FedEx Winging Ceremony

Tomorrow wraps up Jason's BI (Basic Indoc) at FedEx, and he is still on cloud 9. We attended a formal winging ceremony tonight where Jason was presented with his "wings." They had the pilots seated at tables with people who were going to the same airplane and a management person for that airplane. We were seated with two new hire pilots and their spouses and the 777 fleet captain and his wife. There was a table for each of the planes his class will be flying (777, Airbus 300, MD-11/MD-10, and 757 -- none of his class will be flying the 727). The vice president of flight operations (I believe) and the system chief pilot as well as many flight operations directors-- including one from Hong Kong and one from Paris were among the many senior FedEx pilots that attended. This was a very special opportunity for me to see inside his world, and gain a better understanding of what an accomplishment this is for him. It was amazing and interesting as the company managers, fleet captains, and new hire pilots spoke about their background and what brought them to FedEx. The pride, prestige, camaraderie, and sense of family was easily felt among the pilots, new and old. Some of the senior pilots have flown for FedEx 25+ years and still say that FedEx is the best flying job in the world and they love going to work. We are both so excited and thankful to be a part of the FedEx family. There are so many people who have helped Jason make this dream a reality from his sponsor, friends and family who gave letters of recommendations, as well as friends and family who have mentored him throughout his aviation career starting at a very early age, and we are so thankful for each of them!

Our Little FedEx Family -- Dropping off Jacob at Aunt Mallori and Uncle Justin's for the evening--- THANKS Guys!

Too bad this one is a little blurry

Jason with his wings and John Hunt - 777 Director of Training,  Bill McDonald - System Chief Pilot, and Jim Gorman - Vice President of Flight Training and Standards (I hope I got all that right!!)

Jason and I with his wings... This is the only pic on my camera :(

Here is a video from Jason's Winging -- (They're still giving him a hard time because he almost forgot to mention me in his introduction and background)

They had a professional photographer at the ceremony who was taking pictures all evening, and I will post some pro pics (if I can) when we get them! Thank you to each of you who have prayed for this and supported Jason and I throughout this process! I also have an additional video of the speech Bill McDonald (Chief Pilot) gave to the new hires -- I will post the link when it finishes uploading

Jason came home today with a CD full of pictures from the professional photographer that took pictures at the ceremony.

Jason's New Hire Class

A view of the room

Jason giving his speech

Jason realizing he forgot to mention me

Jason accepting his wings

Jason and me

Jason's portrait

Beep.... FedEx

It has been a busy stressful few weeks! Jason has been studying like a mad man and so stressed out! FedEx has a very rigorous 3-day interview process, which Jason started April 12th. The first day consists of 3 written tests- an aviation knowledge test, a psychological evaluation, and another computer test. After Day 1 they call and let you know if you passed the testing portion of the interview and schedule you for Day 2. He went back for Day 2 on Wednesday which consisted of a simulator evaluation, a traditional HR type interview panel, and another aviation panel interview with pilots. Day 2 was a very LONG day and he did not make it home until after 7 pm! However, they called him shortly after getting home to let him know he PASSED and Welcome to FedEx! Day 3 was just a medical evaluation and signing of paperwork! Jason has studied and prepared SO hard for this interview and I am SO PROUD of him! I knew he could do it! We have also spent a lot of time praying about this over the years! Some of you know that flying for FedEx has been a dream of Jason's since he was in high school! (I always knew he'd do it too! :) ) We both believe that God has been in control of this process, and worked out the timing just perfect! We are still praying about the timing of his class, airplane, and base but God is in control!

Anyway.... I am so PROUD of Jason for all of his hard work, and thankful that God has orchestrated the timing of everything!

I snapped a picture with my phone before he left... Doesn't he look sharp?!

Here is a look at some of the airplanes FedEx flys... Jason said he's hoping for a Memphis-based MD-11 First Officer Position... :) We we will see what he gets!

FedEx MD-11 (This picture does not show how BIG this airplane is!)

MD-10 Cockpit -- (I think there basically the same as the MD-11 just a little older)

FedEx 727- This is the smallest plane FedEx flys and Jason could be a
"Second Officer" or Flight Engineer on this airplane

727 Cockpit -- I think some of them look older than this picture...

FedEx Airbus -- This is what his cousin Richard and Uncle Jim fly

Airbus Cockpit

Well, That's enough about FedEx for now! We will keep you all updated as to when he is able to start training on his new airplane, which airplane he will be flying, and where he will be based (hopefully Memphis!)

On another note, I have been working towards becoming a CRNA for the last couple of years. A CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, administer anesthesia and are kind of like the nurse practitioner's for anesthesiologists. The schooling is very difficult and requires that you first be an RN with at least 1 year of ICU experience. I just found out that I was offered an interview for CRNA school on May 14th! We are very excited about this opportunity for me, and praying and trusting God with the timing etc. of this big change. The schooling is a 31-month Master's Program that has an extensive science portion including cadaver anatomy and a clinical residency that allows you to practice your skill of actually putting people to sleep!

We are SO thankful for friends and family that REALLY DO pray for us, and a loving, praying church family that also prays for us. We are excited about the changes that are coming for our family, and praying that God works out the details of all of this (because there are a LOT of BIG details to get worked out!)

We love each of you and thank you for all of your prayers! We appreciate them more than you know!