Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Phase One Roll
I'm flying...well, sorta.
We've done four simulators to this point. Each has built on the last - going from checklists to flying to emergencies to patterns flown over an airport. They put us in these nifty rooms with mock-up cockpits (all the switches work), and we look at simulated scenes on large screens that surround us as we fly around and over the Enid area. It's pretty neat to apply all that we've learned to this point.
On top of that, the class thing has started heating up. Several tests each week. This week, it's Contact (basic flying maneuvers, including some stalls and spins) as well as Weather. That second one's a recap of Pensacola's weather, so shouldn't be too tough. I hope.
Trying to keep up with other things in life (friends, running, etc) has proven a bit more difficult with the increased work-load. But I've done okay with that.
We've done four simulators to this point. Each has built on the last - going from checklists to flying to emergencies to patterns flown over an airport. They put us in these nifty rooms with mock-up cockpits (all the switches work), and we look at simulated scenes on large screens that surround us as we fly around and over the Enid area. It's pretty neat to apply all that we've learned to this point.
On top of that, the class thing has started heating up. Several tests each week. This week, it's Contact (basic flying maneuvers, including some stalls and spins) as well as Weather. That second one's a recap of Pensacola's weather, so shouldn't be too tough. I hope.
Trying to keep up with other things in life (friends, running, etc) has proven a bit more difficult with the increased work-load. But I've done okay with that.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Out in Oklahoma
I've been in my new house for a week, and the boxes are unpacked.
This place has been great, so far. Our kitchen is awesome, filled with bunches of food! The family room has a fireplace, and my TV sits on the fireplace mantel. My room is to the back right of the house. It's a bit tight, but I am enjoying the shuffling of things to make it work.
Enid has been mediocre. The town has little to offer - it's not very scenic, and there's not much to do. On top of that, the rain and cold have kept me off the golf courses since getting here. Bummer!
Because of Enid's low-caliber entertainment value, I have been traveling a bit. Went to Oklahoma City for the Zac Brown Band concert. Out to Tulsa to visit a friend. Back to OKC for a night of sushi and fellowship with the Navy folks from Enid. Even squeezed in a date while down there.
Training starts in a few weeks. Until then, I'll be running lots and preventing my brain from rotting with plenty of Sporcle quizzes.
This place has been great, so far. Our kitchen is awesome, filled with bunches of food! The family room has a fireplace, and my TV sits on the fireplace mantel. My room is to the back right of the house. It's a bit tight, but I am enjoying the shuffling of things to make it work.
Enid has been mediocre. The town has little to offer - it's not very scenic, and there's not much to do. On top of that, the rain and cold have kept me off the golf courses since getting here. Bummer!
Because of Enid's low-caliber entertainment value, I have been traveling a bit. Went to Oklahoma City for the Zac Brown Band concert. Out to Tulsa to visit a friend. Back to OKC for a night of sushi and fellowship with the Navy folks from Enid. Even squeezed in a date while down there.
Training starts in a few weeks. Until then, I'll be running lots and preventing my brain from rotting with plenty of Sporcle quizzes.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Helo Dunker
Underwater Disney World. Easily the most fun you can have while being drowned. That was my Friday.
When helicopters go down, the world becomes a mess for those inside. The aircraft quickly inverts, and it falls to the ocean floor with great haste. We can't change those facts, but we can prepare for them. Hence the training.
Through progressive steps, the swimmers prepared us for various exit procedures from helicopters. Operate these door handles, some don't work. Find a reference point. Use your hands (not your eyes) to guide yourself towards the exit. It's a great bit of fun, but scary too - knowing that so many have been through this training and needed to use it.
It culminated in the full-on dunker. They have a simulated helicopter on a cable. Six of us climbed in, strapped in. Then, they made the water more than a distant friend. Within seconds, we were upside-down, under water, in relative darkness. Let those straps go. Hand over hand, and exit that sucker. Live to fight another day.
I enjoyed it lots, and the thing definitely made me more comfortable with helicopters. Still not my first pick, but they have some perks.
When helicopters go down, the world becomes a mess for those inside. The aircraft quickly inverts, and it falls to the ocean floor with great haste. We can't change those facts, but we can prepare for them. Hence the training.
Through progressive steps, the swimmers prepared us for various exit procedures from helicopters. Operate these door handles, some don't work. Find a reference point. Use your hands (not your eyes) to guide yourself towards the exit. It's a great bit of fun, but scary too - knowing that so many have been through this training and needed to use it.
It culminated in the full-on dunker. They have a simulated helicopter on a cable. Six of us climbed in, strapped in. Then, they made the water more than a distant friend. Within seconds, we were upside-down, under water, in relative darkness. Let those straps go. Hand over hand, and exit that sucker. Live to fight another day.
I enjoyed it lots, and the thing definitely made me more comfortable with helicopters. Still not my first pick, but they have some perks.
No Air, No Air...
Hypoxia is a funny thing. It creeps onto the scene, makes you giddy, and turns a friendly game of patty cake into a violent competition. As soon as the air returns, the tingling disappears. So it was a few days ago, when the Navy deliberately deprived me of oxygen. They train us to recognize the signs of the dangerous condition, responsible for several Navy accidents and the death of Payne Stewart and friends in an aircraft that slowly leaked oxygen until all crew and passengers went unconscious. It's a debilitating kind of thing, and good for us to understand.
They took us up to 25,000 feet in altitude (simulated), where the air is rare. We removed our oxygen masks, and tried to do simple tasks: patty cake, counting cards, naming colors on a color wheel. After a few minutes, these things became all-consuming, and some folks couldn't follow instructions. A few blacked out, missing about 30 seconds of the time when they were most hypoxic. Me, I became a combat patty-caker.
After a huge build-up in my mind over the days leading up to the event, it went by easily. Another day when I think..."I'm getting paid for this?"
They took us up to 25,000 feet in altitude (simulated), where the air is rare. We removed our oxygen masks, and tried to do simple tasks: patty cake, counting cards, naming colors on a color wheel. After a few minutes, these things became all-consuming, and some folks couldn't follow instructions. A few blacked out, missing about 30 seconds of the time when they were most hypoxic. Me, I became a combat patty-caker.
After a huge build-up in my mind over the days leading up to the event, it went by easily. Another day when I think..."I'm getting paid for this?"
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Drownproofing
Now that the academics are done, they'll find some interesting ways to tax my body - jumping from helicopters, altitude chambers, and drownproofing!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Enid
After having scouted the websites of the city, I'm starting to relax a little more about Enid. Sure, it doesn't have the beach-related fun of Pensacola. It does boast several golf courses, fitness centers, and hopefully a few decent restaurants. What more could a guy really need??
Friday, September 4, 2009
Almost There!
In just three months, I have nearly completed my time here in Pensacola. API - three weeks from the end. Academics end this week. So far, no speed bumps: tests have gone well, swimming went...swimmingly, and I rocked the running portions. It's been a lot of work - studying more than I'd like, and less fun than one might desire. However, I feel some real accomplishment. The things I'm learning make this whole Navy thing pretty real.
I haven't started looking at places out in Oklahoma yet. But I hope to do that soon. My computer is back from the dead, so I can begin to do that kind of thing.
It'll be sad to leave here. Though I expected to be largely hermetic down here, I have found some great folks in the Navy. Supportive friends, all going through the same things. Even made nice with some Michigan folks - seems like college football's a good bonding point. The most sour part of my move will be leaving these people and starting over with Air Force pilots out in Oklahoma.
Serves me right for being Curly in Oklahoma.
I've been through the state once or twice. Really liked Oklahoma City - saw the bombing memorial, too. I hope I like Enid. It's a few hours from major cities, and the town itself looks pretty small. Scary, at times, but God hasn't misdirected me yet. We'll see about this south Midwestern town.
I haven't started looking at places out in Oklahoma yet. But I hope to do that soon. My computer is back from the dead, so I can begin to do that kind of thing.
It'll be sad to leave here. Though I expected to be largely hermetic down here, I have found some great folks in the Navy. Supportive friends, all going through the same things. Even made nice with some Michigan folks - seems like college football's a good bonding point. The most sour part of my move will be leaving these people and starting over with Air Force pilots out in Oklahoma.
Serves me right for being Curly in Oklahoma.
I've been through the state once or twice. Really liked Oklahoma City - saw the bombing memorial, too. I hope I like Enid. It's a few hours from major cities, and the town itself looks pretty small. Scary, at times, but God hasn't misdirected me yet. We'll see about this south Midwestern town.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
API Started Today
Hey y'all.
My brief respite has ended. I attended a lecture today, confirming two things: my academic firestorm starts on Monday, and I have follow-on orders for Vance Air Force Base, OK.
I am excited about the first one of these things. I have never been one to wait around for life to find me. Instead, fast-paced learning and work keep me going and help me make the most of the free time that I find. Starting class, I can really scoot through the training...important at my ripe-old age of 23.
As for Vance, I'm unsure what to expect. Some guys have given me pretty negative comments. Others that I've met tell me it's not so bad, that the Air Force accelerates training at a quicker pace than the Navy. I'll be living in or near Enid, Oklahoma.
Can't say I'm super pumped, but I'm trying to keep an open mind. One fellow ensign, Mario Tarver, is heading out there with me. Whatever comes, at least I won't be the only one going through it.
As with anything, tomorrow's worries are for then. I'll have plenty to do in the next six weeks, that the move to Okla. can't occupy to many brain cells.
API consists of several academic subjects related to flying: aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and engine systems. We'll fly through the basics of all of these in a mere four weeks. After that, it's some water survival training, some other little tasks. I can't help but get excited for what's next. API will probably be tough, but I'm ready.
My brief respite has ended. I attended a lecture today, confirming two things: my academic firestorm starts on Monday, and I have follow-on orders for Vance Air Force Base, OK.
I am excited about the first one of these things. I have never been one to wait around for life to find me. Instead, fast-paced learning and work keep me going and help me make the most of the free time that I find. Starting class, I can really scoot through the training...important at my ripe-old age of 23.
As for Vance, I'm unsure what to expect. Some guys have given me pretty negative comments. Others that I've met tell me it's not so bad, that the Air Force accelerates training at a quicker pace than the Navy. I'll be living in or near Enid, Oklahoma.
Can't say I'm super pumped, but I'm trying to keep an open mind. One fellow ensign, Mario Tarver, is heading out there with me. Whatever comes, at least I won't be the only one going through it.
As with anything, tomorrow's worries are for then. I'll have plenty to do in the next six weeks, that the move to Okla. can't occupy to many brain cells.
API consists of several academic subjects related to flying: aerodynamics, navigation, weather, and engine systems. We'll fly through the basics of all of these in a mere four weeks. After that, it's some water survival training, some other little tasks. I can't help but get excited for what's next. API will probably be tough, but I'm ready.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Settlin' In
After a very busy month, I have a bit of free time before the next step of flight school.
I'm not entirely pleased about the wait.
I would really like to keep working, but I'll take a brief chance to rest some, catching up on hours lost over the past month. Maybe take those golf lessons I'd intended to take. Also improve the tan, which is decent but doesn't look Floridian, to be sure. I'm also excited to spend a bit more time at church, with friends, and picking up some hobbies I've forgotten.
I'm not entirely pleased about the wait.
I would really like to keep working, but I'll take a brief chance to rest some, catching up on hours lost over the past month. Maybe take those golf lessons I'd intended to take. Also improve the tan, which is decent but doesn't look Floridian, to be sure. I'm also excited to spend a bit more time at church, with friends, and picking up some hobbies I've forgotten.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Penultimate
It's getting close. IFS, this first phase of flight school, has come to the end. I'm flying for the last time this morning. The trip calls for a direct flight from Mobile to Gulfport, MS. It's so cool up there - I've done the trip three times. Now, I'll do it alone, to showcase and cap my experiences in this program.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Destination-Moving
I left the friendly confines of Mobile for a new state and airport. Flew to Gulfport, Miss., home of casinos and a beautiful view of the ocean. It was pretty wild.
The hardest part of all these trips is the radios. I'm constantly in contact with different air traffic folks, at various levels. Imagine calling for permission to drive to work, giving your boss updates every few minutes on where you are. By the way, if you deviate for coffee, he/she's got you on radar.
More than ever, flying is fun. I enjoyed my short little flight, and I get to do it again tonight, once the sun has set. I can't wait.
The hardest part of all these trips is the radios. I'm constantly in contact with different air traffic folks, at various levels. Imagine calling for permission to drive to work, giving your boss updates every few minutes on where you are. By the way, if you deviate for coffee, he/she's got you on radar.
More than ever, flying is fun. I enjoyed my short little flight, and I get to do it again tonight, once the sun has set. I can't wait.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Right Decision
I flew from our airport to the south, doing all things on my own, with no instructor in the plane. After an hour and a half out there, I came back to the airport for four landings.
Today's flight has begun, in me, a love in aviation. I got to appreciate flying this morning. It's so cool to see the world from the air. Until now, I hadn't really enjoyed the view, being so conscious of my instructor's constant guidance. I navigated, avoided other planes, and talked the radio like a pro...I think, at least. My morning gave me comfort with my plane and with my career for the next ten years.
Today's flight has begun, in me, a love in aviation. I got to appreciate flying this morning. It's so cool to see the world from the air. Until now, I hadn't really enjoyed the view, being so conscious of my instructor's constant guidance. I navigated, avoided other planes, and talked the radio like a pro...I think, at least. My morning gave me comfort with my plane and with my career for the next ten years.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Alone
They let me fly the plane all by myself.
I arrived in Mobile early Saturday morning. Still winds and cool air made my first flight of the day easy. It was a cumulative test. I did really well on the oral exam and aced all but one of the maneuvers. If you ever want me to circle your house in a constant circle, I might have to say no.
After that, I did some landings. They were good enough that my instructor got out of the plane at the control tower. He broke out his binoculars and watched, as I did some more landings by myself. It was wild.
I talked to the tower, fought the wind, made turns in the traffic pattern, and set the plane down three times. Still here to talk about it.
I arrived in Mobile early Saturday morning. Still winds and cool air made my first flight of the day easy. It was a cumulative test. I did really well on the oral exam and aced all but one of the maneuvers. If you ever want me to circle your house in a constant circle, I might have to say no.
After that, I did some landings. They were good enough that my instructor got out of the plane at the control tower. He broke out his binoculars and watched, as I did some more landings by myself. It was wild.
I talked to the tower, fought the wind, made turns in the traffic pattern, and set the plane down three times. Still here to talk about it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My place
Down in Florida, I have a pretty sweet apartment. I live near base and the beach, in a complex called Countrywood at Blue Angel. My single is comfy, with my big red couch, new tv, and great appliances. I love the gym, which I use daily.
Florida has been nicer than I expected. I love the sun and the humid, long-anticipated rain. With white sands and nice water, the beaches are perfect. I want to get out there soon.
Flying over Mobile, I have rekindled my affection for that city as well. I ran a marathon there in 2005. That run traversed the whole city, through charming neighborhoods, small college campuses in town, and the small downtown area. We get to see lots of that from the air, as well as the beautiful salt marshes to the south along the bay. Forrest Gump's second hometown, Bayou La Batre, is also along our regular route.
I feel pretty settled down here. Good friends, great weather, some fun with running and golf, and a job that's getting more interesting and fun.
Florida has been nicer than I expected. I love the sun and the humid, long-anticipated rain. With white sands and nice water, the beaches are perfect. I want to get out there soon.
Flying over Mobile, I have rekindled my affection for that city as well. I ran a marathon there in 2005. That run traversed the whole city, through charming neighborhoods, small college campuses in town, and the small downtown area. We get to see lots of that from the air, as well as the beautiful salt marshes to the south along the bay. Forrest Gump's second hometown, Bayou La Batre, is also along our regular route.
I feel pretty settled down here. Good friends, great weather, some fun with running and golf, and a job that's getting more interesting and fun.
Improvements
After a very rough Monday, things got better on Tuesday and Wednesday. I landed well, doing it without thinking I would die. Some of the more difficult maneuvers, like steep turns, went much more smoothly. Most importantly, I enjoyed myself a bit.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Not All Days...
It seems that I've regressed just a touch. Yesterday showed some weaknesses in some maneuvers, likely brought on by a break over this last weekend. I double-hopped a landing and had trouble with a few stall-type things. Strangely, the things I did well were those things that confounded me last time.
Go figure.
In other news, I'm keeping afloat thanks to a great study buddy. We did a take-home test last night to the sounds of the Home Run Derby (Sad that wasn't won by Pujols, who seemed so earnest in trying to win it for host-town St. Louis). Good guy to chat with and a solid pilot. Today, I'll try to see what he's doing and do likewise.
Go figure.
In other news, I'm keeping afloat thanks to a great study buddy. We did a take-home test last night to the sounds of the Home Run Derby (Sad that wasn't won by Pujols, who seemed so earnest in trying to win it for host-town St. Louis). Good guy to chat with and a solid pilot. Today, I'll try to see what he's doing and do likewise.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Blue Angels
Today they came to Pensacola Beach. Followed by a build-up of several acrobatic airplanes, the Blue Angels screamed inward from the water. They peeled off, and performed stunning tricks for 45 minutes. I was like a kid, all excitement and few words.
The pilots did barrel rolls. Near misses of eachother. Flying in formation - maybe 20 feet separating the planes. All of the tricks were pretty exciting to watch.
The pilots did barrel rolls. Near misses of eachother. Flying in formation - maybe 20 feet separating the planes. All of the tricks were pretty exciting to watch.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Raw Nerves
Reminds me of kayaking. First, they get you comfortable with the easy stuff. Turn right, turn left. Then, day 2 means...what to do when the (feces) hits the fan. I found out today.
Sat in the back seat while my buddy Brandon stalled the aircraft, intentionally, to practice stall recovery. This means making the plane un-airborne, so it starts to slip out of the sky. Scary. In the back seat, I am helpless to the mayhem in the front seat. For a moment, I nearly quit aviation.
Then I got a crack.
These stalls are much more fun up front. From there, you can recognize the signs of impending doom and fix things. I enjoyed that part much better.
Still not very good, to be honest. I have a taste for flying now, but landings, maneuvering, and stalls are getting me down. Plus side - I can get that old Cessna lady off the old ground without much trouble.
Day two was pretty fun, I'll be studying and trying to make day three even better.
Sat in the back seat while my buddy Brandon stalled the aircraft, intentionally, to practice stall recovery. This means making the plane un-airborne, so it starts to slip out of the sky. Scary. In the back seat, I am helpless to the mayhem in the front seat. For a moment, I nearly quit aviation.
Then I got a crack.
These stalls are much more fun up front. From there, you can recognize the signs of impending doom and fix things. I enjoyed that part much better.
Still not very good, to be honest. I have a taste for flying now, but landings, maneuvering, and stalls are getting me down. Plus side - I can get that old Cessna lady off the old ground without much trouble.
Day two was pretty fun, I'll be studying and trying to make day three even better.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
First Day - Up There Quickly
Hey from internet land!
Finished my FAA Exam today, meaning that I can start putting ground school principles into a real, live airplane. Little did I know that the practice also began today.
Today's flying was fantastic and scary and loads of fun. My buddy flew first, then they put me at the sticks. I was crazy nervous, pouring sweat. Take that plane to the runway. Talk to the tower. Then, hit the throttle and take off! Yep, no help on that, they threw us in. It was a hideous climb but we got into the air.
As you might guess from this blog's title, I had a bit of trouble with altitude control. It's surprisingly tough to keep that plane level in the sky. So next time you're in a commercial jet, thank that pilot extra for his/her smooth flight and sweet landings.
Speaking of those, I did 4 today. Instructor demoed, and then I flew the traffic pattern and landed that Cessna beast on the asphalt. It wasn't pretty, once again. Bounced on one. Hit hard the other time. But that second landing...I couldn't feel my teeth rattle, so it must have been alright.
Hot up there. Shower now.
Finished my FAA Exam today, meaning that I can start putting ground school principles into a real, live airplane. Little did I know that the practice also began today.
Today's flying was fantastic and scary and loads of fun. My buddy flew first, then they put me at the sticks. I was crazy nervous, pouring sweat. Take that plane to the runway. Talk to the tower. Then, hit the throttle and take off! Yep, no help on that, they threw us in. It was a hideous climb but we got into the air.
As you might guess from this blog's title, I had a bit of trouble with altitude control. It's surprisingly tough to keep that plane level in the sky. So next time you're in a commercial jet, thank that pilot extra for his/her smooth flight and sweet landings.
Speaking of those, I did 4 today. Instructor demoed, and then I flew the traffic pattern and landed that Cessna beast on the asphalt. It wasn't pretty, once again. Bounced on one. Hit hard the other time. But that second landing...I couldn't feel my teeth rattle, so it must have been alright.
Hot up there. Shower now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)