Casey J. Rose
FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI / CFII / MEI)
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About Me
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How did I get into flying?
       I didn't make the final decision to become a pilot until the my senior year in high school. When I was young I always watched the airplanes fly overhead with curiosity, but never really dreamed of becoming a pilot until highschool. I enjoy whitewater kayaking, skiing, backpacking, surfing and the majority of sports. The problem is, these things take time and money to do. Becoming a professional pilot seemed like a logical occupation with plenty of perks. Initially I began pursuing my goal to fly commercially for the money and days off. So after highschool graduation I began attending Central Washington University with zero flight time, no pilots in the family, and little idea whatsoever what I was getting myself into.

       After a few years of college and hundreds of hours in various aircraft, I've acquired a different outlook on the profession. Its not about the money anymore, those that go into the business expecting paychecks in the 6 digits will be disappointed. I enjoy the responsibility and challenge of piloting an aircraft, not to mention the incredible view which is impossible to describe. Flight instructing has been very rewarding and is not just a stepping stone to build time for the airlines - its something I plan to do in some form or fashion for the rest of my life. Whether its being a Simulator Instructor for Alaska Airlines, or teaching part-time while flying for Horizon Air - I'll never let my teaching Certificate expire.
 
My Aviation Background:
 
2004: I grew up in Camas, WA and graduated from Camas High School and earned the Camas/Washougal Aviation Administration Scholarship to go to Central Washington University, which offers a 4-year professional pilot major. I began my flight training at CWU which is in windy Ellensburg, WA during September.
  • First Solo: Cessna 152 on October 30th.

 

2005: This was a busy year, earned my Private Certificate and Instrument Rating, did a lot of solo cross countries in C-152s accross Eastern Washington, and began working on my Commercial Certificate.

  • Private Certificate: Cessna 152 on April 22nd.
  • Instrument Rating: Piper Warrior III on August 25th.

 

2006: I managed to earn my Commercial, CFI, and CFII certificates during 2006. My first Flight Instructor job was at Aero Maintenance Flight Center in Vancouver, WA. I worked over the summer and averaged 100 hours of flight time a month. Towards the end of the summer, I had 600 hours and earned my CFII during Fall Quarter of my Junior year at CWU.

  • Commercial Certificate (ASEL): Piper Arrow III on February 24th.
  • Certified Flight Instructor (ASEL): Piper Arrow III on June 11th.
  • First CFI Job: Aeromaintenance Flight Center, KVUO in Vancouver, WA from June-September.
  • Tailwheel Endorsement: J-5 Cub August.
  • Certified Instrument Flight Instructor: Piper Warrior III on October 27th.

2007: I am finishing up my Aviation Degree at CWU, and plan to graduate Winter Quarter 2008. I earned my Multi-engine Rating early this year, and am currently working on my Multi-Engine Instructor Certificate. This summer I will be working at Snohomish Flying Service as a CFI/CFII/MEI!
  • Commercial (AMEL) Multi-engine w/ Instrument Rating: Piper Seminole on April 2nd.
  • Certified Multi-Engine Flight Instructor: 1959 Piper Apache on June 9th.
  • Second CFI Job:  Snohomish Flying Service, S43 in Snohomish, WA from June - November.
  • First Airline Interview and Job Offer: Hired as First Officer for Horizon Air on November 27th.