flying high...an update...

  flying high...an update

               

  A HUH? What's up with that? blog published on March 5, 2021 featured Dr. Anne Pinski,  barbers Denise Arrington and Tammy Mann, and, Air Force pilot, Leesa Froelich.  The four women were highlighted in a publication called 4 women making history during national Women in History Month.  

  Flying high...an update, focuses on what's happened to Leesa since that time.  

  Leesa Froelich is flying high.  There have been some major changes in her life and one revision involves knocking down a major goal along the way.   

  Miss Froelich graduated from Florida State University with the intention of becoming a Hurricane Hunter with the U. S. Air Force.  Three months after graduation, she was in Officer Training School to be an Aerial Reconnaissance Officer.  

  Five and a half years ago, Leesa changed course.  I made the decision to cross train and become a pilot with the 815th Airlift Squadron (AS), she offered. 

  During the initial interview, I asked Leesa what she would like to be doing in the future.  I am hoping to be at a major airline flying all over the world while still being a reservist and flying C-130J's, basically having two jobs, she replied.  

  Well, it hasn't taken all that long for the chase to become reality.  I recently caught up with Leesa and she answered a few questions.  

  I started with Delta Airlines the 16th of last month, she said excitedly.  I am a First Officer on the Boeing 757/767 airplanes based out of Atlanta, Georgia.  

  Let's start at the beginning.  I don't think you went to a job fair and wound up getting a paycheck from Delta Airlines.  How did this happen?

  No, she laughed.  I didn't.  The process to apply is quite lengthy and it took me almost a year just to gather and compile the information they wanted. 

  Give me some of the highlights of that process.  What's included in what you call information? 

  I had to go back where I've lived the past 10 years, every job I've ever had, even speeding infractions, she admitted.  Anything and everything in my life.  

  Do you recall when you officially applied?  I assume this was online.

  Yes, it was, she said.  I hit the submit button in December of 2021.  After a few months of updating frequently, like updating my flying time after every time I flew to up my chances, I attended an aviation conference.  It was called Women in Aviation International.  I then heard from Delta in late March of this year.  

  Sounds like Show Time was near.  What came next? 

  I had one week to take an online assessment that tested pilot skills, math, coordination, verbal skills and everything else.  I found out the following week I was invited to interview and there began the real prep work, so, I worked with an interview consultant over the next couple months, Leesa said.  

  What happened during the interview process?

  I went to Atlanta on May 5th and went through a full day of cognitive test taking, a one-hour interview with a Captain, First Officer, and an HR representative, she informed me.  After lunch, I was presented with a Conditional Job Offer, known as a CJO.  Then, it took another month for a complete background check.  

  And your goal of working for a commercial airline became reality.  Will you stay in the Air Force?

  Yes, I will remain in the Reserves and I'll be flying the C-130J throughout the year, she confirmed.  At that time, I will be fully qualified in two different planes, one for the Air Force and one for Delta. 

  Does flying for Delta require any additional training? 

  It does, she said.  I have to go through simulator training that starts at the end of this month, and then in November, I will fly for the first time as a Delta pilot.  

  Do you have any particular cities you will serve? 

  No, I don't have any set routes, she responded.  I can have overnight stops just about anywhere.  The 757 out of Atlanta does a lot of trips to Florida, the west coast of the U. S. and a few New York runs.  I may even get a sprinkle or two of international flights.  

  Will you move or can you live where you choose? 

  I will continue to live in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, she responded.  I love the coast lifestyle and the seafood.  I've also made a lot of friends there over the years.

  How would you describe your time in the Air Force?

  The Air Force is all that I thought it would be and then some, she said proudly.  It's been a true honor to fly the C-130J all over the world for the past few years, but I am excited to go into the corporate world and do something a little different. 

  Back in March of 2021, you said one of your goals was to fly with a commercial airline.  You've accomplished that, so, do you reset your goals? 

  Since this just happened, I don't think I've set a new goal yet, she opined.  Right now, my personal goal is to have a house on the water, so I am working hard towards that.  I have always had a goal of wanting to make the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves and continue to serve my country, but, in a different capacity.  

  Safe travels.

  Thank you, she responded.

  Coming up:  Meet more POS (people over 60) and find out how they spend their retirement years; an update from Charlestown, Indiana; another job$ somebody's gotta do, and; what do those guys sitting around McDonald's at 6:30 in the morning really talk about.  

  And, finally.  This is as plain as I can make it.  Low sodium foods flat out do not taste good.  Have you ever had an unsalted potato chip?  Here are just a few items on my taboo list because they contain high amounts of sodium: Big Mac's, chicken tenders or wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (or any other chicken joint), all Asian food, most ocean seafood, pancakes, biscuits, bacon, sausage, pizza, French or Italian bread, pretzels, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, any BBQ sauce, most cheese, all lunchmeat, and, most restaurant food.  

  Unless I slip off the reservation, that leaves staying at home as my food source, and, for a guy who loves to eat out...

  HUH?  What's up with that?