Friday, 23 December 2011

Progress Thus Far


Well, it's nearly Xmas now, and today was my last day at Becker's for this year.

It's been a roller coaster ride for 3 months, although it certainly doesn't seem that long.

The first 2 weeks comprised 10+ hours of flying to acclimatise and help understand the upcoming theory lessons.

The next 3 weeks were Navigation and Power/Performance theory and their associated exams. Passed.

Then a week of jittery flying, about 3+ hours. Attempting to hover.

Another 3 weeks of  Aerodynamics and Aircraft General Knowledge and exams, which I also somehow passed.

A week of flying, 3 or so hours, absolutely convinced I will hit the ground like a dart.

3 weeks of Air Law, and Meteorology, and 2 nervously passed exams.

This last week comprised a comprehensive hangover, celebrating theory completion, and another 3 to 4 hours of flight, where my instructor thought I might be ready to experience and practice  engine failures from a thousand feet above the Sunshine Coast Airfield. Well, I guess Emergency Services wouldn't have far to go to tidy up the messy stain, should it all go wrong.... The descent of 1400 feet per minute does take a little getting used to, but believe it or not, one does desensitize.

So, 21 hours on,(and apparently  will solo soon, which will have it's own level of apprehension) I have been cheerfully told by my instructors it'll probably take around 600 or so, before I may indeed feel comfortable in this alien world.

Everyday is a challenge, whether it be fears, or ability, therefore the rewards are most fulfilling.

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