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!