RTC TRAINING - Key Persons
Bob Kendrick attended college in Missouri for Psychology, but quickly realized that he wanted to pursue a career in aviation, as it has been a part of his family for years. After building his flight time for 6-7 years, Bob received his first aviation job as a flight instructor and obtained his CFI, CFII, and ME. He then progressed into a career as a commuter pilot and then eventually as a Part 121 pilot.
Bob served as a captain and a check airman pilot flying under contracts with Evergreen International Airlines for Air New Zealand, Quantas, United Parcel Service, Saudia, and Air France. During his time as captain, Bob flew the B747-400, 747 Classic, DC-8, and the DC-9. His travels took him all over the world, including the U.S, Europe, the Middle East, Europe, India, and the South Pacific. Bob accumulated over 11,000 hours in the 747 and exceeded 15,000 of turbine time.
Bob is currently instructing with RTC specializing in King Air Initial and Recurrent training.
Before wanting to be a pilot, he wanted to be rich. Today, he has been flying for over 50 years. Charlie's time in the US Army influenced his interest in the world of aviation. Charlie's favorite aircraft's to fly are the 600 Aerostar and the C90-B KingAir. Before joining the RTC team, Charlie flew as a Chief Pilot at Linder Industrial Machinery, Bilberry & Associates, Latt Maxcy Corp, and Cone Constructions.
Howard Cox began his aviation career as a helicopter mechanic in the United States Marine Corps during the early 1960's. After being Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps, he began working on his private pilot certificate in 1967.
Howard took a break from aviation by embarking on a career in business, but made the decision to return to aviation in the 1990's and complete his Commercial SEL/MEL, CFII. Howard began a part-time career as an instructor/pilot in 1993 and became a MEL ATP in the mid 2000's
Howard has been a full time instructor and pilot since 1996. He joined a major national flight training company in the year 2000 as an instructor, progressed as a Director of Training, and was heavily involved in the company's FAA Part 142 certificate. He was with the company for 18 years before semi retiring.
"Staff was very helpful! Howard is a very knowledgeable and effective instructor!" -Charles McCrate (Pilatus PC-12)
Jim has been flying since 1972 and retired as a Captain with American Airlines with more than 26,000 hours of flight time. Jim has been interested in the aviation world ever since he was a kid and never thought about working anywhere else besides in the sky. Before joining the team at RTC Jim has flown for American Airlines, Milwaukee Jet, Aerodyne Beechcraft, US Airways, Chicago Beechcraft, Cessna Aircraft Co., Eastern Airlines, and Jonson Controls Inc.
Ever since he was 5 years old, Julio Otero - Rivera wanted to be a pilot. With the help of his successful Uncle, he was able to start logging his time by flying a C-46 as a M/E. In March of 1976 Julio soloed at New Smyrna Beach, FL and never looked back. Since his first flight he flew various commuters/regionals with Prinair, Eastern Metro Express, Bar Harbor and Comair. He had an illustrious career and retired after almost 33 years with UPS.
Kirk has been flying for 40 years starting at the age of 16. He began his professional flying career at 18 as a co-pilot on a King Air B100 and Citation II operating in and out of Chicago O'Hare. After a 27 year career at United, Kirk recently made his final landing at O'hare when he retired early as an Airbus Captain. Along the way he has accumulated 21,000 hours, flown for several large corporations, a few regional airlines and has remained active in the GA world having owned and operated various twin Cessnas and an MU2.
Even as he pursued his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, Louis Fierro was always interested in aviation. Today he has been flying for over 50 years, accumulating 29yrs & 28,000hrs of flight time, with his first solo flight in Feb of '72. Before joining the team at RTC, Louis has flown for numerous entities including, Hollywood Flying Service, CCA, National Jet, Jet charter service, Air Florida, Imperial Aviation, UPS, and the one and only Al Gore.
In a world of aviation, Pat's father was a huge influence for him. Pat had his first solo flight on August 1st, 1967. Before joining the RTC team Pat flew for Atlantic Southeast, Southern Express, Dolphin, Biltmore Construction, Marolf Inc, and St. Pete Airworld.
Troy Short began his flight career in 1985 where he studied Aviation Technology at St. Petersburg College. Between 1985 and 1990 Troy completed course work at Embry-Riddle while earning his Commercial SEL/MEL and CFII.
During the 1990's Troy volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol as a check airman pilot, conducted training classed and took part in search/rescue missions. Up until the early 2000's Troy was a flight instructor for Part 141 flight schools.
In early 2000, Troy slowed down his instructor time to accept a position with a Fortune 500 company and start a family. With his focus on his career and new family, Troy stepped down from the Civil Air Patrol but has continued to instruct part-time.
Today, Troy has an active flying schedule and instructs with RTC.