We asked our flight instructor Andrae Joubert, CFI, CFII, about his experience and why he loves flying. Read more below!
Q: How did you get into flying?
A: I started flight training in 1999 at North Florida flight training at Craig airport in Jacksonville, Florida. But due to military commitment and obligations, I was unable to complete my private pilot training until after I retired from the Navy in 2009 and earned my private pilot wings in 2011.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a pilot?
A: I knew I want to be a pilot when I saw my first airshow at the age of 10 years old. The Blue Angels were the featured attraction and they flew the A-4 Skyhawk.
Q: What do you think is important when choosing a flight school?
A: There are three things that are important when considering and choosing a flight school: location of the flight school, the commitment of the instructor to the student and the commitment of the school to their students.
Q: What do you like most about being an instructor?
A: I like how it challenges and changes a person perspective of who they are and what they discover about themselves – that with commitment and initiative anything is possible.
Q: What is your most memorable flying experience?
A: My most memorable flight experience was when I piloted a Cessna Citation CJ1 from takeoff to 20,000 feet without engaging the auto pilot, then landed the aircraft with zero flight experience in flying a jet. And yes, there was a qualified and experienced pilot with me.?
Q: What advice would you give students?
A: Do not give up and stay motivated by studying at your flight school. You will be surrounded by experienced pilots and instructors who are willing and capable of a providing you with information that will assist you in your endeavors.
Q: What advice would you give individuals interested in instructing?
A: Knowledge, commitment, and patience is the key to success! And always, always remember it is not about you. It’s about the student. When they learn you learn, and when they succeed you will as well.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: The next student who wants to earn their wings.
Q: If you could fly anywhere, where would it be?
A: I would like to fly to at least one city in each state in the United States. If I had my choice of flying anywhere I would fly everywhere! I do not want to limit myself to just one place. There is too much to see and discover out there.
