My name is Daniel Pickens and I am an airline pilot. flight instructor and EFL teacher. I have been flying professionally for more than 6 years now and have taught English as a second language before that.
I will share with you my reasons for having gotten into this profession and how it has helped me become the international aviator I am today.
Although I was born there and would go from time to time for summer vacation, I spent most of my life living outside of America. I lived in European countries such as Italy, France and Spain.
I also live in North African countries such as Algeria. I also lived in the Emirates.
Growing up I went through different schools so I am familiar with many education systems. I went through the French, British, Spanish and American school systems.
This has taught me that a student's educational upbringing can influence how flight training can be different for them. Speaking of flight training...
I wish I could say that I was a great pilot. I was not. Aviation was a challenge because I didn't understand the cultural difference that came with aviation training.
You see, American aviation training follows the American style of education. If you are not familiar with it then you will have a hard time.
This is good for you because I will share with you the differences between your culture and American culture that can make learning easier.
Ultimately after my pilot training I decided to do something I genuinely enjoy as much: teach.
I became an EFL teacher around the world starting in South Korea. I then taught in other Asian countries including a brief time in Hong Kong and then Taiwan.
This experience has taught me a lot about the grammatical differences between one's language and English. It also taught me about how useful English is and particularly in the world of aviation.
After teaching English in Morocco, my wife and I decided that it was time to go back into flying. I went into doing a job I really enjoyed: flight instruction.
I became a flight instructor in 2018. Through it I was able to bring my experience as an EFL teacher and my knowledge about cultural differences to the flight deck. This has allowed me to help international students in ways that other flight instructors could not.
Also I was able to tailor my English speaking for my international students so that they could learn more effectively.
My dedication to teaching and helping my students become better than me has allowed me to receive the honor of the Gold Seal.
This attitude with a good flight school such as Melbourne Flight Training has provided the students with what they needed to succeed in aviation.
Today I fly a wide body aircraft around the world. I have flown all over the place and am familiar with the English differences throughout the world.
If you are a current professional pilot I can tailor your English learning to match the requirements of your region.
This has also introduced me to ICAO English and its standardization. I have also noticed that the United States, despite it being an English speaking country, is not familiar with the expectations in ICAO which makes flying in the US challenging for many.
It is very important that people speak a standardized version of English because of the nature of the job. I know that simply being able to speak and understand English is not enough in today's environment.
As you are learning English and going to the United States you will face many challenges. This doesn't mean that you will face those challenges alone. You will find a lot of support with other students like yourself as you go to the United States. If you go to a good flight school you will also find helpful staff.
This might not be enough, however.
With my experience as an EFL Teacher, professional pilot, certified flight instructor and world traveller I know I can best tailor your learning to meet your needs as an aviator. This is the truth whether you are just starting your career or are a twenty year airline captain.
So I look forward to getting to know you and working with you so that you too can reach your goals in the world of aviation.
Feel free to contact me below for your free 30 minute consultation. I look forward to hearing from you!