Byron Garrido on Becoming a Licensed Pilot

Byron Garrido is a QA Engineer who has been with X-Team for over two years. Recently he became a licensed pilot using X-Team's Unleash+ budget, which spiked our curiosity. In this interview, we talk about how he became a licensed pilot, what it's like flying a small plane, and what his next goals are now that he's licensed.

Have you always been interested in flying, or was this a recent interest?

My father was a Major in the Dominican Air Force and I was born in a hospital inside the airbase, where we lived until I was six. So from the get-go of my life, I watched planes take off and land. Naturally, I became interested in flying from a young age.

What's the process for becoming a licensed pilot?

For me, the process for becoming a private pilot began when I took my first discovery flight. After that, I contacted a flight instructor who got me started in ground school.

Then I obtained a student pilot certificate and medical certificate to validate that I could perform flight operations with an instructors.

And, once I'd gone through that, I started taking actual flight lessons. The instructor had me do different maneuvers, including a couple of emergency procedures, while also evaluating the decisions I took while flying.

What was the most challenging part of your flight training?

The weather. It's so unpredictable. There are so many variables to consider, with so many types of weather reports to read and understand. But it's really important, because you have to know how each type of weather affects your flight.

Can you share a memorable experience from your flight training?

My first solo flight happened on January 26, 2022. We were taxiing back to the hangar after a touch-and-go that had gone well when my instructor asked how I felt about going solo. I couldn't hold in my tears, because being in a plane by myself was a moment I'd dreamed about for a long time.

So off I went. I thought I'd be nervous, but I wasn't. For the very first time, I was the pilot in command. I completed two touch-and-goes before heading back to the hangar.

What type of plane are you licensed to fly now?

As a licensed private pilot, I can fly all small planes that weigh less than 12,500 lbs. That includes single engine aircraft, light sport aircraft, and multi-engine aircraft (although for the latter I need an endorsement from a certified flight instructor).

How does it feel to pilot a small plane?

It's a wonderful experience. For me, it feels like the first time every time I get in the plane. You can also feel the turbulence more easily than in heavier planes, and you need to make many more corrections during takeoff and landing because of it.

How do you stay calm and focused while flying?

While flying, I don't do any activity that's not related to flying the plane. For example, I don't mess with my GoPro while flying, because that's how you get distracted and that's how you get in trouble.

Also, I make sure I'm always aware of my surroundings. I watch my instruments and listen to whatever air traffic control (ATC) is saying.

What safety precautions do you have to take before and during a flight?

There's a mnemonic in aviation that we use to determine if we're okay to fly. The mnemonic is IMSAFE:

• Illness: Do you have current or recent illnesses that could affect flight?
• Medication: Have you been taking any meds that could impair your ability to fly?
• Stress: Are you experiencing unusual psychological pressure and/or anxiety?
• Alcohol: Have you had any alcohol in the last eight hours? Are you hungover?
• Fatigue: Are you tired and/or not adequately rested?
• Emotion: Are you emotionally upset about anything?

Apart from IMSAFE, we also have to perform a preflight inspection to check the condition of the plane. And as the pilot, I need to obtain the current and expected weather information in my departing airport, en route, and in my destination airport.

Have you taken any interesting trips or seen any amazing sights from the cockpit?

Yes. I've done cross-country flights in the Dominican Republic to places like Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samana. Beautiful views from high above.

How do you balance your work with your passion for flying?

I fly in my free time, which means that I fly during the weekends or after work. I don't like flying before work, because it can affect my concentration while flying.

Are there any misconceptions about flying that you'd like to clear up?

People think you can't be a pilot if your vision isn't 20/20, but you can be. You just need to have a medical certificate and wear corrective lenses.

Can you share your plans now that you’re a licensed pilot?

I'd like to become a Certified Flight Instructor. I'm currently building up my flight time and experience, so I can obtain other licenses like the Instrument Rated and Commercial Pilot licenses.

What advice would you give to someone interested in learning to fly?

Take a discovery flight, so you know what it feels like being in a cockpit of a small plane. Some schools will even let you interact with the plane. Because flying classes are expensive, this is a good way to know if you like it before you spend money on it.