The results are starting to come in, and I am pleased to report that most of these guys seem really hungry for some professional learning. They are all decent pilots, but just have no teaching background whatsoever, and I am guessing that most of them stumble across professional development opportunities by accident, rather than by design. Many of them specifically expressed a desire to meet other (professional) pilots, not just for instructional mentoring, but also for piloting advice, guidance, fellowship.
"Where do I meet other pilots?", one respondant asked. As if I would know!
Lucky me, I have the privilege of lunching occasionally with someone who flies a Challenger 605. (This after 35 years of professional flying with Air Canada!) But I did not pick this guy up at 1-800-I-ND-PilotFRNDS! I was just lucky because a colleague I work with happens to know some pilots, and a few of them happened to be kind and willing enough to meet with me and help me along in my own piloting pursuits.
I also took it upon myself to email various pilots online -- teachers, editors, pilots, website managers I had "met" by perusing various aviation websites. Because of this, I have three excellent contacts who kindly email me on a regular basis and encourage me as I struggle through this still-new endeavor.
It got me thinking... how do these Ground School guys get to be mentored? Most of the flight instructors admit to teaching only because they are trying to get "real jobs" for a commercial airline. But they seem to be islands, each one struggling along, banking hours, passing time, waiting, hoping for a job. In the meantime, droves of recently retired pilots are idling after having amassed years and many thousands of hours of flying experience. Why not get them together? These experts and the thirsty youth?
Imagine the potential for some of these newer pilots, having the benefit of a seasoned veteran in the field to guide their thinking and help them hone their skills... Imagine the potential for some of these seasoned veterans, who--rather than letting their minds stagnate and their expertise die with their retirement -- download their wisdom with an eager, younger friend in the field. One fine conversation at a time, the collective experience and expertise could grow exponentionally.
Hmmmm......