Preparing for Solo

We finished the first "block" of flying last week and started the block which is meant to prepare us to fly solo. This is done in a very short amount of time. So the pressure is on to get things right on the ground as well as in the cockpit. The flights focus on basic aircraft control, radio work, and basic navigation. All of which is enough, in the eyes of the Air Force, to fly a 5-million dollar aircraft all by my lonesome. I'm pumped! Flying is not the only thing they have us focusing on...academics are still something that we must give some due attention. On Monday we are taking our Instruments 1 exam. It should go fine, I have been able to study this weekend, so I'm not all that worried about it. The picture to the right is all the academic material that I am responsible for during my time flying the T-6. It's quite daunting, but manageable.

Our scheduler told me that I could be one of the first few students to solo in our flight. They have been flying me pretty hard, which has led to me being ahead of most of the class. This being said, I should expect to solo on Friday, November 12th. That could change due to weather and other factors, but I would say there's a strong possibility that Friday will be the big day.

As for the flying so far: It is fun, but comes at a price. Every minute of every day feels like its devoted to studying SOMETHING. LOL, at this phase of flying, you always feel like you are behind and screwing things up. Last week I flew with with my regular IP, a LtCol who works for the wing staff here, and a full bird Col who is a commander from Randolph AFB. Both have been a lot of fun to fly with. They have 'been there and done that' so they bring a lot to the table for me to learn as well as have fun doing it. However, you do not have a choice in your IP and the IP I flew with Friday was definitely had a different approach. Lets just say you have to have a thick skin to fly with him...(What the F*** are you doing?! You are too high! Get on glide path! Are you F***ing awake up there?! , are some examples of my Friday flight...quite comical if you ask me) but nonetheless during the debrief, he had many good comments and suggestions to improve my weak areas. I took it as 'tough love' haha. Told me that for this phase of flying that I am ahead of the curve and progressing very well. It was a great way to transition to the weekend to catch up on my rest and sanity.

I look forward to another week of flying and getting paid to do it. It's a great feeling coming home at night feeling completely exasperated, knowing you just gave it your all. And to wake up the next morning to do it all over again.

NEXT: Solo!