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!