Finally back in the air again today - the first time this year and since the last SAREX.
Never really know how much you miss it until you get into the air again. It's cliche, but it really does feel like coming home. It's almost like I'm sleepwalking on the ground and don't wake up until I'm in the air again. Riding on the back of the wind is just such a spiritual experience. I'm in this man-made machine, yet somehow I feel closer to the elements of the Earth.
Only one possible sign-off today. They didn't need the other tasks that I needed, so no chance to get them crossed off. I'm disappointed, sure... but at least I know it's because of that and not because I didn't know how to do them. I still learned a lot and still had fun, so that's all that should matter. Got a lot of fanfare today, too, so you know I'm happy about that... ;)
Our pilot send out emails earlier in the week, detailing everything he expected of me and it made me very nervous about today's flights. I'd tried psyching myself up with epic-sounding music and a couple of friends gave me some much needed words of encouragement.
The pilot got sick and was changed out last minute. I knew the new pilot more than the previous one. I'm actually assigned to work with him at the squadron. He didn't seem to remember me though. From the start, he started showing me stuff and asked what I knew/ didn't know. Our communication was good and after we set boundaries a little (as you don't want to step on the pilot's toes in the cockpit), we worked pretty well together. Once we got to the training mission base, our task was to just hang out until it was time to go home. So we got to talk a lot too. He works with brains and stuff during his day job - when he told me this, I gasped like a little kid and excitedly said: "Wow, that's soooooooo cool!!! Do you get to dissect them and everything?!?!". He didn't, but looked appreciative (or at the very least, amused) of my enthusiasm. We became basically inseparable all day. He showed me how to fill out forms, taught me a few things and put up with all of my questions
There were other members of our squadron there too. Saw the Commander, who said he was happy I was there. Then later, after our mission, someone came up to me and said they heard me on the radio. He said I sounded really good, but just needed to increase my volume a little. That sort of thing can be hard to hear in the plane - you may sound alright to the people in your own plane, however, sound different to people on the ground/in other planes. I thanked him and said I'd keep volume in mind. Then the Commander over heard him telling me I was a good Mission Observer and said "Of course she's good, she's from our squadron, isn't she? All of our people are".
I was so happy after the flight! I walked around their building and greeted everyone with an enthusiastic "Good Morning!" and every familiar person I encountered from my squadron or from a previous SAREX, I greeted like I hadn't seen them in ages. I was the only female (except for the woman who cooked us hamburgers & hot dogs for lunch), so I guess I kinda stood out (what else is new?).
Buzz (the new pilot friend that I flew with) and I were talking and this guy comes up to me that I've never seen before. He shakes my hand and says, "I wanted just to say hello to you. Are you the famous one they talk about?".
Blink.
Excuse me, what? Famous??? I get this a lot at SAREXs...and even sometimes at airshows. I told him I hoped I was famous for something good. He didn't answer. I told my Mom how much this reaction puzzles me. Don't get me wrong - I love it, but I don't understand it sometimes. I told her I thought it was because I stand out because I'm young and female. I don't know. Honestly, after he said that, my brain raced through all the mistakes I made, wondering if he might be referring to one of those. Sometimes I wonder if they may be humoring me. I really don't know why they act that way towards me.
Speaking of mistakes, I made a few on the radio. I need to work on my terminology. Called something I shouldn't have - blah. In spite of the mistakes, everyone kept telling me how good I was. It creates kind of a cognitive dissonance for me because I don't equate good with making lots of mistakes.
But overall it was a good day. There's another SAREX in a few weeks; maybe I'll try again then.
I got home absolutely exhausted because I started the day at 0530. Curled up for a nap and dreamed about airplanes. I thought about my day and how everyone behaved towards me. I started to worry a little, as we all know what happened with the last person who took interest in me. I just don't want something like that happening again. I thought it through and the last time, I had alarm bells going off in my head that I ignored. There are no alarm bells now. My intuition serves me well and will let me know if something seems amiss... I just need to let it do its job and I need to do mine: fly.
Last CAP meeting went well also. We had a guy come in from the FAA and talk about safety. I introduced myself to the hottie I saw the other week - he's Russian. Another one of my buddies was talking about how he got a new state-of-the-art sim system on his computer (pedals, joystick, etc) and was throwing out his old one. He looks over at me and said he should really give it to someone who would appreciate it, then asked me if I wanted it! Omg... did I want it?!?! I've slowly been turning my living room into an airplane hanger and have dreams about getting a house, just so I can build a life-sized F-18 sim in my garage (and build an RV in the basement...) - did I want it?!?! He's bringing it for me next week. Haha- they'll need to set up a noise complaint line for all the ruckus I'll be making, pretending my computer is an airplane.
Afterwards, we all went for drinks like always. The woman who reminds me of my Aunt stayed by my side... and the FAA dude plopped himself in front of me. I knew of him beforehand and he attends meetings regularly. I know he knows of me too, but he made no indication that he recognized me. We all started talking politics and it was good to find like-minded people... but then he took an odd turn and started speaking badly about certain races. sexual orientations, etc. It just reminded me that there's no one on this planet that we agree 100% of the time with.
I can't wait for next Tuesday! I really love this squadron and most of the people I've met. I can't believe one little thing like aviation can create such strong bonds so quickly. This squadron really does overall embody the Spirit of Oshkosh.
... I need to fly more...
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
"You must do that which you think you cannot do"
Another CAP meeting last night. It was ground school about mountain flying for the pilots. They said anyone could go, and although it's a little advanced for me, I still thought it would be good. Granted, A LOT of the material was over my head and they went a little fast for me. Even though there were about 30 or so guys in the room, I need to get back to the point where I feel comfortable again raising my hand when I don't understand something. The intimidation factor is overwhelming sometimes, especially with a larger, unfamiliar group and knowing they were alllll pilots.
They had some good information for Mission Observers, too, so I'm glad I went. Once again, they reminded us that the Mission Observer is in charge of the mission. The pilot is just there to fly the plane and focus on safety. Being in charge makes my palms sweat, but I need to get over it and just step up.
Speaking of Mission Observer, the next SAREX (Search & Rescue Exercise) is February 2nd. I need to email one of the guys with the last 3 sign-offs I need and he promises me that they'll make sure I'll have the opportunity to do them. Which means, I need to power-up that G1000 sim on my computer again and practice ahead of time. I want my rating.
In other CAP news, I've also been added on the schedule to handle the (ground) radios by myself on certain nights. This, too, makes me nervous... Radios make me nervous to begin with, but having to handle them on my own especially so. Wow... this whole entry is about doing new things and taking on new responsibilities that make me sweat, huh? Didn't intend for it to be... Anyways, about the radios, I'm not up until the end of February, so between then and now, I need to shadow others who are doing it so I know what to do. Being nervous is okay, just as long as you don't let it stop you. Eleanor Roosevelt said the quote I wrote in the title of this entry - "You must do that which you think you cannot do" and that's what I plan to do.
And on that note, I need to step up my search for a new instructor or flight school. I've let my apprehension hold me back for too long. This lil birdie needs her wings!
The other day, one of my friends said she knew why I viewed aviation as a sort of spiritual experience - you must believe in the impossible and learn to trust something you cannot see (the wind or flying IFR). I don't believe anything is "impossible" and constantly prove to myself that the "impossible" is possible. However, that being said, the odds of becoming a pilot are stacked against you - only 20% make it. Pilots make up less than 1% of the world's population. So I guess in that sense, it appears to be impossible odds of making it. The most important pillar of spirituality - faith. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, and in fact, have veered a little off the path, but I need to have faith that I will make it there.
All that I need to do is start by doing things I don't think I can do. Like taking initiative and finding a new instructor.
They had some good information for Mission Observers, too, so I'm glad I went. Once again, they reminded us that the Mission Observer is in charge of the mission. The pilot is just there to fly the plane and focus on safety. Being in charge makes my palms sweat, but I need to get over it and just step up.
Speaking of Mission Observer, the next SAREX (Search & Rescue Exercise) is February 2nd. I need to email one of the guys with the last 3 sign-offs I need and he promises me that they'll make sure I'll have the opportunity to do them. Which means, I need to power-up that G1000 sim on my computer again and practice ahead of time. I want my rating.
In other CAP news, I've also been added on the schedule to handle the (ground) radios by myself on certain nights. This, too, makes me nervous... Radios make me nervous to begin with, but having to handle them on my own especially so. Wow... this whole entry is about doing new things and taking on new responsibilities that make me sweat, huh? Didn't intend for it to be... Anyways, about the radios, I'm not up until the end of February, so between then and now, I need to shadow others who are doing it so I know what to do. Being nervous is okay, just as long as you don't let it stop you. Eleanor Roosevelt said the quote I wrote in the title of this entry - "You must do that which you think you cannot do" and that's what I plan to do.
And on that note, I need to step up my search for a new instructor or flight school. I've let my apprehension hold me back for too long. This lil birdie needs her wings!
The other day, one of my friends said she knew why I viewed aviation as a sort of spiritual experience - you must believe in the impossible and learn to trust something you cannot see (the wind or flying IFR). I don't believe anything is "impossible" and constantly prove to myself that the "impossible" is possible. However, that being said, the odds of becoming a pilot are stacked against you - only 20% make it. Pilots make up less than 1% of the world's population. So I guess in that sense, it appears to be impossible odds of making it. The most important pillar of spirituality - faith. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, and in fact, have veered a little off the path, but I need to have faith that I will make it there.
All that I need to do is start by doing things I don't think I can do. Like taking initiative and finding a new instructor.
Monday, January 21, 2013
CAP Meeting/EAA Dinner
Last week's CAP meeting was an annual safety one. They also had a guy come in from the air force to speak with us.
I'll be working with the guy who gave the safety presentation. I have to make 5 safety presentations myself (not hour and 1/2 ones like he gave though, thank goodness). So knowing this, I've been thinking one what I'll present - first, I think I'll see if they have a tornado/fire drill in place and ask how long ago they have gone through it.
During the meeting, I notice two people I've never seen before - one in uniform, one without... and both are (attractive) guys about my age. I smile, remembering what they told me about being welcoming to new people. No problem, I've got this - I'll be your welcome wagon. ;)
Just after the meeting ends, the head safety guy comes to greet me and is all excited about me joining the safety team. "Come with me", he says. "There's something I want to introduce you to".
So he introduces me to one of them and says I'll be working with him, also telling me he just became an airline pilot. Awesome! We'll all go out for drinks afterwards, like we usually do, and I'm having this awesome conversation with this guy. I've said before that the BEST pickup line ever is "I'm a pilot", but I can't use it on this guy because he's a pilot too.
So better yet, I end up saying, "So I hear you just became a pilot".
He looks at me and blinks.
Aw, crap. "I mean, not a pilot pilot; an airline pilot". Fortunately, he laughs... which is good. Unfortunately, after more talking, I found out he was married. And days later, it freaked me out to learn that he was 7 YEARS younger than me!!!!!!!! While I was talking to him, I thought he was 32 or 33. lol As one friend pointed out, I'm not sure what is worse - me looking like I'm 10 years younger than I am or him looking 10 years older than he is. haha
In other CAP news, I learned just yesterday that one of my buddies from the last CAP (RJ), one that was like a brother to me, transferred to this CAP the day after I did!!! : I'm soooooooo excited, I can't wait to see him again!!!
Tomorrow night's meeting is Mountain Flying ground school. At little advanced for me, especially considering where I am, but they said anyone could come and it was for pilots and future CAP pilots... which technically DOES include me...I just so happen to be a future pilot as well.
---
There was an EAA dinner meeting last week, too. I was nervous going because I still don't know a lot of these guys and they are even older than the CAP guys, but I went determined to have a good time anyways. All of them brought their wives and that made it a bit easier to talk to everyone. The women were perplexed as to why I liked or could even like airplanes.
Then we played a game where a certain type of airplane was placed on everyone's backs and you had to ask questions of other people to guess what it is. That game was a lot of fun and really helped as an ice breaker! The poor woman next to me didn't know what she had on her back until I said it was an animal in the Lion King (A-10 Warthog). I got a Zenith 750 (homebuilt aircraft) which I couldn't guess and no one knew how to tell me what it was.
It was a good dinner overall. I did wonder part-way through why one of my ears kept feeling like I was hearing underwaterish and I felt hot. Realized later that either my food had been cooked with lobster/crab or I'm becoming allergic to shrimp too. Had a pretty bad night afterwards.
Bad shrimp aside, I always enjoy hanging out with fellow pilots/aviation people. Had a thought the other day that I may have never gone to see where I was born if it wasn't for aviation. :)
It's odd how everything ties together like that, you know?
In actual flying news, unfortunately nothing to report. I need to get back into the habit of studying and continue to look for a flight instructor. I talked a little with the guys at the EAA meeting and one of them said I was scared of moving forward, which is true. I don't want to get hurt like that again. But the easy solution for that is to seek someone out myself, instead of letting them seek me out. I know what I have to do, but it doesn't make it any easier though.
I'll be working with the guy who gave the safety presentation. I have to make 5 safety presentations myself (not hour and 1/2 ones like he gave though, thank goodness). So knowing this, I've been thinking one what I'll present - first, I think I'll see if they have a tornado/fire drill in place and ask how long ago they have gone through it.
During the meeting, I notice two people I've never seen before - one in uniform, one without... and both are (attractive) guys about my age. I smile, remembering what they told me about being welcoming to new people. No problem, I've got this - I'll be your welcome wagon. ;)
Just after the meeting ends, the head safety guy comes to greet me and is all excited about me joining the safety team. "Come with me", he says. "There's something I want to introduce you to".
So he introduces me to one of them and says I'll be working with him, also telling me he just became an airline pilot. Awesome! We'll all go out for drinks afterwards, like we usually do, and I'm having this awesome conversation with this guy. I've said before that the BEST pickup line ever is "I'm a pilot", but I can't use it on this guy because he's a pilot too.
So better yet, I end up saying, "So I hear you just became a pilot".
He looks at me and blinks.
Aw, crap. "I mean, not a pilot pilot; an airline pilot". Fortunately, he laughs... which is good. Unfortunately, after more talking, I found out he was married. And days later, it freaked me out to learn that he was 7 YEARS younger than me!!!!!!!! While I was talking to him, I thought he was 32 or 33. lol As one friend pointed out, I'm not sure what is worse - me looking like I'm 10 years younger than I am or him looking 10 years older than he is. haha
In other CAP news, I learned just yesterday that one of my buddies from the last CAP (RJ), one that was like a brother to me, transferred to this CAP the day after I did!!! : I'm soooooooo excited, I can't wait to see him again!!!
Tomorrow night's meeting is Mountain Flying ground school. At little advanced for me, especially considering where I am, but they said anyone could come and it was for pilots and future CAP pilots... which technically DOES include me...I just so happen to be a future pilot as well.
---
There was an EAA dinner meeting last week, too. I was nervous going because I still don't know a lot of these guys and they are even older than the CAP guys, but I went determined to have a good time anyways. All of them brought their wives and that made it a bit easier to talk to everyone. The women were perplexed as to why I liked or could even like airplanes.
Then we played a game where a certain type of airplane was placed on everyone's backs and you had to ask questions of other people to guess what it is. That game was a lot of fun and really helped as an ice breaker! The poor woman next to me didn't know what she had on her back until I said it was an animal in the Lion King (A-10 Warthog). I got a Zenith 750 (homebuilt aircraft) which I couldn't guess and no one knew how to tell me what it was.
It was a good dinner overall. I did wonder part-way through why one of my ears kept feeling like I was hearing underwaterish and I felt hot. Realized later that either my food had been cooked with lobster/crab or I'm becoming allergic to shrimp too. Had a pretty bad night afterwards.
Bad shrimp aside, I always enjoy hanging out with fellow pilots/aviation people. Had a thought the other day that I may have never gone to see where I was born if it wasn't for aviation. :)
It's odd how everything ties together like that, you know?
In actual flying news, unfortunately nothing to report. I need to get back into the habit of studying and continue to look for a flight instructor. I talked a little with the guys at the EAA meeting and one of them said I was scared of moving forward, which is true. I don't want to get hurt like that again. But the easy solution for that is to seek someone out myself, instead of letting them seek me out. I know what I have to do, but it doesn't make it any easier though.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Back on the Grid
Per Wikipedia: The term off-grid refers to not being connected to a grid, mainly used in terms of not being connected to the main or national transmission grid in electricity.
Recent milestones: This is officially my 100th post in this blog and I've hit 87 fans... whoops! 88!! on my Facebook at the time of writing this entry! Also, have a new email for offical aviation business set up. =) They are little steps and may not be very big, but they mean a lot to me and are signs that I'm heading in the right direction. They are my checkpoints on my long cross country that confirm I am heading in the right direction.
CAP started up again yesterday since the Christmas holiday. It was good to see everyone and they greeted me as enthusiastically as before. The purpose of this meeting was to get people assigned to roles, if they weren't already. I finally settled on Safety, Communications and Aerospace Education. I don't mind helping out and progressing in the organization, but my ultimate goal is to be a pilot, so I tried to pick things that will help me out there as well.
I was talking to the Comm officer and one of the guys said to her, "Finally got another girl, huh?". She was all excited and hugged me, "That's right!!!". haha She's taken quite a liking to me. Have I mentioned she reminds me of one of my Aunts?
Afterwards, we headed out for drinks again. Would it be wrong of me to say that this is my favorite part of the meetings ? :) One of the guys writes the newsletter for the squadron and emailed me some questions for the "newest member" interview. So I said to him, "Hey, I like to write and in fact, have an aviation blog. Need any help with the newsletter?". So I'm also helping out with the newsletter too. He liked some of my ideas and them we discussed field trips for the group, saying we could post upcoming trips in the newsletter and post pictures in it afterwards. One that came up was the museum in Warner Robins. Aaaaaaaaaand the suggestion was that if we got enough people, to take a C-130 down there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was getting more comfy with the group (and drinking sweet iced tea), so I was a little hyper. Not to mention, getting all excited about everything. So there were a few "omg, she talks!!" moments. haha And, and, and - One of the guys was talking about needing to get some students when I was talking about flight training and he looked over when I said it. Nothing was said beyond that, but maybe might have found a flight instructor... He seems pretty nice. I still may end up going with the flight school over there that I had been eyeing, not sure. I really, really like the idea of no school restrictions and actually going places with the instructor. But we shall see.
I still need to get back into studying mode after the holidays. Still haven't conquered Chapter 9 yet, but still need to play with the flight computer a bit more.
Currently reading Tales of a War Pilot by Lt. Richard Kirkland about his adventures as a pilot in WWII. I love books like these, not only because it's about aviation, but reading about WWII also reminds me of my Grandfather. He wasn't a pilot, although I still get a little bit of a sense of what he went through in the military during that time.
And in other news, thinking about joining Women in Aviation this year. I've been wanting to for awhile, but was just trying to accumulate funds. The comm officer is a member there too. And oh wow, just got an invite to a dinner party for the EAA group for next Thursday. Yes, this year will be busy indeed...
Upwards and Onwards!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Flyabout
Studying and all flying activities have simmered down for the year, so not much to update until the New Year. However, I DID bring my flight computer and manual down with me. I've been having some trouble with it and thought in passing if maybe I could contact one of my flying buddies to help me. Easy solution - ask my Mom for help. :)
We watched a flying movie the other day called "Flyabout". A young girl (early 20's) got her pilot's license and inspired her father to do the same. They got together with a flying club and flew around the coast of Australia. Something like that would be awesome to do.
Although watching it, I was surprised. The daughter was a fairly new pilot, but still had more time than the father. The leader of the group wouldn't let the father land often because he was still shaky about it. "But he has his license!!! How can he not know how to land?!?!", I asked my mother in disbelief. She thought it was funny. "A license is just a license to learn. It doesn't mean you know everything." It just shocked me because for everything you need to to learn and do for the license, I figured you were an expert when you got it. She said it's just like being a freshman in school. Blah.
As my wise mother also pointed out, the father got his license in a matter of weeks. There's no way he could have been prepared for all the conditions in Australia he had to face. The 25 mph crosswind at one airport even through the pilots who had been flying for 20 years off ease.
I'd really like to do a trip like that with my mom. Although after watching, I'd like to be instrument rated first. They ran into quite a bit of patchy weather and she wasn't able to handle it too well. A trip like that is just too much for a new pilot, especially in a new country with unfamiliar conditions and airports.
The good news in taking YEEEEEEEEEEARS, like me, is that I'll have more practical experience than someone who accomplished it in just a few weeks. Just wish it would go faster... I wanna be able to do all the fun things that all of my pilot buddies are doing. I want to go on a trip like the one in the movie. I want to film my own movie of my own trip. I want to fly to Oshkosh. I want to train with the great aerobatic pilots. There's just so much I want to do! Ah well... in time, right?
Merry Christmas to all! I can't wait to see what 2013 brings! =)
We watched a flying movie the other day called "Flyabout". A young girl (early 20's) got her pilot's license and inspired her father to do the same. They got together with a flying club and flew around the coast of Australia. Something like that would be awesome to do.
Although watching it, I was surprised. The daughter was a fairly new pilot, but still had more time than the father. The leader of the group wouldn't let the father land often because he was still shaky about it. "But he has his license!!! How can he not know how to land?!?!", I asked my mother in disbelief. She thought it was funny. "A license is just a license to learn. It doesn't mean you know everything." It just shocked me because for everything you need to to learn and do for the license, I figured you were an expert when you got it. She said it's just like being a freshman in school. Blah.
As my wise mother also pointed out, the father got his license in a matter of weeks. There's no way he could have been prepared for all the conditions in Australia he had to face. The 25 mph crosswind at one airport even through the pilots who had been flying for 20 years off ease.
I'd really like to do a trip like that with my mom. Although after watching, I'd like to be instrument rated first. They ran into quite a bit of patchy weather and she wasn't able to handle it too well. A trip like that is just too much for a new pilot, especially in a new country with unfamiliar conditions and airports.
The good news in taking YEEEEEEEEEEARS, like me, is that I'll have more practical experience than someone who accomplished it in just a few weeks. Just wish it would go faster... I wanna be able to do all the fun things that all of my pilot buddies are doing. I want to go on a trip like the one in the movie. I want to film my own movie of my own trip. I want to fly to Oshkosh. I want to train with the great aerobatic pilots. There's just so much I want to do! Ah well... in time, right?
Merry Christmas to all! I can't wait to see what 2013 brings! =)
Monday, December 17, 2012
CAP Christmas Party and More...
Yet another much overdue update. I've been busy preparing for Christmas (which is right around the corner! Can you believe it?!?!), studying like a demon (Chapter 9 is just out of reach.... Urg!), and trying to mend myself from being sick this past weekend.
The CAP Christmas party was fun. Still don't know a lot of people, but had a good time nonetheless. I officially transferred on the day of the party, so they welcomed me as the newest member. :) I also confirmed what I kinda thought earlier - they were just being overly nice to me to get me to join, but not in a bad way. The Commander told me that they used to get complaints that people ignored the new members, so they've made an effort to reach out to people more and now that I'm a member, I need to make an effort to reach out to those I don't know (which right now... is basically everyone). So it doesn't mean they are going to stop being nice to me, but I need to make more of an effort to overcome my shyness and be all nice and welcoming to others.
Also!!! They asked me what position I wanted - Mission Observer. I'm mere steps away from getting it!!! No, no, no they said... what position did I want? Like everyday job. Observer is just what I do during missions. The Commander said the reason they all worked so well together is that everyone is a leader in their everyday position. He might be the Commander of the group, but another member (like the other female there) was in charge of the Communications. They really want me to train under her so I get certified in communications as well (I think it's good too - helps with flying and all), but still needed some leadership position. One of the ones they don't have filled was in Personal Development, which is training everyone else to advance in the organization. They already mentioned me teaching the upcoming Scanners and Observers.
Then it came up about how once they went to Hartsfield and got to play on the 747 sims!!!!!!!!!!!! My eyes bugged out of my head and I just about fell on the floor. NO WAYYYYYYYYY!!!! So I asked about what other field trips they do and if there's a lot of them. The guy I spoke to said they don't do much because they are busy, but was mentioning maybe we could start that up in the new year. He started talking about all sorts of Aviation museums in Georgia that I've never even heard of. I mentioned that I set up field trips for my school as part of my job, so I could do that for them as well. He said they could arrange the transportation, if I called the places, collected money and got group rates. Then he told me to think of day trips I'd like to go to... and reminded me we have airplanes available... and he'd talk to the Commander. My eyes glittered, "Is Pensacola a day trip?". He asked if I was talking about the Blue Angels museum and said "You betcha", bringing up Fun & Sun (week-long air show in FL) as well. I held my breath - "Oshkosh too?". He laughed and said it could be. I was over the moon, pleased as punch, happy as a clam and everything in between.
Then the guy who was shouting obscene (but funny) things at the restaurant after last meeting walked up with his wife. She was drop dead gorgeous and you could just tell she was a pilot the way she carried herself. I swore she was my age, but was actually 40-45. I wanna be her when I grow up! Then after talking with her, I recognized her name and only later realized that she was the one who allowed me to go play on all of the flight sims at Flightsafety over a year ago, even though I didn't have my license yet. I wish I had remembered at the time - I might have hugged her. Maybe it was good I didn't put two and two together then...
In studying news, I got stuck at one part involving a weight and balance problem. The book had you set it up and answer 4 questions from the one problem, adding onto the original setup. I messed something up in the very first step and all of the answers were wrong from there. I wrestled with it for an hour... before walking away for a little bit to get a fresh start. I promised myself I'd scrap the work I did and start over. The small break helped, I saw what I did wrong and moved on quite quickly into the section on flight computers.
Now some of this, you can solve with simple math. The book indicated to use the flight computer to solve the problems. It's good for practice and I'll need to learn how to use this thing cold. I got stuck in the mud again. Wrestled with it for a bit, walked away and tried again. Got more stuck in the mud. Trudged through anyways. 4 questions until getting to Chapter 9... and the mud turned into cement Friday night (granted I had just come home from a work Christmas party and was tired). I got sick after that and since then, so haven't had a chance to go back to it yet.
Everyone keeps telling me that it's not a race and it's ok to take my time through the harder portions. I've worked this hard so far, so no need to ruin all of that hard work by racing through something I don't quite understand. I agree fully, but at the same time, I'm almost there - I can see the finish line finally and it frustrates me to be held up or knocked off pace. Get-there-itis; the downfall of all pilots and can cause mistakes in the plane. I know - very bad. I'll get there. Might not be as soon as I'd like, but I'll get there. And I'll be totally stoked when I do because I'll remember how much I struggled to get through it! :)
Anyways, early to bed for me tonight. I'm not quite fully recovered from being sick yet and need my energy for the next few busy days! Plus, I started reading a new book - Letters Home: 1944-45 by Bernice Falk Haydu. It's about the WASP pilots in WWII. I got to meet the author at Oshkosh and she signed the book for me. She was more than just a WASP though - she led all of them when they went to Washington DC in the 70's to fight for recognition. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I liked hearing her speak at Oshkosh and this book reminds me of that. It's like listening to a Great-Aunt or Grandmother telling you about her adventures when she was younger. The book is a collection of letters she wrote to her parents while training to be a WASP, and she goes back to elaborate on things.
Speaking of Oshkosh... I really need to write up my 2nd update, don't I? Oooooo, and speaking of air shows, the Thunderbirds are going to be at the Rome, GA air show next year too!!!!!! I'm gonna get to see the TWICE!!!!!!!!!! =)
Btw, the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight on this day in 1903. Thank you Wright Brothers for all that you did for aviation! <3
The CAP Christmas party was fun. Still don't know a lot of people, but had a good time nonetheless. I officially transferred on the day of the party, so they welcomed me as the newest member. :) I also confirmed what I kinda thought earlier - they were just being overly nice to me to get me to join, but not in a bad way. The Commander told me that they used to get complaints that people ignored the new members, so they've made an effort to reach out to people more and now that I'm a member, I need to make an effort to reach out to those I don't know (which right now... is basically everyone). So it doesn't mean they are going to stop being nice to me, but I need to make more of an effort to overcome my shyness and be all nice and welcoming to others.
Also!!! They asked me what position I wanted - Mission Observer. I'm mere steps away from getting it!!! No, no, no they said... what position did I want? Like everyday job. Observer is just what I do during missions. The Commander said the reason they all worked so well together is that everyone is a leader in their everyday position. He might be the Commander of the group, but another member (like the other female there) was in charge of the Communications. They really want me to train under her so I get certified in communications as well (I think it's good too - helps with flying and all), but still needed some leadership position. One of the ones they don't have filled was in Personal Development, which is training everyone else to advance in the organization. They already mentioned me teaching the upcoming Scanners and Observers.
Then it came up about how once they went to Hartsfield and got to play on the 747 sims!!!!!!!!!!!! My eyes bugged out of my head and I just about fell on the floor. NO WAYYYYYYYYY!!!! So I asked about what other field trips they do and if there's a lot of them. The guy I spoke to said they don't do much because they are busy, but was mentioning maybe we could start that up in the new year. He started talking about all sorts of Aviation museums in Georgia that I've never even heard of. I mentioned that I set up field trips for my school as part of my job, so I could do that for them as well. He said they could arrange the transportation, if I called the places, collected money and got group rates. Then he told me to think of day trips I'd like to go to... and reminded me we have airplanes available... and he'd talk to the Commander. My eyes glittered, "Is Pensacola a day trip?". He asked if I was talking about the Blue Angels museum and said "You betcha", bringing up Fun & Sun (week-long air show in FL) as well. I held my breath - "Oshkosh too?". He laughed and said it could be. I was over the moon, pleased as punch, happy as a clam and everything in between.
Then the guy who was shouting obscene (but funny) things at the restaurant after last meeting walked up with his wife. She was drop dead gorgeous and you could just tell she was a pilot the way she carried herself. I swore she was my age, but was actually 40-45. I wanna be her when I grow up! Then after talking with her, I recognized her name and only later realized that she was the one who allowed me to go play on all of the flight sims at Flightsafety over a year ago, even though I didn't have my license yet. I wish I had remembered at the time - I might have hugged her. Maybe it was good I didn't put two and two together then...
In studying news, I got stuck at one part involving a weight and balance problem. The book had you set it up and answer 4 questions from the one problem, adding onto the original setup. I messed something up in the very first step and all of the answers were wrong from there. I wrestled with it for an hour... before walking away for a little bit to get a fresh start. I promised myself I'd scrap the work I did and start over. The small break helped, I saw what I did wrong and moved on quite quickly into the section on flight computers.
Now some of this, you can solve with simple math. The book indicated to use the flight computer to solve the problems. It's good for practice and I'll need to learn how to use this thing cold. I got stuck in the mud again. Wrestled with it for a bit, walked away and tried again. Got more stuck in the mud. Trudged through anyways. 4 questions until getting to Chapter 9... and the mud turned into cement Friday night (granted I had just come home from a work Christmas party and was tired). I got sick after that and since then, so haven't had a chance to go back to it yet.
Everyone keeps telling me that it's not a race and it's ok to take my time through the harder portions. I've worked this hard so far, so no need to ruin all of that hard work by racing through something I don't quite understand. I agree fully, but at the same time, I'm almost there - I can see the finish line finally and it frustrates me to be held up or knocked off pace. Get-there-itis; the downfall of all pilots and can cause mistakes in the plane. I know - very bad. I'll get there. Might not be as soon as I'd like, but I'll get there. And I'll be totally stoked when I do because I'll remember how much I struggled to get through it! :)
Anyways, early to bed for me tonight. I'm not quite fully recovered from being sick yet and need my energy for the next few busy days! Plus, I started reading a new book - Letters Home: 1944-45 by Bernice Falk Haydu. It's about the WASP pilots in WWII. I got to meet the author at Oshkosh and she signed the book for me. She was more than just a WASP though - she led all of them when they went to Washington DC in the 70's to fight for recognition. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I liked hearing her speak at Oshkosh and this book reminds me of that. It's like listening to a Great-Aunt or Grandmother telling you about her adventures when she was younger. The book is a collection of letters she wrote to her parents while training to be a WASP, and she goes back to elaborate on things.
Speaking of Oshkosh... I really need to write up my 2nd update, don't I? Oooooo, and speaking of air shows, the Thunderbirds are going to be at the Rome, GA air show next year too!!!!!! I'm gonna get to see the TWICE!!!!!!!!!! =)
Btw, the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight on this day in 1903. Thank you Wright Brothers for all that you did for aviation! <3
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Update
I'm a bad little pilot - I haven't updated in over a week.
Things are continuing to look up. Not quite where I want to be, but everyday is better than the day before and I'm constantly moving forward.
- DB Merlin is gone for good. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
- I have a new fan page on Facebook. 50 fans and counting! Go check it out if you haven't already.
- Holding short of Chapter 7, Section 2 in my Jeppesen Book (out of 11). It's going MUCH faster since I finished the King Videos. I've seen everything before, so it's like a review. Up to 19 pages (front & back) of answering questions from the back of the book too!
- Taking practice tests as much as possible. Got my very first 90% score the other day!!! I've also been increasing the total number of questions bit by bit. The real exam has 60 questions, so I need to build up until 60 questions is no big deal, just like where I'm at right now. Between the progress in the textbook and getting better on tests, I am feeling more empowered by the day and it's absolutely fantastic. :)
- Christmas Party with the PDK CAP this weekend. I <3 those guys!
We were supposed to listen to an F-16 pilot speak at Dobbins AFB this past week, but it got postponed until January.
Last meeting of the year next week. Which reminds me, I have to give permission for them to start the transfer. I was holding off... Dunno why... Hope, maybe. Hope that the last squadron would turn into a Disney movie or something. I need to just get moving and email the new commander.
- I'm feeling better lately too. Had a good doctor's visit today. We're aiming to go anti-biotic free for awhile, considering I've been on them off-and-on since August. Blah. I need to start training for the Spartan Sprint again.
-2013 Oshkosh passes went on sale today!!! I may have to wait until January to get mine with Christmas coming up and all. 243 days until Airventure!! =)
~*~*~*~
I've learned a couple of things recently, too:
Lesson 1: In aviation, we have to take the weight & balance of our airplane, passengers and luggage (supposedly) before every flight. The reason for this is because everyone and everything weighs differently and the aircraft can only take so much weight. Even if they weight is within limits, it can change your center of gravity(CG) and that's important to know for take-offs, landings and stall speeds. As pilots, we cannot control the weather or the air pressure once in the air, but we can control who we let in the plane to make it as safe as possible for things under our control.
So the plane represents our life. We cannot control the weather or pressure we might face once in the air, but we can control who we let into our airplane. Physical weights don't matter so much in the life airplane, however, emotional heavyweights can do havoc to our CG. Don't prejudge people, but weigh each person carefully before taking them up in your airplane.
Lesson 2: It doesn't matter how bad things are/were or how you look back on something and regret the time wasted. Did you learn something? If yes, then time wasn't wasted. Yes, it was horrible but if a lesson was learned, it had purpose. And yes, it was awful, but it's over now - time to move onto the next lesson and learn something new.
And on that note, of learning something new - I've got to wrap this up and get in some studying for tonight! Always, always go for your dreams - no matter how long it takes you. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it or let them try to take it away from you. Glow so bright that your nay-sayers are blinded by the light and those that would encourage you are attracted by it, letting their own light glow as well.
Blue skies forever!
-
Things are continuing to look up. Not quite where I want to be, but everyday is better than the day before and I'm constantly moving forward.
- DB Merlin is gone for good. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
- I have a new fan page on Facebook. 50 fans and counting! Go check it out if you haven't already.
- Holding short of Chapter 7, Section 2 in my Jeppesen Book (out of 11). It's going MUCH faster since I finished the King Videos. I've seen everything before, so it's like a review. Up to 19 pages (front & back) of answering questions from the back of the book too!
- Taking practice tests as much as possible. Got my very first 90% score the other day!!! I've also been increasing the total number of questions bit by bit. The real exam has 60 questions, so I need to build up until 60 questions is no big deal, just like where I'm at right now. Between the progress in the textbook and getting better on tests, I am feeling more empowered by the day and it's absolutely fantastic. :)
- Christmas Party with the PDK CAP this weekend. I <3 those guys!
We were supposed to listen to an F-16 pilot speak at Dobbins AFB this past week, but it got postponed until January.
Last meeting of the year next week. Which reminds me, I have to give permission for them to start the transfer. I was holding off... Dunno why... Hope, maybe. Hope that the last squadron would turn into a Disney movie or something. I need to just get moving and email the new commander.
- I'm feeling better lately too. Had a good doctor's visit today. We're aiming to go anti-biotic free for awhile, considering I've been on them off-and-on since August. Blah. I need to start training for the Spartan Sprint again.
-2013 Oshkosh passes went on sale today!!! I may have to wait until January to get mine with Christmas coming up and all. 243 days until Airventure!! =)
~*~*~*~
I've learned a couple of things recently, too:
Lesson 1: In aviation, we have to take the weight & balance of our airplane, passengers and luggage (supposedly) before every flight. The reason for this is because everyone and everything weighs differently and the aircraft can only take so much weight. Even if they weight is within limits, it can change your center of gravity(CG) and that's important to know for take-offs, landings and stall speeds. As pilots, we cannot control the weather or the air pressure once in the air, but we can control who we let in the plane to make it as safe as possible for things under our control.
So the plane represents our life. We cannot control the weather or pressure we might face once in the air, but we can control who we let into our airplane. Physical weights don't matter so much in the life airplane, however, emotional heavyweights can do havoc to our CG. Don't prejudge people, but weigh each person carefully before taking them up in your airplane.
Lesson 2: It doesn't matter how bad things are/were or how you look back on something and regret the time wasted. Did you learn something? If yes, then time wasn't wasted. Yes, it was horrible but if a lesson was learned, it had purpose. And yes, it was awful, but it's over now - time to move onto the next lesson and learn something new.
And on that note, of learning something new - I've got to wrap this up and get in some studying for tonight! Always, always go for your dreams - no matter how long it takes you. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it or let them try to take it away from you. Glow so bright that your nay-sayers are blinded by the light and those that would encourage you are attracted by it, letting their own light glow as well.
Blue skies forever!
-
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