Tacos for dinner, Checkride for Desert

Hero shot overlooking a canyon near Del Rio

Since my last post, the weather patterns here in Del Rio, Mexico have changed.  The mornings are usually associated with heavy fog or low cloud layers.  This kept me from flying as much as I had hoped...oh well.

During my training and for the rest of my flying carer, I will always have to be formally evaluated on my progress and performance.  This is done in a form of a 'check ride'.    They sample your general knowledge, handling emergency procedures, and finally...flying the aircraft.  The whole process is quite simple really.  Yet, its impossible to avoid the stress and nerves that come with a check ride.

I returned from a really nice Thanksgiving break at home.  It was so nice to get a glimpse into the 'real world' which I miss so much.  It was so nice to see Stephanie again.  She picked me up from the airport and we both felt like kids on Christmas morning.  It was very exciting to be home.  We enjoyed many Thanksgiving dinners where we were able to catch up with friends and family that I have had not seen in quite a while.   It was not fun leaving after a short visit.  However, the good news is I will be home in a few short weeks for Christmas!



Returning to flying was very very interesting.  They gave me a flight which didn't count for any grade simply to get my stick and rudder hands back.  That flight went really well I thought.  Its nice not having any pressure.   As the flying continues, the standards are quickly going up.  Especially as our Flight approaches its first check ride, Mid-Phase.  This week I struggled to keep my flying up to standards.  Its strange, I feel like I am doing well...but when we land and debrief, I am told of my wrongful aviation deeds.  Needless to say, I ended up "Hooking" or "Taco-ing"  my 2 flights before my Mid-Phase.  No Bueno.  In pilot training, if you don't pass a ride, your grade in your grade book is a "U"...which looks like a hard shell taco or a fish hook...take your pick.  LOL.  Because I hooked 2 rides in a row, I was given an extra flight to get my act together.  Success!  I pulled it together and actually had a good flight.  It was a good feeling going into the check ride the next day.

The check ride was actually much less involved than I had made it out to be.  Don't get me wrong, their standards are high.  But I had to find a way to deal with all the stress and nerves.  It wasn't easy, but I studied hard and went into it with a positive attitude.  I suppose that attitude paid off (in addition to the family and friend support)!  I ended up passing with a final grade of "Excellent" and only 7 downgrades.  I totally outdid myself.  Its such a relief to have that monkey off my back.

Next up:  Instruments 2 exam and advanced aerobatics with much more area solo time :)