Today was a huge bust for flying solo. Brett and I met up and went over some more oral questions; we had one of his students sit in, to see what she could pick up from me being a few weeks ahead of her. After the ground questions, we headed to the pattern for some soft and short field practice. Unfortunately Memorial Day is not the day to do touch and go’s at Montgomery. The pattern was busy, so we headed south to Brown Field. The cool part was we transitioned to Brown over the top of San Diego International, and flew over the Coronado Bridge. That was pretty cool.
Once at Brown we had time to complete the landing practice we needed. Despite being flustered I did ok, my soft field landings were good, the short field take offs and landings still needed some work But Brett was positive and said I wouldn’t have any issues with my upcoming check ride. Reminding me I’ve taken many tests in my life, this one is no different.
A little note on Nerves… I’m not sure if Brett was telling the truth or was trying to get me to relax. I woke up this morning with a lot of anxiety about the test on Friday. I’m not sure why I’m worried about this more than usual. I know most who who fly professionally and if they are smart do have some nervousness before a “check ride” but this time feels different for me. I’ve taken many check rides with the Navy over the past 19 years of flying. But this time its weird and worse. I think it’s because I’ve never been thru one and it’s not just a “cool thing to do” this is the beginning of my future career as a pilot. Being unemployed and wanting to make a living as a pilot before the end of the year may be some of the nerves. Either case I’m pushing thru, luckily the flight today made me relax, I really love it. So I’ve decided to let the system work. I’m flying with Brett tomorrow and flying with another instructor on Wednesday. I’m expecting that if they judege I’m not ready they will not let me take the “ride”. I’d rather wait another week then take a failure. Phew…
Back to the good stuff... After finishing up at Brown I took Brett back to Montgomery, on the way back we chatted about the young lady that joined us for the ground test, he informed me she was single...hmm . Guys talking about girls happens all the time: ) . (it’s nice to be comfortable enough to relax while flying.)
Unfortunately after landing the tower informed us the winds were 290/ 13 gusting 18… Brett laughed and apologized knowing I wasn’t headed back out for some cross country work. Learning patience with the weather is most definitely a lesson that is included for free during flight instruction…
So I wrapped up the plane and headed home. After lunch.. Frustrated with the great weather yet high winds I called to see it the winds had died off. And they had, so I scampered off to the airport, planning to take off at 3:30 hoping to get three hours in before sunset. But it wasn’t meant to be, before engine start I checked the winds, they had increased to above my approved limits. GRRRRR... so I had enough and packed it up for the day. I spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening studying.
It’s great to have a built in family “counselor” who’s been there and done it. Thanks Dale! Friday we are going to PARTY!!!
The day wasn’t good for flying solo but it was Memorial Day, a day of honoring of those who gave some and those who gave all for our country’s freedom, additionally it’s my Dad’s birthday (a veteran as well) so it was a great day!! Happy Birthday and Memorial Day Dad… Thank you for everything…
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