AA Capt Mahabir Farley - InSight Aviation - S03E03
Captain Mahabir Farley is an American Airlines pilots, who previously flew 737 & 747 for Atlas and Miami Air. He is a CFI Flight Instructor alumni from Wayman Aviation, and was even assitant chief pilot at the flight school.
Enjoy this episode of Wayman's InSight Aviation - S03E03
Wayman Eddy: Can you tell us about your experience working as a captain and the freedom it brings?
Capt Farley Mahabir: Well, within the guidelines of the airline you're working for, you do have a lot of freedom. You’re the captain, the pilot, or the FO (First Officer). You are in charge of that aircraft. Decisions will have to be made, and not everything is in the manual. It’s based on your experience. Sometimes you make decisions that aren’t covered in the manuals, and I really like that freedom. I don’t need to see the boss every day. They’re not looking over your shoulder. If you’re doing it right, you’ll have no issues.
Wayman Eddy: It sounds like you had a fast start in aviation. Can you tell us about your initial training?
Capt Farley Mahabir: Yeah, I went through the "Zero to Hero" program at ATP (Airline Transport Pilot school) in about seven months, including my CFIs (Certified Flight Instructor certifications). I was already in my late 30s, so this was my third career. I had to move fast since I had just had my third child and needed to complete everything quickly. Wayman was one of the few schools that offered such a fast-paced program back then.
Wayman Eddy: Wow, that's a tight timeline! You also mentioned your CFI work. How was that experience?
Capt Farley Mahabir: I wasn’t a part-time CFI. I flew every day for eight hours and did ground instruction afterward. I finished my 1,500 hours in about 12 to 13 months. I had to work hard because I had given up my own business and needed to get back to a “real job” to support my family.
Wayman Eddy: That’s an impressive work ethic. What about the transition from small aircraft to flying larger jets like the 737?
Capt Farley Mahabir: That transition wasn’t easy. Going from a Cessna 172 to a 737 is a huge jump. It’s like going from the second step to the eighth. When I first flew the 737, I felt like I was still on the runway long after we had taken off! The speed and complexity were overwhelming at first, but it’s all about getting used to the new environment.