On a warm cloudy summer Sunday afternoon at Santa Monica Airport, the pilot carried a duffle bag with his belongings, including his pilot certificate, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate, iPad with a flight planning app, flight logbook and an extra pair of sunglasses.
He checked in, grabbed the keys and walked toward the plane at the terminal. After doing a couple of laps around the plane for safety checks, he unchained the wheels, looked at the fuel on each wing, went through the safety checklist on the dashboard, and put on the headset. The rocket-loaded parachute located behind the baggage window of the Cirrus can be launched with the pull of a lever, which can guide the plane to a safe landing.
It’s time for takeoff.
It’s a typical day for Dave Rogers, a private pilot that enjoys flying around the country with friends, family or solo.
Rogers was born in Central Missouri and grew up outside St. Louis where, as a little kid, he wanted to either be an astronaut or a pilot. Ultimately, he decided to study art at Bradley University in Illinois before moving to New York, where he worked in advertising. He came out to Los Angeles in 2017 and attended Santa Monica Airport’s flight school.
Rogers had thought about going to the Air Force Academy, but he realized that it potentially involved war, and he was not keen on serving full time in the military.
For Rogers, flying is not a cheap hobby. Every time he turns on the propeller of a Cirrus SR20 or SR22, all he hears is “money, money, money, money, money.”
“The cheaper Cirrus that I fly at is $240 an hour, and that’s wet weight, so that includes fuel.” Rodgers said.
Rogers added that he likes the Cirrus’ safety features, including autopilot and a parachute system.
Rogers rents planes from two places—Santa Monica and Van Nuys airports. He is currently on the waitlist to join a flying club named AirSpacers to make it substantially cheaper, because he would become part owner with however many members are in the club.
“Buying a plane is always on my list, but I think I’d rather get a house before I get a plane,” Rogers said.
The requirements to become a commercial airline pilot include receiving a private pilot license, a plane, a commercial license and to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
Hannah Clader teaches everyone from beginners getting their first license to pilots working toward further ratings. She flies for United Airlines.
“I learned so much as an instructor just by helping others learn,” said Cladder, who taught Rogers in his introductory flight lesson. “Students are more responsible for the pace of the training.”
Between 2008 and 2009, requirements for pilots were changed to require an (ATP) airline transport license. Rogers has been flying for five years and needs about 250 more hours to qualify for an ATP. The license is a requirement to carry passengers in large jets.
“I don’t have a commercial license and I’m not chasing being an airline pilot.” Rogers said. “I would rather be home and fly someplace, you know, three, four days out of the month.”
On his flights, there are usually his family and friends as his passengers, and he is the only pilot.
“I’m like, hey look, I don’t think something’s going to happen, but if it does, this is the button you push,” Rogers said, referring to the parachute release.
Sonya Zammel Rogers, Dave Rogers’ wife, said she still worries about her husband because pilots who have crashed have had thousands and thousands of hours of flying experience.
After he achieved his license, the couple went to Santa Barabara on their third date to celebrate Sonya Rogers birthday.
“We packed some food, a little tiny birthday cake, and we just had a small picnic at the airport,” she said. “It was the best birthday ever.”
The couple’s passion for flying soars beyond and into their personal life. Despite the fear of an accident, they enjoy flying at least four times a month.
“It feels like total freedom,” Rogers said. “You’re above and beyond the hustle and bustle of regular day to day life. It also really shows you a different perspective of the planet.”
