admin Nick that the Deputy Chief Pilot sent you and he'll know who it is and approve your membership.
This is a great opportunity for all of us.The only concern I have is history. I know the PAL Exodus and behind the scene squabbles have divided the PAL Pilots and have taken a toll on friendship. I only respectfully ask as you enter these doors that you leave the scandals of PAL as HISTORY. I would like to see this organization grow itself into a fraternity of brotherhood.
We have the sharperst minds and the best hands in the world. It is time for all pinoy pilots worldwide to unite and show some ownership in this industry. Not only can we mentor our young, but we can also be one of the world's largest career network.
Mabuhay!!
"Effrego Obex..."
SBV
Last edited by Soundbarviolatr; 15th Sep 2006 at 07:55.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: COTO DE CASA
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FAPA
Thanks for all the kind words fellas. The structure is set and manned with officers and members and we are actively meeting at least once a month. Progress on being an official non-profit organization has been a bit slower than we would like because of everyone's schedule with work or school -- walang pahinga. The founder is a very sharp young fella who is currently running for presidency of the world reknown Alpha Eta Rho aviation fraternity at SJSU.
I encourage all of you to become mentors (pro pilots) and mentorees (student pilors - junior pro pilots), and join forces with us. We have not set up a website as of yet because of concentrated efforts on the legalities of establishing a non-profit organization. If anyone can donate their time and expertise in creating one please sound off. We were selling tshirts (see the FAPA logo on the Group's MYSPACE WEBSITE) to raise funds to pay for the legal fees and establish treasury for the group so ask for yours today by signing up on MYSPACE.COM under FAPA or Filipino American Pilots Association. Tell the moderator/admin Nick that the Deputy Chief Pilot sent you and he'll know who it is and approve your membership.
This is a great opportunity for all of us.The only concern I have is history. I know the PAL Exodus and behind the scene squabbles have divided the PAL Pilots and have taken a toll on friendship. I only respectfully ask as you enter these doors that you leave the scandals of PAL as HISTORY. I would like to see this organization grow itself into a fraternity of brotherhood.
We have the sharperst minds and the best hands in the world. It is time for all pinoy pilots worldwide to unite and show some ownership in this industry. Not only can we mentor our young, but we can also be one of the world's largest career network.
Mabuhay!!
"Effrego Obex..."
SBV
I encourage all of you to become mentors (pro pilots) and mentorees (student pilors - junior pro pilots), and join forces with us. We have not set up a website as of yet because of concentrated efforts on the legalities of establishing a non-profit organization. If anyone can donate their time and expertise in creating one please sound off. We were selling tshirts (see the FAPA logo on the Group's MYSPACE WEBSITE) to raise funds to pay for the legal fees and establish treasury for the group so ask for yours today by signing up on MYSPACE.COM under FAPA or Filipino American Pilots Association. Tell the moderator/admin Nick that the Deputy Chief Pilot sent you and he'll know who it is and approve your membership.
This is a great opportunity for all of us.The only concern I have is history. I know the PAL Exodus and behind the scene squabbles have divided the PAL Pilots and have taken a toll on friendship. I only respectfully ask as you enter these doors that you leave the scandals of PAL as HISTORY. I would like to see this organization grow itself into a fraternity of brotherhood.
We have the sharperst minds and the best hands in the world. It is time for all pinoy pilots worldwide to unite and show some ownership in this industry. Not only can we mentor our young, but we can also be one of the world's largest career network.
Mabuhay!!
"Effrego Obex..."
SBV
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: right here
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well Said Soundbar
You are right Soundbar leave the scandals of PAL as HISTORY.There's another world out there for those PAL pilots.Some of them are long been gone and some of them stayed(SO WHAT?)Let be gones be by gones.Tell them to move forward and they once lived in the same house and used to be brothers and hope they will still be.Kudos to you and keep on posting.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://groups.myspace.com/FAPA
Here's the MySpace.com address. Nick is another sharp kid out of SJSU and he is the moderator -- He is aware and will be expecting you guys.
No worries TP, the quality of people will be maintained and conduct unbecoming will not be tolerated. Most of the officers have or are still serving in the US Military. However, the rules governing will only reflect the background to ensure order and structure. This is your organization, so claim ownership and take pride to maintain it's integrity.
Franklin O. is a good friend of mine and flew Caravans for FedEx and was also one of my GII/III Co-Pilots in Los Angeles. He is one of the Board Members and owns a ranch north of Sacramento in Elk Grove, California. I am helping him build a 1,500 ft dirt strip on the Ranch so he can take his C172 in and out of his home. Hopefully the Runway will be completed in time for our first BBQ Fly-in in October. We are trying to wag attendance so check FAPA's MySpace Bulletin Board for futher developments and let us know if you can make it and if you plan to fly or drive in. Fly-in space should not be a problem unless we anticipate over 25 airplanes, however make sure you work out your performance problems and are up to snuff on your short and soft field takeoff and landings as it is a dirt strip with a 50 ft obstacle (telephone wires) at one end. Hope to see you there!!
effrego obex
SBV
Here's the MySpace.com address. Nick is another sharp kid out of SJSU and he is the moderator -- He is aware and will be expecting you guys.
No worries TP, the quality of people will be maintained and conduct unbecoming will not be tolerated. Most of the officers have or are still serving in the US Military. However, the rules governing will only reflect the background to ensure order and structure. This is your organization, so claim ownership and take pride to maintain it's integrity.
Franklin O. is a good friend of mine and flew Caravans for FedEx and was also one of my GII/III Co-Pilots in Los Angeles. He is one of the Board Members and owns a ranch north of Sacramento in Elk Grove, California. I am helping him build a 1,500 ft dirt strip on the Ranch so he can take his C172 in and out of his home. Hopefully the Runway will be completed in time for our first BBQ Fly-in in October. We are trying to wag attendance so check FAPA's MySpace Bulletin Board for futher developments and let us know if you can make it and if you plan to fly or drive in. Fly-in space should not be a problem unless we anticipate over 25 airplanes, however make sure you work out your performance problems and are up to snuff on your short and soft field takeoff and landings as it is a dirt strip with a 50 ft obstacle (telephone wires) at one end. Hope to see you there!!
effrego obex
SBV
Last edited by Soundbarviolatr; 16th Sep 2006 at 21:31.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: US / Manila
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PI Jobs
Hey Fellas,
US FAA ATPL guy here that has been reading your posts and trying to get educated. I currently have a good job with a US company and have done about 300 hours of flying in the Philippine skies and lived in Manila for just over 4 months. Anyway, I am VERY interested in getting a job in the PI flying for one of your carriers or cargo companies. Do they hire FAA ATPL guys? Should I even try? I really want to permanently move there, but dont know the feasiblity of it. Any guidance would be wonderful!
Salamat po.
US FAA ATPL guy here that has been reading your posts and trying to get educated. I currently have a good job with a US company and have done about 300 hours of flying in the Philippine skies and lived in Manila for just over 4 months. Anyway, I am VERY interested in getting a job in the PI flying for one of your carriers or cargo companies. Do they hire FAA ATPL guys? Should I even try? I really want to permanently move there, but dont know the feasiblity of it. Any guidance would be wonderful!
Salamat po.
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Just Around The Corner
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Fellas,
US FAA ATPL guy here that has been reading your posts and trying to get educated. I currently have a good job with a US company and have done about 300 hours of flying in the Philippine skies and lived in Manila for just over 4 months. Anyway, I am VERY interested in getting a job in the PI flying for one of your carriers or cargo companies. Do they hire FAA ATPL guys? Should I even try? I really want to permanently move there, but dont know the feasiblity of it. Any guidance would be wonderful!
Salamat po.
US FAA ATPL guy here that has been reading your posts and trying to get educated. I currently have a good job with a US company and have done about 300 hours of flying in the Philippine skies and lived in Manila for just over 4 months. Anyway, I am VERY interested in getting a job in the PI flying for one of your carriers or cargo companies. Do they hire FAA ATPL guys? Should I even try? I really want to permanently move there, but dont know the feasiblity of it. Any guidance would be wonderful!
Salamat po.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alvarez Competition?
That must be the outfit that was trying acquire a Challenger a year or so ago. One of the places I contract in G2/3/4s with used to cater to her charter needs whenever she was in the US. Was just wondering if there was much competition to the Learjet and what the demands are other than GMA.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: RPUX
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fapa Fly-in/bbq
FAPA's first fly-in and BBQ is scheduled for October 28 2006 starting at 1500 hrs (that's 1200 hrs in filipino time
). It will be held at Franklin Orpia's ranch in Sheridan, CA, about 20 miles north of Sacramento. The ranch's runway may or may not be ready by then so if you plan to fly in please advise. As an alternate, Lincoln Airport is less than 5 minutes away.
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT THE FAPA'S SITE ON MYSPACE.COM.
Trying to get a feel as to how many will show so please sound off if you can make it! Thanks and hope to see you there!!
Effrego Obex,
SBV
). It will be held at Franklin Orpia's ranch in Sheridan, CA, about 20 miles north of Sacramento. The ranch's runway may or may not be ready by then so if you plan to fly in please advise. As an alternate, Lincoln Airport is less than 5 minutes away.FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT THE FAPA'S SITE ON MYSPACE.COM.
Trying to get a feel as to how many will show so please sound off if you can make it! Thanks and hope to see you there!!
Effrego Obex,
SBV
Last edited by Soundbarviolatr; 24th Sep 2006 at 01:30.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: KSUU
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FAPA
I'm sorry my friend but to be a member, you must meet the obvious. The mission has to stay focused on the needs of our young, the aspiring, and the career Filipino Airmen in an intolerant society.
Notwithstanding the normal prejudices associated with minorities (as blacks and hispanics have long been accepted in professional capacities in US aviation), Filipinos have a lot more to prove. We are attached to a stigma of being friendly yet underdeveloped islanders good for cheap and reliable blue collar labor as support personnel at best, incapable of commanding more than a dance pole at Clark, a spatula in Saudi or a wrench in the USAF. We have some work cut out for us and it will take time and can only be accomplished by a governing body that we can call our own.
Although we cannot grant you honorary membership, we welcome friends and you are invited to be a part of most of our functions. If you are able, please come to our first BBQ in October. I am impressed, pleased and welcome your interest in helping our mission and vision of breaking the barriers. Thank you.
As for MySpace, please feel free to email me through this website and I would be happy to give you my ID to add on your friend's list for now. We are still in the midst of establishing order and would be more capable of supporting you online as we build our own website.
Effrego Obex,
SBV
Last edited by Soundbarviolatr; 24th Sep 2006 at 10:06.