All Signed On Just After Graduation
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University has successfully placed three graduates of
its Commercial Airline Pilot Training (CAPT) program as first
officers at Atlanta-based Atlantic Southeast Airlines - another
milestone for the program, which was started by the university a
little more than a year ago.
Charles Allen, Andrew Coleman, and Patrick Lo were signed on as
first officers by ASA shortly after they graduated from the
full-immersion program, which trains individuals with no flight
experience to the highest standards of the commercial airline
industry. Atlantic Southeast Airlines is a Delta Connection carrier
and operates more than 800 daily flights to 116 airports across
North America and the Caribbean.
"The CAPT program
trains pilots that can command today's and tomorrow's modern
aircraft with mature, sound judgment," said Gary Morrison, CAPT's
MD-90 program manager. "These gentlemen have proven and will
continue to prove that the heart, the mind and the right attitude,
coupled with superior training, is the correct combination. Their
hiring as flight deck officers by ASA continues to add merit to the
concept."
"ASA has been pleased with the talent generated through
Embry-Riddle's new CAPT program thus far," said Julie Skoglund,
pilot recruiter for ASA. "We are excited to continue our
partnership with Embry-Riddle as they grow and enhance the CAPT
program to provide the aptitude and attitude that ASA seeks in
pilot candidates. ASA firmly believes the best pilots are those
trained not only as excellent airmen and women, but also as
customer service professionals and leaders for our airline. We look
forward to pursuing relationships with more CAPT graduates in the
future and introducing them to our exciting airline."
ASA hired Allen, Coleman, and Lo just after they successfully
completed the CAPT Program's demanding jet airliner DC-9 series
type-rating course. The course teaches airline operations skills
and expert knowledge about complex jet transport category
operations in an airline environment. Training in the Boeing MD-90,
a Level-D simulator with modern 'glass-cockpit' displays,
full-fidelity visual systems, and six-axis motion capabilities, is
recognized by the FAA as jet aircraft time. CAPT cadets log at
least 100 hours of flight time and gain experience in both
pilot-in-command and second-in-command positions while earning
their DC-9 captain's type rating.
Charles Allen graduated from LaPlata High School in LaPlata, MD.
He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he was active in
Navy ROTC and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in
2001 with a degree in business logistics.
Andrew Coleman graduated from Saint
Mary's High School in Paducah, KY. In 2003, he received a
bachelor's degree in aviation management and flight from
Jacksonville University. He is president of a property investment
and management firm.
Patrick Lo graduated from J.E. McAteer High School in San
Francisco, CA. He attended Embry-Riddle, graduating in 2002 with a
bachelor's in professional aeronautics. He worked as a maintenance
technician on DC-8 and Airbus 300 aircraft before enrolling in the
CAPT program.