Activity
Mon
Wed
Fri
Sun
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What is this?
Less
More

Memberships

Aviator Intelligence

1.4k members • Free

1 contribution to Aviator Intelligence
G'day all
G'day all. I'm Simon, an ATR 42/72 First Officer for a Part 121 FedEx feeder airline. Formerly a CFI. Have shiny jet envy!
1 like • 24d
Hi Dustin, Ernie and Edward, thanks for having me. About me, I'm 54, born in Australia and have been married to my beautiful bride Jen for 25 years. 3 wonderful children. I became a proud US citizen in 2003. Aviation is my 3rd career. I earned my PPL in 2004 and IFR/Comm in 2019. CFI in 2022. ME in 2023. I was picked up by SkyWest on the CRJ and unfortunately washed out on the MV on a technicality. It's a long story, but the end result is we parted ways. For me, the jump to airline training after coming from flying 172's in fair weather was admittedly, tough. Even though I had the IFR quals and required time and I was legal, looking back, I can't honestly say at that time I was proficient. I was also 40 pounds overweight. Generally-speaking, my head and body wasn't in the game and I'm owning it. After SkyWest, I reflected and made some drastic yet positive changes. 3 months later, I was picked up by Mountain Air Cargo, a Part 121 and Part 135 FedEx feeder airline. I'm hope based out of Detroit. I was losing weight and had my head in the books. The training at FlightSafety was amazing. The instructors were so supportive and invested in my success, which is much more than I can say about my experience at SkyWest. In August '24, I earned my PIC type and ATP in the legacy ATR 42/72, regarded by many as one of the top 5 hardest transport category types to achieve. Started flying the line in September '22 and have since passed recurrent training. I have roughly 620 hours in type. I've been fortunate to fly in the frigid Minneapolis winters and also the sweltering heat and humidity of the Caribbean, gaining valuable international ETOPS time along the way. I really enjoy the multi-crew concept. We have fun at work! I feel very fortunate to fly at the ATP level. Every day for me is a rush! Living the dream! I hope to fly passengers one day. Edward, my company is currently seeking an ATR First Officer to be based in Borinquen, Puerto Rico. There is a location stipend that applies.
1-1 of 1
Simon Richards
2
15points to level up
@simon-richards-6585
ATR FO for a Part 121 FedEx feeder airline. Loves family, flying, food, EDM, cars and comedy.

Active 5d ago
Joined Nov 18, 2025
Powered by