Runway 18

Between work and the weather, it’s been a month since I’ve been able to get back to the skies.  It’s been sorely missed, might I add.  This was the longest break in training I have had since starting.  I was on the schedule over the past couple of weekends for some solo flight, but winds grounded me.  One of the days was borderline, but just decided not to risk it.

This video was actually taken yesterday.  I wasn’t too sure how I’d fair with the break in training, but I must say, it wasn’t bad.  I thought that I’d forget a lot more than I actually did, so I impressed myself.  We were going to fly over to Easton and practice some Emergency Procedures (engine fire, engine outs, etc), but was too hazy over the Chesapeake Bay to fly over there.  So instead, we just stayed in the pattern and practiced some short and soft field takeoffs and landings.  The video is of one short field takeoff and landing.

Today, I met up with my CFI and did a mock FAA oral.  It wasn’t too bad…I still need to study up some more on cloud clearances and airspace minimums.  What throws me off a bit is Class G, but I’ll be fine.  I was only able to get through 1/2 of what we planned to.  I will knock the other part out sometime prior to my checkride.

Next Saturday, I will take my FAA written exam.  Sunday morning will be VERY busy:  I’ll be up with my CFI from 8-10.  We’ll be over at Easton (ESN) doing the Emergency Procedures we were going to do yesterday.  Then from 10-12, I’ll be up taking my final progress check.  The progress checks are separate from the FAA checkride.  They are conducted by other flight instructors, simply double checking that I am where I am supposed to be in my training and verifying that I am able to move on to the next phase.  In Sunday’s case, it’ll be to sign me off to schedule my FAA checkride.  If I do well Sunday, I’ll make an appointment to do my checkride with the FAA.  It’ll be an ALL day affair, starting with an oral exam, followed by a practical exam.  It’ll literally be all day…ungh.  But if I pass that day (whatever day it may be), I’ll be a full fledged pilot!  I started my training on December 31, 2009.  I think it’d be awesome to do my FAA checkride on December 31st, 2010, but we’ll see if it works out that way…

~ Brian

Hours logged: 1.0

Total hours:  65.1