9 minute read
Staff Profile: Mike Chepsiuk VFC Flight Instructor
STAFF PROFILE
MICHAEL CHEPESIUK, VFC FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
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The VFC wouldn't be where were are without amazing flight instructors. With that in mind, let us introduce one of the best in the business: our own Michael Chepesiuk! In this profile, we get to know him a bit better.
Hey Mike! Let's get into it. How long have you been flying for? Have any early memories of flying?
I have been flying since 2018. One of my fondest memories of flying is of climbing out Billy Bishop Toronto Island airport above the all the skyscrapers and the CN Tower, and just feeling so relaxed and happy. It was at that moment, when I felt so happy, that I knew I truly found my passion in life.
What made you want to become a pilot? For the sheer love of adventure and the love of flying! What licences have you earned? What was your training like?
My flight training was the most challenging and rewarding thing I've ever done in my life in general. It is important not to be discouraged when learning something new seems difficult, and it is just as important to take pride in and celebrate the milestones along the way. When you look back you will see how far you've come, and how much more you can accomplish! I have earned my Commercial Licence, with a Class Three Instructor Rating, a Group 1 (multiengine) Instrument Rating, and my Seaplane Rating. The most challenging was the upgrade to the Class Three Instructor Rating because it takes not only manual handling proficiency but also the ability communicate well, sometimes in critical phases of flight. It requires you to not only fly at the Commercial Pilot level, but also to have important soft skills, like getting along with others and adapting to situations.
What about becoming a pilot was the most surprising, challenging, or rewarding for you?
The most rewarding and challenging thing thus far has been my upgrade to a Class Three Instructor, with a close second being my Private Pilot's Licence. Being an Instructor requires not only an intricate understanding of every exercise in the both the Private and Commercial Pilot syllabus, but also the ability to communicate that with all sorts of different types of personalities effectively. This can be challenging, but the reward is both enormous personal and professional growth, as well as satisfaction in helping others achieve their dreams.
What's your favourite plane / flying vehicle) of all time?
Fictional: The Millennium Falcon. Real: Supermarine Spitfire
Good choices. So you already fly for a living, but is that the ultimate goal? Do you want to stay in the air?
Flying as a Flight Instructor at VFC is my full time gig. I have ambitions to one day be an Airline Captain.
That's fantastic. In your opinion, what's the most important thing for a pilot to possess?
Other than a plane, of course: a growth mindset and a positive attitude! Knowledge can be learned by spending more time reading and studying. Skills can be learned by spending more time with an instructor and practicing. However only with a mental attitude geared towards a growth mindset can anyone really become a superior pilot. This means embracing challenges, developing new habits, getting comfortable with not knowing everything, taking ownership of mistakes you've made, learning from criticism and feedback, not being complacent, strong situational awareness, being prepared, open minded, finding inspiration in others, and persevering in the face of setbacks.
What's your favourite flying animal?
Fictional: the mythological Gryphon. Real: the Peregrine Falcon. Runner Up: the Dragonfly.
What's your favourite movie about flying?
Dunkirk. Or Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
Tell me a joke.
How do you make a million dollars in aviation? Start with two million.
Why do you think people become pilots? What draws us to the skies?
So many great reasons, however number one that comes to mind: To do something the best of humanity could only dream of for millennia. Also for the beauty, the fun, and the adventure.
How do you feel that being a pilot changes a person? What unique skills or perspectives does it provide?
Being a pilot can change a person in a lot of positive ways. From just learning to appreciate and cherish the beauty of the world from thousands of feet off the ground, to learning to take control of your life to accomplish your ambitions just like you take control of the aircraft when you're training.
What do you enjoy most about flying? And is there anything you don't love about it or that gives you trouble?
I enjoy most the total feeling of aviating, that is just being in control of an aeroplane flying through the air. Close second are the views. Third being making a butter-to-bread landing. I don't love when the weather does not cooperate with my flight plans. Then again though, what can anyone do about the weather?
What is your favourite place to fly / aerodrome to visit and why?
Favourite place is flying around CYYJ! The views around CYYJ stand second to none in Canada from my experience. Other than that, I enjoyed flying into Port Alberni a lot. I love the valleys and mountains here on Vancouver Island, along with the views of the Pacific Ocean.
Also being a history buff, I love putting aviation in perspective of the early explorers and fur traders who explored Vancouver Island hundreds of years ago - both Victoria and Port Alberni being the among earliest trading posts on the island.
If you could fly or visit anywhere (and I mean anywhere) where would it be? And what makes that place so special?
I would fly to Asgard to meet Odin and Thor... kidding! Honestly, nothing would make me happier than flying a trans-Atlantic crossing to London Heathrow. That is iconic.
I love the history and culture of London and Europe, and to be a Captain of such an endeavour would be a highlight of my career. A close second would be Sydney, Australia. What is your favourite club aeroplane? GTLF — the plane I took my parents and brother for a flight around Victoria which I will always remember. My Dad said it was the best landing in an airplane he'd ever been in.
What is your go to in-flight snack?
Water. Also, Excel gum.
How has flying changed your life?
Flying has made me a more positive person, more optimistic, and also much more pragmatic.
What was the hardest thing about becoming a pilot? Is there anything that you don't like about it?
The hardest thing about becoming a pilot is believing in yourself when there can seem to be so many obstacles. You can accomplish your dreams if you work for it! It will pay off! As Henry Ford said, "When everything seems to be going against you, remember an airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
Do you have any advice you’d pass along to other pilots? Share your wisdom with us!
Your attitude determines your altitude!The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty, while the pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. What's a truly memorable flight or experience you've had as a pilot or passenger? I was once described as "a hell of a pilot" by a student, and a "great instructor" by another. It is memorable feeling appreciated and respected for something I take a lot of pride in doing.
Where do you think aviation is headed?
Aviation is changing for the better, while at times it may not seem like it. When we recover from difficulties we become stronger and wiser. That is true for the aviation industry. I think there is more mindfulness around hygiene and respecting personal space, especially on flights and in airports. As well, aircraft are getting more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Last and most importantly, flying in Western civilization has never been more egalitarian, anyone regardless of skin colour, ethnicity, or gender can learn to fly, or travel to just about anywhere on the planet given the desire.
What are you passionate about? Surprise us!
Aviation is my passion of course! Other than that I love outdoor activities, with sailing and tennis among my favourites. As well, I'm into watching films and I'm a bit of a history buff. Something that may surprise people? I won the Ontario Provincial History Fair when I was 12 for a film I made about George Washington and Benedict Arnold.
Any other stories or anecdotes you'd like to share with us?
Not an anecdote, but we should all respect birds and wildlife! Birds have been flying long before us, and gave humanity the inspiration to fly! They have just as much right to enjoy the freedom to fly as we do.
Is there anything else you want to share with the readers and VFC?
Look after your health! You will only be able to fly as long as you have a medical, so don't neglect regular cardio-vascular exercise, hitting the gym, and a proper, balanced diet! What's your favourite part about being in the VFC? Flying around one of the most beautiful parts of the country!
Is there anything you think would improve the VFC? How can the Club better serve its membership?
The demand for a multi-IFR program is certainly here, we can look forward to PMH coming back online. It will be important to have another Seminole after PMH is through its life cycle. It would be cool to have a real aerobatic plane too, as I'm sure there could be demand for that as well!
