This past Wednesday the Rose Cafe had a new and exciting, question-based dynamic as we discussed flight with Mike Comella, a pilot for Delta Connection. I was very interested to lean of how Mr. Comella stumbled upon his flying career as he was on a bike ride one day of his sophomore year. The journey that ensued for Mike was one of many flying hours to get a shocking number of certifications. The training that goes into becoming a pilot is extensive and certifications are extremely specified. I was surprised to learn this but it did offer me comfort getting into a plane in the U.S.

The most surprising thing I learned from his rose cafe was about the work hour regulations in place for pilots. I was mostly shocked to learn that these regulations have only been implemented in the past five years. Due to accidents that act as the catalyst for change, laws have restricted the hours of flight a pilot can clock in a day a week and even a month. Prior to this an ambitious pilot could just fly as many hours as they could push themselves to do regardless of fatigue or health. I am glad to know that these things are monitored now and many large commercial airlines even have entire positions and departments dedicated to the management of these healthy work schedules.