APPROVED!

I finally received an approval and am able to continue on my quest.  I am so happy to go on with this great group of cohorts and friends.  The camaraderie and friendships are one of the reasons I wanted to become a pilot, it is like having a bunch of brothers united by a common love for aviation. While I am happy to be at this stage I am also somewhat disappointed by the lack of assistance I received from my school.  It appears that I can not make them understand their role in the process and the responsibilities that are theirs. I still hope to make a difference for future students and to draw attention to the issues surrounding aviation training funding.  I am also worried that our tax dollars are not being spent in a sensible manner, but I need to look into this more before I can form a valid opinion. Anyway, I am happy to continue without delay. Flying blind is the motto for this semester - aka Instrument Flight Rules.  I look forward to flying the R44 and sporting some fashionable foggles!

Sorry for the neglect

Well it has been a while since I have had the mind to post.  The good news is - I AM A PILOT!  It took me just over 7 month and just above 55 hours to get my private pilots license.  I am so proud to have made it this far and am overwhelmed with joy for the support I have received from the one I love the most.  Without her it would not have been possible to make it this far.
     The bad part is that I am struggling through the financing void that exists for helicopter pilot training.  This is extremely irritating because it causes more stress for those who have been so supportive of my endeavor, as well as myself.  When I started, I began with a loan that would have been sufficient to assist me in the completion of my program.  The part that I had to reapply for every term did not concern me, because the aggregate loan amount exceeded my anticipated needs. Since then I have had to learn more about lending and associated laws then I ever cared to learn.  What I have learned is frustrating, because it requires me to make other people care about my situation, because they need to do their job to ensure I can get financing.  The people I am referring to are the administrators of the school and the bankers who have returned to the cushy life of playing god, after we bailed them out.  The banks decided to change the loans they would make available to my 2 year college and the administrators of the school, who are there to assist me, seem to know little about what they need to do to ensure financing is available for all the degrees and programs they offer. One would think that if you start a program with a certain loan, that this loan should be available for the duration of the program and should not be able to be yanked from you in the middle of your course of study.  Kind of like signing up for a car loan, you agree to the terms and make your payments until the car is yours, nobody can change them unless you miss your payments. It has taken me over two month just to get the people in the financial aid department to understand and realize that their financing options have been changed by the banks and that they are the ones who need to correct this problem to be in compliance with Arizona State and Federal law. Now my semester has begun and due to all the delays I am still without financing, but things are looking good and I hope to have financing secured by the end of this week. Cross your fingers if you are one of the few to read my blog.
      What this has taught me is, that instead of being bitter about this situation, I want to take on this issue and  invest my time for those future aviators by raising awareness regarding the general void in helicopter pilot training financing.  People may not consider how important this small part of the aviation community is, until there loved one is flown to a hospital in time to receive critical care, or is rescued in a remote area that could otherwise not be reached.
     I have written letters to some of our elected officials, and hope to find other ways to make people aware of the need for financing to train future helicopter pilots.

The poem that has accompanied me since day one

High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941

Back in the saddle

It seems like the past few weeks have been the longest of my life.  My aviator friends failed to warn me how addictive flying is. Well I am glad to count myself as a member of the addicts in this case.  Yesterday was my first flight after the summer break and I got to enjoy the company of a new instructor while working out the rust. Actually I was pretty happy with my flight, I guess once it is in your blood, it is like riding a bike.  This phase of training will probably be very intense as all the new challenges of cross-country flight planning are added to flying the machine. My first stage check (stage 2) will be in just a couple of weeks followed by a solo cross-country flight.  Stage 3 will be close behind were we fly with the chief pilot and pretend we are with the FAA examiner.  The FAA check ride for private pilot will be towards the end of the short semester - once passed I will be a certificated pilot!  The thought makes me smile!

Last day until Summer School

It has been an amazing ride.  Being able to sit here and know that after a few short month, I am able to safely fly a helicopter and have the required knowledge to become a certificated pilot by the end of this summer is amazing.  It has been a wonderful experience becoming a PIC, while watching our cohort grow into a cohesive group of pilots.  Watching the bonds and friendships grow has been as satisfying as my own personal growth as a pilot and person.  Living the dream, has brought back the smile and the goofy sense of humor - the joy of living and loving.  I am so grateful to all of those who have supported me - it feels awesome!
     Yesterday was a milestone for me, when I was faced with a close call and my reaction was almost instinctual, and helped avert a potentially bad situation.  It is a testament to the quality of training we receive here, and it made my confidence in my piloting skills grow.
    Today I get to do a night flight to finish my semester - just writing it makes me smile!

FAA PASSED now on to the check-ride

Well I am happy to say I passed my FAA exam with a good score and am ready to move to the next step.  I have been waiting (not so patiently) to get on the books for my check-ride.  The weather and my IP's alarm clock have made it a bit of a challenge.  Tomorrow is the day and I am excited.  I am a bit nervous since it will be almost two weeks since my last flight, but it will be a good test for my piloting nerves and confidence in my own abilities.  Wish me luck!  Hopefully I will be back with great news tomorrow evening :)

All Smiles...

I finally have the two things in my life that I love the most!!!  I can't stop smiling!

• Stage Check three completed with an A
• Next week Check Ride, followed by solos-I can't wait!
• FAA Exam tomorrow

I love to fly!!!

The smile has returned to my face, after some great flights.  I am almost at 20 hours total flight time and preparing for my check ride.  I have also received my endorsement to take the FAA exam next week and am looking forward to getting that out of the way.  My creative doodles have lead to me getting a tattoo, well actually two.  I really like them both and love how my cover-up turned out.  It feels and looks fresh with a whole new meaning.  Today I had a 6am flight and it was (I know I use this word way to much) awesome.  Flying into  the sunrise in perfectly still air ( we eve had temperature inversions at the training area), shooting auto's, and quick stop - a blast!  The Solo ride is coming up in the next few weeks, time to be a P.I.C. without training wheels :)

Depressing...

The weather and lack of social interaction in the past couple days is making me feel somewhat depressed.  I am glad school starts again today so some of the routine will return and bring back a certain level of comfort.  It is strange how tough it can be when you don't get to fly.  Since my internet was down and I had a lot of extra time I decided to do some doodles for a possible Class patch.  I attached a picture.  I think it would be a cool patch with lots of meaning to me.  The tail number on the heli is not arbitrary :)

Great flight...

That was a great flight!  Wind stayed just below 25 gust limit so it was windy, but that is nothing new.  In fact I like it!  I did the most beautiful hovering auto today, it was like landing with power.  My IP loved it.  We also did straight in autos from 700 AGL and I am getting pretty comfortable with falling towards the ground while managing my airspeed and rotor RPMs.  The funniest thing was after I came to a hover and rejoined the needles my IP says: "On the go" so I start a normal take-off and right about 50 knots he goes "abort".  I know this means I am to do a "quick stop" and come to a hover.  What my IP forgot is that he has never showed one to me or made me practice one before.  So in my mind I am debating if I should remind him - I decide against it since I know the maneuver from the sim and from reading about it.  So I pull hard aft cyclic while dropping the collective and giving it hard right pedal - and do a "perfect" (my IP's words) quick stop to a nice stable hover.  I am smiling ear to ear and he says:".. that was perfect but it seems like you hesitated just a bit!"  At this point I start laughing and tell him that was my first quick stop ever.  Then he laughs and says: "That's right you haven't done them with your previous instructor! Well that makes it even better!"  I feel great!

Flying again after a 10 day wait!

Amazing, I just got to fly until it was dark, and actually touched down at the pad after dark. Cool to fly with landing lights for the first time. 1.5 hours of bliss, then flying back into a beautiful sunset, wish I could have taken a picture.  I hope I get to do it again tomorrow, if the weather cooperates.  I did some max. performance take-offs and steep approach landings.  Hovering in 16 knot winds gusting to 24 knots and actually maintaining altitude and staying over the pad! We did a 360 Auto from a 1000 feet - that was awesome!  Actually climbing to it was just as much fun.  We had zero ground speed and climbed at 500 feet per minute with the A/S indicator showing 35 knots because of the head wind.  We literally went straight up actually drifting backwards!  It had been 10 days and I was worried I wouldn't remember how to do any of it, but not so!  I got another A!  FUN - I LOVE IT!

Weather

Had some major weather the past week and my last flight was cancelled.  I hope this week will be better.  I am scheduled to fly once on Friday and TWICE in a row on Saturday!!  Awesome.  I can't wait to go flying again, I love it!  Training is going well.  I am way ahead in my studies as far as ground school goes and feeling good about it.  The bathroom got wall papered over the weekend with the cockpit layout - ready for some "chair" flying-LOL

We also received an additional helicopter - so things should get a little better as far as the schedules go.

In the groove!!!

Things are going really well.  I have flown twice and received A grades on both flights.  We had our first of five stage checks and I did well and am happy with my 97% grade.  One stupid error while reading a question cost me the 100%, but that is okay.  Not looking for perfection just excellence! :)  I have been feeling somewhat guilty for not keeping up with my posts here, but school is taking up lots of time and it is why I am here.  So long flyers!  Have 3 flights on the books for next week - NICE!

Busy...

Well it has been a while since my last post.  Classes are keeping me busy with an average of about 3 hours of study and homework time.  It is a great deal of fun to learn all about the tool of my craft.  I have been putting a lot of extra hours in the sim and it feels like it is paying off.  I am flying steady glide slopes and getting some nice landings as a result.  I am starting to feel more comfortable and confident in my instrument scan patterns.  Got to experience radio communication with ground and tower this past week and I am glad we get to practice before our first actual flight which is scheduled for next week - chopchop :)

The first day!

Well it was an exciting day and I am having a blast.  I just did a couple hours of homework and found that all the reading I have done already made it go smoothly.  I have my first sim ride scheduled for Friday.  I learned that we are allowed to use the sims any time if nobody is on the schedule.  I think I'll try to live there!  I am also going to try to get a job at Guidance - I am sure there is a lot to learn, just from proximity. I got my first piece of mail and I loved it :)

AWESOME!

I had an amazing day at orientation.  The excitement is so strong I can taste it!  I learned all about the program and got to know many of the instructors and of course the other students.  My class consist of 19 VA students and 2 civilians (me being one).  We had the patch night and BBQ - good stuff!  I gave up my helicopter ride to a older lady, I figured I will get many opportunities soon!
    My fighter pilot friends have been a great source of good advise!  I want to share some of it and hope the guys won't mind.

"Cockpit layouts are very good to chairfly and to train your crosscheck. I always have a boldface next to the toilet so i have something to look at. It will be a lot of information at the beginning and it will probably seem overwhelming. If it is to much start with what you need to survive just the next day and if there is more brain capacity available study ahead. DO NOT sacrifice sleep to study if you have to fly!!!!! It is not worth it.
You are motivated and its what you really want, so most of the stuff will be fun for you anyway and studying/flying will be easy. Be aware of the emotional roller coaster were one day you think you are the best pilot in the world and the next day you think you can never make. It will happen. Just keep on going and when times are rough just think about the thousands of loosers that are not half as good as you are but still made it!"


"Be receptive! Guys who think they have it all figured out, usually have trouble!"




I will post some pics and videos when I am done shopping for school supplies.

Awesome!

Well I have managed to make it past the one week mark without any problems and am happy to be smoke free! I have purchased all my dorm room supplies and am ready and excited for school.  I get my own room which is awesome.  Personally I have been feeling great, it has been a while since I have felt so balanced, happy, calm, and excited at the same time.  I have also had some pleasant and uplifting exchanges with people who are dear to me which makes life even better.
    I received my flight jacket, a couple days ago and am very surprised at the quality.  I like it a lot and hope my boots will be just as good.  It is always hard to tell when you have to order online.  Here are some pics.

 

Feeling like a college kid

I went to Target this morning looking for special sized sheets for my college dorm bed, felt pretty funny.  They are the only people who carry them unless you order them online.  Online price $150, Target price $15!   I guess I better make myself a list of all the little things I am going to need to bring.  I have a room assignment now, but still don't know if I am sharing with anyone.  I am going to call to find out so I know if I can bring any furniture of my own.  I received the invite for the orientation and was excited to see that it will be followed by a "patch" ceremony/ BBQ.  This will be a good way to meet the instructors and classmates, I am looking forward to it.

Still smoke free on day 5!!!

4 days

Smoke free for 4 days I am over the hump!  I got my loan approved and verified from my school, so all is well.  Tomorrow I will get my dorm room assignment, so it looks like I got in just in time, since they are doing all assignments tomorrow.

2 days

Doing good on the no smoking, the strange thing is my throat hurt all night and still does! Had a great relaxing evening and slept like a baby despite the sore throat. Woke up feeling much better without cigarettes!

Hello 2011

I am glad to see you! It is a cold crisp morning and due to a new rule at the Biltmore, I am not able to go to work as planned, until my owner wakes and confirms that I may enter - lol.  Well until then, I decided to get a cup of coffee nearby and write a little.

     I have been pondering patterns a bit and while  they seem to be useful to organize and categories when it comes to things, they seem to have a more negative connotation, when it comes to behavior of people.
    I have patterns, many of which I intend to break, some which I already have broken.  My mind likes patterns and organization, so I will stick to finding patterns when organizing spaces, learning new information (like becoming a pilot), but I will no longer apply this search for patterns, when it comes to people.  I don't want to categories people.  We have the ability to change, and I find that in the past, I have often tried to understand people based on their patterns - including myself!  This is a big mistake and didn't allow me to see them, and get to know them.  I will test my theory on myself.  Today is the start of breaking the smoking habit - 9 hrs 34 minutes now - not much, but it is a start.

     The other thing my mind enjoys, is critical thinking, which implies being -critical, -evaluating, -maybe even judgmental.  Again, this skill may be good for becoming a pilot, when evaluating flight conditions, responding to emergencies, along with looking for patterns and learning checklists, but it is a detriment when it comes to people.  People are not machines.  Being critical is about the quickest way to keep people from feeling the love you hold for them.  

     What does all this mean? To me it means it is time to break patterns, and stop being critical of people, including myself, and understand that most of us are always trying their best, at any given time.  

     Being a pilot will allow me to use the critical thinking and looking-for-pattern skills, were they are a positive. The rest of my energy will go to being happy and loving me and those that hold a place in my heart without judgment.

Word for today: nonjudgmental:refraining from making judgments especially ones based on personal opinions or standards; "sympathetic and nonjudgmental"