This is a great entry by Bryan Lane, one of our 'now' instructors. Bryan received all of his training at In The Pattern, so this is a very good read on his journey!
Finding the Right Fit
Aviation has always fascinated me, but for most of my life, I believed it was a dream reserved for those with prior military experience or an aviation degree. At 31 years old, with a wife, two children, and a career I had already spent eight years building as a firefighter, I assumed that ship had long sailed. I was wrong. Everything changed in 2024 when I met an airline pilot who opened my eyes to the reality of the profession. He broke down the differences between Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools, helping me understand that Part 61 was the route best suited for my unique situation. While making a career change at this stage in life felt unsettling, the unwavering support of my family gave me the motivation to take the leap.
Finding the Right Fit
My search for a flight school led me to several options within a 30 to 45 minute radius from my house. One school stood out.. In The Pattern (ITP) in Denton. What initially drew me to ITP were the glowing reviews and accolades, including being named the "Best Flight School" in the nation. But beyond the awards, the logistics mattered. I needed a school that could accommodate my unpredictable schedule as a firefighter. The number of aircraft, combined with in-house maintenance, was a major selling point. I also kept reading about a man named "Sherman" and how exceptional he was—I had to see what the hype was about. From my very first visit, I was impressed. My mother and son accompanied me, making the tour of the planes and facilities a particularly special memory. Sadly, my mother passed away six months after that visit. Knowing how proud she was of my decision to pursue aviation became my anchor, providing motivation throughout my aviation journey.
The Journey: Student to CFII
I completed my training from student pilot to Certified Flight Instructor (CFII) in just under a year and a half. Balancing this with being a full-time husband, father of three, and firefighter was not easy. There were many long nights and early mornings. However, the instructors at ITP were the game-changer. Kate and Blair kept me motivated while holding me to high standards. They met me exactly where I was in terms of knowledge and skill, offering patience and tailored guidance every step of the way. The school worked seamlessly with my shift schedule, helping me devise a strategic plan for each certificate and rating. Whenever weather or maintenance grounded us, the team didn't let momentum stall. We supplemented with ground lessons or headed to the flight simulator, ensuring there was little to no wasted time. The support staff was equally vital in my success. The front desk managed scheduling flawlessly, maintenance kept the fleet ready, the ramp crew arrived first and left last to assist with towing aircraft, and management ensured check rides were scheduled efficiently.
A New Chapter
Through faith, family, and the incredible support of the entire ITP team, I achieved my goal. Today, I have the privilege of giving back as an instructor at ITP, training the next generation of pilots. I look forward to continuing to learn from my students, colleagues, and fellow pilots to remain a safe and competent aviator. If you have a dream of becoming a pilot, there is no better time than the present. Put in the work and make it happen. If I could do it, you surely can too!
