The stage is set

Stage where they announced our assignments

The last check ride went well!  Some weather rolled in that week and forced me to change my profile from Air-Drop to Air Refueling.  This was great news considering the Air Refueling makes more sense for me going to the KC-10.  We briefed, we flew, we completed!  Friday was a great day to check since it was also our drop night.  Most of the guys were back in the flight room socializing and wondering what aircraft they might get assigned later that night.  It was such a wonderful feeling being finished!  I felt like I was floating everywhere I went that day.  Our drop was pretty awesome.  For the most part, everyone is very happy with their future assignment.  You could sense once it was all over everyone could breathe a sigh of relief.  Knowing was half the battle.

In the meantime, I am busy out processing as much as I possibly can so that when the family gets here I can spend time with them.  As I write this, there is only six days until they all get here.  I cannot wait!  In the meantime I am spending the time going to the gym (*cough* golfing), packing my apartment, and enjoying quality time with some of my flight-mates here at Laughlin.  My next post will be when I have wings!  ...typing that gives me chills.

3rd Hole @ Leaning Pines (Laughlins Golf Course)

After graduation Steph and I will be driving back to the great Garden State to our new home.  I start my KC-10 Initial Qualification school October 7th.  Life is great!

Next:  Graduation!

It all comes down to this!

Not much to report since my last post.  The flying is going great and the number of flights remaining until I am finished is evaporating quickly!  I found out that I will have my last check ride in pilot training this Friday.  I love Friday check-rides!  Right now, much work is being done to prepare and make sure that this week goes smoothly.

Also, Friday is our drop night.  Everyone is getting excited.  The base essentially parties in our classes' name Friday night all the while the active duty folks in my class find out what air frame they will fly for their carer.  Should be exciting  I'll have more to come by this weekend.

Next:  Last Check-ride, Drop!

Official 'hero-shot' taken in T-1's

Laughlin AFB T-1 Class 11-15

Nav Check Complete!!!

WOW!  What a relief to pass the hardest, most involved check-ride in all of UPT.  It was a very long day that started very very early with pre-flight planning and gathering things needed to brief and fly the check ride.  Luckily I had the help of some dudes in my class that also showed up early to help me get my preparations ready early so I can focus on the brief, the ground (general knowledge) evaluation, and the complicated flight that I had planned.  We were warned that the ground evaluation was more involved than any other check ride to date.  There is a large amount of information that I am responsible for and all of that was fair game for the check pilot to ask me.  Good thing I studied a lot, the ground evaluation went off without a hitch.

The flight went as good as I had hoped it could go.  I made a few bonehead mistakes but nothing that would make me 'hook' the ride.  There is something to be said about the stress involved in a check-ride.  It makes you say and do some of the strangest things you may have never done before.  For some reason, my public math was equivalent to that of a 2nd grader.  For the life of me I struggled to make simple math computations in my head necessary in flight.  Also...I forgot to retract my speed-brakes for about 20 min during the flight when I did not need them.  LOL.  The speed brakes are just as they sound...they help slow you down in a more aggressive manner.  We don't use them often, but I had to during a descent into my planned airport where I was to fly approaches.  Anyway, my IP found it funny...as did I...after I knew I passed.

So I passed and that weight is now lifted off my shoulders.  Yet, there is no rest for the weary who are exhausted and are eager to graduate pilot training.  The very next day I flew my first formation flight in the T-1.  Formation in a larger aircraft is much different than what it was like when I flew the T-6.  We stay much further away from each-other and the maneuvers are less aggressive.  Nonetheless, it is very fun!  I'm almost finished with the formation block of training and then I move on to Air Refueling and Air Drop flying.  Both should be fun, especially air refueling.  These are relativity short blocks of training.  After they are completed...I will be done with all the flying requirements in pilot training!!!  Needless to say, graduation is rapidly approaching.  I am so excited to see my family when they visit for graduation.  As I type this, there are 44 days remaining until I graduate on September 30th, 2011.  I CAN'T WAIT!

NEXT:  Mission Fam (Form, Air Refueling, Air Drop) Check Ride, Drop Night, and Graduation!

X-Country

Not much to report since my last post.  The daily grind has been routine, yet still very busy.  This past week I completed my Cross Country requirement in T-1s.  This flight is very similar to a normal out & back flight with the exception that I stay over night at a airport of my choosing.  My flying partner and I decided on a sweet plan a few days prior to the flight.  We went to Chenault, LA for the first leg/stopover to get some good approach work in as well as some awesome food.  We went to a restaurant near the airport which served mostly Cajun style food.  I went with a shrimp and okra gumbo.  It was spicy and delicious...if only they had food and hospitality like that in Del Rio, TX.  That night was my turn to fly.  It is so much fun flying at night.  The radios are quiet, the air is cool and smooth, and the lights re-shape the landscape into something that represents a Christmas tree.  It's pretty awesome!   After all my approach work and landings at night, I landed at Ellington, TX for our overnight stop over.  The airport was pretty sweet since it had lodging for pilots right next to the ramp.  Not to mention the lodging was also very cheap.  That convenience was pretty awesome since we got in late and all I wanted to do was relax.  My flying partner had a friend that lived in Houston, TX (20 min away from Ellington, TX).  He came to pick us up from the airport and we went downtown to a Flying Saucer to enjoy a few good brews.  Too bad it was so late when we finally arrived at the bar.  We only had enough time for a few drinks.  Needless to say, it was alright with me, I was exhausted.  The next day I woke up mid morning and helped my flying partner plan for our flight back to Laughlin.  The flight went well and it was a nice way to go to the weekend. 

Relaxing after a good X-country flight

Now everything is geared towards the Nav Checkride which should be here next week for me.  The weeks are passing like days.  Graduation will be here before I know it.

Next: Nav Checkride.

T-1 Navigation

T-1s on the flight line at Laughlin

Well the Navigation Phase of flying the T-1 has been in full swing for the past few weeks.  It has been quite fun honestly.  My flights include flying to an airport about an hour away, shoot instrument approaches, then come home after a few hours.  During a couple of the flights I flew a Low Level leg as well as a VFR leg.  Both are very similar as they require me to use a detailed map to determine ground reference points to fly too.  However the Low Level is exactly as it sounds...its low to the ground!  500ft most of the time!  This is pretty nuts considering the aircraft we are flying...but I think its a fun part of flying that I never got to do with my civilian pilots license.

All has been going well through the 4th of July weekend.  It was very nice to come home for four days to rest and relax from the daily grind of pilot training.  Stephanie and I were fortunate to get some quality time together which we needed badly.  Friday night, CJ, Miller, Jess, and many of Steph's co-workers at The Seaview came out to the 19th hole bar in Galloway.  I had so much fun with that whole crowd, it really made me miss home.  The next few days were spent enjoying BBQ's with family and friends, fireworks, and being lazy with my future wife.  What could be any more American?  Oh! Did I mention the beach? As I have always complained about, going back to Laughlin is never easy.  Luckily we only have 3 more months until I graduate pilot training and I can return to somewhat of a 'normal' life back in New Jersey. 

Longport Beach, NJ

Returning to Laughlin, as I said, can be rough.  In this case, it was very difficult.  I flew first thing on Tuesday morning and lets just say...I was not on my game.  Some days you just can't do anything right in the aircraft...and this was one of those days.  Needless to say, I hooked the ride, deservingly so.  I got the next day off and was able to get the chance to get my  things in order and plan for my next flight on Thursday.  Short story: That didn't go well also.  Bummer!  I have now just hooked 2 rides in a row.  This isn't cool in the pilot training world since it triggers certain things that you want to avoid.  I had to meet with my flight commander to discuss whats going on and if anything is keeping me from doing well as well being on a "bad boy" program called CAP which identifies me as having flying deficiencies.  It stinks because it's practically a sign posted on my forehead that says 'retard'...sorry more PC would be "special needs".  It can be annoying at times when I fly with new IPs that do not know me.  What is nice that since I have been declared "special needs" in UPT, the IPs that I have flown with have told me that its crazy that I'm on it.  A few more flights and I will be able to get off the special needs program lol.  Lesson learned this week: everyone has a bad day/week sometimes.  Just gotta dust yourself off and move on sometimes.

Now I'm about 3 weeks away from one of the biggest check-rides in all of pilot training...The Navigation Check ride.  I hear its pretty involved and I have to be on my A-game.  Lucky for me, I have been preparing early and feel like I'm on track to give that Check Ride hell when its my time.  Time here at Laughlin is flying by!!  The weeks go by like days.  This is really awesome because I just cant wait for my Fiance Stephanie and all of my family to be here for graduation...so I can finally leave this place!!!!!

NEXT:  Cross Country (Overnight) flights followed by Check ride that next week.  Go Phillies!         

Transition Checkride Complete!

These last few weeks have been very exciting, and very stressful all at the same time.  First, as my headline says, I passed my first checkride in T-1's!  But I'll get to that in a min...

My fathers wedding was over Memorial Day weekend.  I was excited to come home for the wedding, as well as see other family and friends.  After all, it had been nearly 9 weeks since I was last home back in March.  This stretch of time was particularly difficult on Stephanie and I.  We are not the type that handles being apart from each-other very well.  Even when I am home and she has to go to work, I would plan my meals so that I could eat at Fitzpatricks...just so I could see her.  Anyway, I was nice to be home to see Steph, her family, as well as CJ and Miller.

Best Man Speech

My Dad's wedding was very nice.  The ceremony was very beautiful.  They had such a perfect day for such an occasion.  It was nice to see two people happily in love commit to each-other.  The ceremony was followed by a very nice reception at Cousin Mario's out in Mays Landing, NJ.  It was an intimate gathering of friends and family...which turned out to be a lot of fun.  I was honored to give the toast, and I know it was well received.  CJ and Miller came out to crash the after party which was awesome.  I had not seen them since March.  It's always nice catching up with them.

As always, the weekend was not long enough.  Monday came too quickly and I had to return back to Laughlin to face my dreaded check ride which was looming over my head. 

Check rides are always stressful, especially in Pilot Training.  This is nothing new...I just could do without the stress and anxiety that comes with it.  The week following Memorial Day Weekend I spent studying very hard.  The Transition Check ride was to evaluate me on my basic ability to plan a mission and fly, to include take off and landing as well as other basic maneuvers.  There is a big emphasis on my 'general knowledge' as well which includes nearly everything that is in the books.  I flew well until my "2-Check", which is a dress rehearsal to the check ride.  I felt as if I flew a strong ride, however, my IP caught me on some 'showstopper' items.  He decided to hook me as well as my flying partner.  My flying partner has similar difficulties as well.  Needless to say, we were not all that upset.  We were given another free flight to which we can iron out these things that would have certainly led us to hooking our check ride.  Our 2-Check (Take 2) went off without a hitch.  In-fact, it was probably one of my strongest rides in T-1's to date. 

T-1A on Final Approach

The check ride was on Tuesday, June 7th.  It was a very long and stressful day.  The checkride started out with our normal brief which includes what the weather is like and if there might be anything that would keep us from flying.  That was followed by about 20min of General Knowledge questions.  That went well...good thing I studied like I did.  Our check-IP was very relaxed and made us feel more comfortable in the plane.  After a long flight to Dyess, AFB to shoot patterns and to perform basic maneuvers, we returned to Laughlin.  We were debriefed on a few small things that we could improve on, but overall he was very happy with our performance and passed both me and my flying partner with an "Excellent" overall.  We were pumped...and exhausted.  It was such a relief to be done with the Transition Phase.

Now we are preparing for the Navigation Phase.  This includes planning flights to places that are about an hour away and shooting approaches.  Stopping at that airport, fueling up, getting dinner, and returning back to Laughlin.  There is a lot of planning involved with theses flights.  Much more than any of my Transition flights.  But I am excited to be moving right along in T-1's!  It feels like UPT will be over before I know it!

NEXT:  Navigation Flying, Home for the 4th of July!

T-1 Transition

The last few weeks has been filled with academics and flying.  The first "phase" of my T-1 training is called the "Transition" phase.  The purpose of this phase is to get you familiar with the jet.  This includes getting a feel for how it handles in flight and how the different systems work together.

A typical flight includes me, another student who sits in the jump seat, and an IP.  There are maneuvers that we need to get down that are fundamental to flying the aircraft.  We will go to the MOA (Military Operating Airspace)  and practice steep turns, stalls, and some slow flight.  The student sitting jump will swap seats with me in the left seat and he will do the same maneuvers.  After the area work is finished, we head out to a designated out-base where we practice our pattern work and learn to land the T-1.  We practice landing in different flap configurations which helps us be more proficient no matter what configuration we are in.  Emergencies are also practiced in the pattern.  The IP will bring one engine to idle and we have to land the aircraft with just one engine.  It may not sound like that big of a deal, but with only one engine running, a large yawing or turning motion is created due to differential thrust.    This makes landing quite a challenge lol.  Anyway...it's all coming along very well!  So far I have been getting good grades on my flying.  I just hope I can keep it up.

My first check ride will be coming up soon.  If things keep going as well as they have been in the last few weeks, I'm confident that the check ride should go well.


Next:  Memorial Day!  Coming home for Dad's wedding and to see friends and family.  Transition Check Ride in early June.

T-1 Academics

T-1 Cockpit - My new front office

USAF  T-1

The start of T-1's has been very nice.  Our days are relatively straight forward with normal show times of about 8am every morning.  It sure beats the 530am shows we were getting during the end of the T-6 program.  Our days usually consist of some classroom based instruction as well as 'death by power-point'.  I find all the material very interesting.  They are teaching us all about the systems (Fuel, Engines, Hydraulics, ect.) as well as getting us into the simulator to get familiar with the new cockpit.  This relaxed pace has made it difficult to be motivated to study.  It's so nice to be able to go to the gym and maybe get a round of golf in one afternoon.  Needless to say, I have been good about keeping a good study schedule.  Reading about the T-1 makes me more and more excited to want to fly it!

Go-Karts!

At this point there really is not much else going on.  I spent the last weekend in San Antonio with some of the guys in my class.  We had a good night at Dave and Busters.  Combined we spent a lot of money and all we had to speak for it was a couple of stuffed animals and knick-knacks.  We also spent the afternoon at a grand prix-esqe go-kart track.  It was a lot of fun to whip around the track at speeds much faster than what you would find at the boardwalk.  Also, Stephanie and I sent out the save the dates for our wedding.  That is another big hurdle that we are happy to have accomplished.  I think they came out very nice.  I enjoy taking part of the wedding planning.  It keeps me focused on what I have to look forward to when I graduate UPT in September.

Next:  Dollar ride in the T-1!    

T-6 Complete!

So I have slacked a bit since my last post...

The last month in the T-6 has been action packed with many flights and 2 check-rides.

Typical Approach Plate Used for IFR

As I mentioned, they were flying me in both Instruments and Formation at the same time.  It was un-nerving not being able to fully focus on one or the other.  Early in March, my scheduler came to me and advised me that he was going to plan my flights such that I would have my Instrument check ride by the end of that week.  This was great news and I was up for it.  That whole week was spent practicing [flying] approaches to various airports that surround Laughlin AFB.  Every flight was to mimic what the actual check ride would be like.  Flying instruments is not really that difficult.  It is a lot of level flying with very smooth and coordinated turns and power settings.  The real challenge was studying all the rules and regulations that are associated with Instrument flying.  The Air Force puts out volumes of literature regarding this subject.  Being responsible for knowing this information was key to my success during the check ride.  Needless to say, Friday came and my check ride was scheduled for the afternoon.  I had a partly cloudy and windy day which made it quite a challenge to fly that day.  The turbulence really picks up as you get closer to the ground on windy days.  After a 1.3hr flight, the IP called me up to discuss my book smarts and knowledge of emergency procedures.  It was such a relief after it was all over and told me that I did an "Excellent" job with only 4 downgrades.  I was pretty impressed with myself.  I had no idea I flew that well.  I took the grade gracefully and looked forward to celebrating that night with the rest of the guys in my flight.

T-6 Formation

There was no rest for the weary; that next day I was scheduled to start flying the last few formation flights I had left in the program.  Since I only had a few left, this meant that another check-ride was imminent.  Luckily, I loved formation flying.  I ended up flying my last formation flights with a very cool IP.  He was a LtCol who has "been there and done that."  He created a really relaxed environment and had a lot to teach and pass on to me.  I could tell he loved to fly formation as well.  Needless to say all my rides leading up to the check-ride went great.  The check-ride was bittersweet.  I was excited to be complete with all my T-6 check-rides, however, it may have been the last time I would ever perform the maneuvers that were performed on that flight.  Oh well.  Upward and onward...right?

Our UPT Class Patch

Following formation, they send you on 2 "Low Level" flights which ended up being very cool.  These flights get you close to the ground (500') to simulate some tactical flying that some pilots might see later on in their carer.  They were very relaxed flights and fun to fly.

Steph and I in front of a T-6

After finishing my low level flights...I was FINALLY T-6 complete!  It was even more special because Stephanie had been visiting me that whole week and she was able to watch me come back from my flight and debrief for the last time in T-6 land.  As a tradition, when you complete a phase of training in pilot training, you turn your flight patch upside-down to signify that you have completed the program.  It was awesome to have Steph do the honors of flipping the patch.  It meant a lot to me...now another milestone has come and gone.

One of our Engagement Pics

That next week I was able to take leave and go home for nearly a week.  Steph had left TX a few days earlier and we were not expecting to see each-other for quite a few weeks.  I kept the news of my travels home a secret from her and was able to surprise Steph at her work.  My mother and I enjoyed a nice surprise lunch and Steph was excited to have me home.  We spent that week relaxing and enjoying the things that I miss when I am in TX.  We were able to get many wedding plans taken care of to include the reception food tasting, save the dates, engagement pictures, guest lists, to name a few.  To see the rest of our pictures click here .  Stephanie and I are excited for this wedding (DUH lol) and I means a lot to us both to be able to plan some of these things together.  However, like all vacations home, they always end too early. 

 The T-1

I returned back to Laughlin AFB to enjoy some golf and other relaxing activities.  "Track Select" is another milestone in pilot training.  This is when the Air Force tells us weather we are going to go fly the T-38 (Fighter/bomber) or the T-1 (Tanker/Airlift) in our next phase of training.  Since I am reserve and know that I am in the KC-10 pipeline, I knew that I was to track T-1s.  The active duty folks did not.  This made it exciting when they announced who was going to fly these different "track" aircraft.  

So April 1st I start the T-1.  They have issued me all the standard books and materials that I will have to learn.  I really like our class and our IPs.  It should make for a good time in Phase III.


Next:  T-1 Academics then we hit the Flightline 25Apr11.  Dads wedding is over Memorial Day.  I am looking forward to coming home for that! 

Light at the end

T6 Flying through clouds

Since my last post the flying schedule has slowed down a bit.  They front-loaded our flying in the beginning to account for possible bad weather later.  Since the weather has been pretty nice here, we have not been delayed that much.  This has put all the students in my class ahead of schedule...hence the slowing of the flying tempo.  This has been nice since it has allowed me to get caught up in the books more since they still have us flying both Instruments and Formation.

Oak Wine Barrels

This past weekend was my birthday and I finally turned 27!!  Phew!  I have waited so long for this and cant believe that its come and gone.  Haha who am I kidding?  Anyway, it was actually a very nice birthday weekend.  Stephanie, my Mother, and her boyfriend Tommy came to visit me in San Antonio for the weekend.  It was so nice to see them as it provides the break I have been looking for from all this routine at pilot training.  We spent most of our time eating, drinking, and being merry on the River-walk here in San Antonio.  I always have so much fun with this crazy crowd.  Saturday we went up to Ferdricksburg, TX to tour a winery and enjoy the local fair that the town has to offer.  It was really cool to see the whole process in person as to how they make wine.  That next day we went to the San Antonio Conservatory which is a place to go if you like trees, plants, and lots of flowers.  The day started off kind of miserable due to the low clouds and fog.  Yet we were persistent and went anyway so that Steph and I could get some good pictures that would be used for wedding paraphernalia.  Needless to say it all actually worked out and the day flew as we had our fun.  These weekends always end so quickly.  After a quick lunch I had to drop the gang off at the airport so that they can return to their lives back in NJ.

Stephanie & I @ the SA Conservatory, TX

I have approached the end of each category [Instrument & Formation] of flying in my training and it has been set that I will have my Instrument Check-ride first.  It seems that the Instrument flying is all coming together.  I seem to be doing very well with abiding by all the rules and procedures that are involved with flying off your instruments only.  I feel pretty confident that this check-ride will go over quite well.  As I say that, it's time I got back to the books...

T6 in "Close Trail" Formation

NEXT:  Instrument Check-ride followed by Formation Check-ride the following week.

Cross Country

So cross-country has come and gone already...and was it fun!

Most of last week was spent doing Instrument rides to get me prepared for the 1800 mile trek.  Most of it was learning how to create flight plans, read charts, and plan fuel burns to make sure we arrive with enough gas.  It's never good to run out of gas in the sky...maybe that's why the KC-10 is so appealing to me.  Lots of gas lol.  Friday myself and 5 other student pilots spent the morning planning out the exact route of flight.  We had to make phone calls to make sure that we could get gas at the airports we were flying to and hotels at the cities we were staying over night at. 

Overflying parts of West Texas heading to El Paso.

We took off later that afternoon with a plan to stay overnight in Tucson, AZ on Friday.  We also planned to stay at Ft.Worth, TX Saturday night and then go back to Laughlin on Sunday.  Pretty good plan if you ask me.  We flew along the border of the US & Mexico to El Paso for gas.  It was so nice to finally get out of the training 'bubble' at Laughlin and see some real-world flying.  We followed the sun as it set while flying to Tucson.  It was such a pretty sight...I wish I had taken a picture.  

We landed at Davis-Monthan AFB which is located in Tucson.  It was quite convenient to stay over night at a military base since they have the services we need and know how to treat transient aircrews very well.  They let us use a military van to get around town which was pretty sweet.  We were all starving when we landed.  When we got to the hotel, we quickly changed and went right to dinner at a popular restaurant/bar on UofA's campus.  As it turned out, my cousin Ruth is a JR at UofA and ended up meeting me out at dinner.  It was very nice to get the chance to catch up with her.  Especially since I do not get the chance to talk to her much.  She seems to be doing very well in Tucson.  

View of our T-6 and the A-10s in the background as we preflight our jet.

 

There was no rest for us...we woke up early that Saturday so that we could get to Ft.Worth at a reasonable time.  It was going to be the longest leg of our cross country.  This leg wasn't all that fun for me since I was sporting a major headache the whole way.  Now I know what your thinking...he must have drank too much Friday.  I must say on the record that I did enjoy a few quality brews, but in no way did I take it too far.  It was just one of those days...

Anyway, we finally landed in Ft.Worth.  My radio work in the airplane is slowly coming along at this point.  It was crazy how quick everything happens once you get close to a VERY busy airspace such as Dallas/Ft.Worth.  Nonetheless we made it and it was nice to get to our sweet hotel rooms and head downtown for some food. 

Midland, TX.  Stopped here for food...

I decided not to bite the bullet that night and go out with the rest of the pack.  I was feeling so horrible that all I wanted to do was go bed.  As it turns out...that was one of the best decisions I had made all weekend.  I woke up Sunday morning very refreshed.  

Our flight on Sunday was very short.  It was that point in the training when most of the Instrument work starts to make sense.  Radio calls are still requiring some work lol...  We landed early in the afternoon and that completed the long trip.  I was very nice to be back.  But no rest for the weary...as Monday I had to report in for work and continue my studying and flying.  

View over the wing of the T-6

We are getting very close to finishing up T-6's.  I only have about 12 more flights and 4 more sims.  Among those flights, however, are 2 check rides which I am taking very seriously since they require a lot of advanced flying and knowledge of the aircraft. 

My mother and Stephanie are coming out next week for my birthday.  That will be a very cool weekend!  And shortly after that Steph is coming back out during her spring break.  It will be so nice to have her around as things really start to warm up here in Texas.

Overall route of my xcountry

Formation SOLO

Laughlin AFB Flight line - T-6's

This week turned out to be a great week.  On Tuesday, I had my last academic exam for the T-6.  It was such a relief to walk out of that exam knowing that I do not have to worry about studying for an exam until I start T-1s.  This lets me focus more on things that are relevant to my current flying. 

As I have mentioned before, they are really pushing the formation flying on me...which I'm not complaining about.  It is a relatively short block of training and I am having a lot of fun doing it.  On Wednesday, I flew formation in the morning and then in the afternoon my IP told me that I was going to be doing a formation sortie...SOLO!  Let me just tell you:  It was the most exhilarating flight I have ever flown!  It is a special feeling when you know that you are the Aircraft Commander.  The responsibility to fly safe and manage the $5mil aircraft all on your own is something student pilots are eager to take on.  When I landed and took off my g-suit, my flight suit was soaked from sweat.  I cant imagine why? LOL.  This marks the last time that I will ever be solo in a USAF aircraft again.  So I suppose you could say that this was a milestone in my USAF career. 

T-6 Cockpit

Now the fun continues, but takes on a serious tone as my formation check-ride is only about a week and a half away.  They are teaching us [students] some more advanced maneuvers in the meantime which are very interesting and fun. 

Next up:  Formation check-ride followed up by cross country trip Mid-Feb.

Catching Up

It has been a while since my last post (sorry).  The pre-holiday madness combined with the stress of the flying made it hard to keep up with many things.  Anyway, this should provide some sufficient redemption and put everyone back in the loop with all that is going on here in Texas.

I finished my Final Contact phase just before the Christmas break.  It was such a relief to be done with that madness.  Now I get to move on to Formation and Instrument flying.  But only after the nice long Christmas break!


Coming home was very special.  Christmas time is my favorite time of year and was so happy to get to spend it with friends and family that I have missed since being away in TX.  We got hit with a blizzard a few days after I got home.  It was so nice to be snowed in for a day with Stephanie.  We were able to relax, watch movies, and I have become somewhat of a master at a card game called "Skip-Bo" that she taught me a few months ago.  I enjoy kicking her butt at it.  Anyway, it was nice to get together with everyone and celebrate the season, and catch up with family and friends that I missed.

New Years was fun.  Chris had a party at his new condo with all the local celebrities.  CJ, Megan, Miller, Jess (Miller's newly minted girlfriend...we like her a  lot), Steph and others were there to ring in what promises to be an exciting 2011.  Days flew by enjoying the simple creature comforts that I have come to love when being home in South Jersey.

But alas,  Laughlin needed me to return so I can get back to flying.  The up-side to this is Stephanie came back to Del Rio with me!  It was so nice having her there.  Being able to spend time with her is awesome.  Even if I was super busy with academics or studying, she was there cheering me on, making me dinner, cleaning my already immaculately clean apartment, and meeting the other guys in my flight and some of the respective wives.  The first weekend she was here we left Del Rio and headed north to a quaint town called Fedricksburg, TX.  It is known for their German food and wine.  There are about 6 winery's up there and we spent most of the day tasting all sorts of wines.  Some were good, some...well not so good.  Had some micro-brew beer and a nice German dinner to top off the night.  Her visit culminated that following weekend with a nice weekend in San Antonio.  Her parents from NJ and Aunt & Uncle from Colorado also visited and made for a really fun weekend!  Needless to say it was very sad to have that weekend come to an end and see Steph fly home to NJ.  I am excited for her as she has a very busy schedule at Stockton  College this semester with some interesting classes. 

They have us doing both Instrument and Formation flying at the same time.  This is not a common thing at pilot training.  This makes for a very intense information/academic uptake.  There is so much to know for both kinds of flying.  Most of us [students] are trying to figure out the method behind the madness...but have yet to figure it out.  Nonetheless, I seem to be picking it up fairly well.  Its always a struggle, but I feel I am able to keep up with the demands of my IPs and fly well.  They seem to be pushing the formation more than the instrument flying right now...well see how it goes. Below is a video of what I'm currently doing when I strap on a T-6...
It's pretty exciting.  This video is not me flying, but someone recording themselves doing exactly what I'm doing now.  Needles to say, I come back from my Form flights totally pumped and excited.  Best flying I have ever done to date!

Not me...but I have the same view on my flights :)

That about covers it for right now.  Standby for more pictures and updates!