Career Change with ATP Blog
- Thread starter ZippiGuy
- Start date
Rocketman99
Frozen Guppy Manipulator
I did my CFII and CFI single add on checks with Ernie. I think I learned more (while laughing my arse of inside) in those two check rides with him then in any training to date.
ZippiGuy
New Member
Thanks all for your Ernie stories and impressions. LOL!!
My checkride was postponed. Not sure when it will be rescheduled. All I can say is I'll be glad when it is in the past. But, at least I get a little bit more study time for now...I was feeling a little rushed and not quite prepared.
Until then...
My checkride was postponed. Not sure when it will be rescheduled. All I can say is I'll be glad when it is in the past. But, at least I get a little bit more study time for now...I was feeling a little rushed and not quite prepared.
Until then...
ZippiGuy
New Member
Wow, I have a lot of catching up to do!!!
July 15 -- Day 39
WX Day, just relaxed and got some studying in.
July 16 -- Day 40
2nd X/C Solo. Due to marginal weather in Lake City, flew 1.8 to Brunswick Golden Isles (BQK) and back again. This was an afternoon flight and the weather was a little bumpy. Other than that, things went smoothly once again!
July 17 -- Day 41
The long awaited 100+nm X/C solo--the "kite". Flew 3.0 to Brunswick Golden Isle, Jessup-Wayne, Waycross-Ware, and back to Craig. I packed a picnic lunch and took an hour for lunch in Waycross-Ware. I noticed the glass Coke bottles I opened and drank had the county name on it, so I bought several more bottles hoping to find another to keep as a momento. But, I had to stop buying or I would have had to re-calculate my weight and balance! On the way back to Craig, clouds were building so I had to duck in between two towering cummulus clouds. As I was passing underneath these clouds I encountered sudden wind shear which nearly turned me upside down. After recovery, I slowed down to manuever speed, but the air smoothed out from this point on. Upon approach into Craig, I got a nice view of Jacksonville International. I had a moment of disorientation because I could not see Craig as I neared the smokestacks. But, then, I realized I was coming in from a different direction and noticed the airport dead ahead at 12 O'clock, just where it should be!
July 18 -- Day 42
Another X/C to Brunswick. The weather in route to Lake City was marginal once again!
July 19 -- Day 43
Finally, got in my last X/C to Lake City. As I left Craig, the clouds were building, so I made a quick turn around in Lake City. Jacksonville approach dropped my flight following just outside of Cecil (they wanted me to climb, but I was unable to because of a cloud layer above me), so I called Cecil tower to get clearance through their airspace. I realized very quickly how simple flight following makes things because I was a lot busier (and I was a bit stressed out) once I lost flight following. It's always the tough flights that teach you the most. Today, I was a little bit sad because this is the end of solos, which I found to be the most enjoyable part of my training. But, I am now a big step closer to becoming a private pilot.
July 20 -- Day 44
Today turned out to be very interesting. I did my night flight with my instructor to Daytona Beach. I was really amazed at how much an airport can blend in with the surroundings at night. I had difficulty seeing the runway until I was literally right on top of it! Got a taste of VOR navigation and shot my first ILS into Craig. Finally I did 10 night take-offs and landings at Craig before we called it a night at 3am.
July 21 -- Day 45
After sleeping in, I came at at noon and Justin took me up for hood work which includes level turns, climbing turns, decending turns, and finally recovery from unusual attitudes. The unusual attitudes part was fun because the instructor has to disorient me and it feels a bit like being on a roller-coaster ride.
July 22 -- Day 46
Did some more hood work in the morning, basically a repeat of yesterday. In the afternoon, started with checkride prep which is manuever review and some new things like short-field and soft-field takeoffs and landings.
I am starting to feel a little bit stressed because I know my check-ride is coming up soon.
July 23 -- Day 47
Went up for another hour of checkride prep. My checkride is scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday). My instructor spent some time quizzing me for tomorrows checkride.
July 24 -- Day 48
The checkride was postponed. Will probably be in a couple days. I decided this is a good opportunity to get more studied up.
July 25 to 27 -- Days 49 -51
It seems that all but one of the Cessnas were hitting their 100 hour maintenance during this time period. So, I just used the opportunity to continue to study, lucky me!
July 28 -- Day 52
Went up for what I believe is my last flight as a student pilot for a little bit more checkride prep. The checkride is not yet scheduled. But, it sounds like it will be as early as tomorrow. I will find out soon. I do feel much better prepared now, so I guess the delay is a good thing.
July 15 -- Day 39
WX Day, just relaxed and got some studying in.
July 16 -- Day 40
2nd X/C Solo. Due to marginal weather in Lake City, flew 1.8 to Brunswick Golden Isles (BQK) and back again. This was an afternoon flight and the weather was a little bumpy. Other than that, things went smoothly once again!
July 17 -- Day 41
The long awaited 100+nm X/C solo--the "kite". Flew 3.0 to Brunswick Golden Isle, Jessup-Wayne, Waycross-Ware, and back to Craig. I packed a picnic lunch and took an hour for lunch in Waycross-Ware. I noticed the glass Coke bottles I opened and drank had the county name on it, so I bought several more bottles hoping to find another to keep as a momento. But, I had to stop buying or I would have had to re-calculate my weight and balance! On the way back to Craig, clouds were building so I had to duck in between two towering cummulus clouds. As I was passing underneath these clouds I encountered sudden wind shear which nearly turned me upside down. After recovery, I slowed down to manuever speed, but the air smoothed out from this point on. Upon approach into Craig, I got a nice view of Jacksonville International. I had a moment of disorientation because I could not see Craig as I neared the smokestacks. But, then, I realized I was coming in from a different direction and noticed the airport dead ahead at 12 O'clock, just where it should be!
July 18 -- Day 42
Another X/C to Brunswick. The weather in route to Lake City was marginal once again!
July 19 -- Day 43
Finally, got in my last X/C to Lake City. As I left Craig, the clouds were building, so I made a quick turn around in Lake City. Jacksonville approach dropped my flight following just outside of Cecil (they wanted me to climb, but I was unable to because of a cloud layer above me), so I called Cecil tower to get clearance through their airspace. I realized very quickly how simple flight following makes things because I was a lot busier (and I was a bit stressed out) once I lost flight following. It's always the tough flights that teach you the most. Today, I was a little bit sad because this is the end of solos, which I found to be the most enjoyable part of my training. But, I am now a big step closer to becoming a private pilot.
July 20 -- Day 44
Today turned out to be very interesting. I did my night flight with my instructor to Daytona Beach. I was really amazed at how much an airport can blend in with the surroundings at night. I had difficulty seeing the runway until I was literally right on top of it! Got a taste of VOR navigation and shot my first ILS into Craig. Finally I did 10 night take-offs and landings at Craig before we called it a night at 3am.
July 21 -- Day 45
After sleeping in, I came at at noon and Justin took me up for hood work which includes level turns, climbing turns, decending turns, and finally recovery from unusual attitudes. The unusual attitudes part was fun because the instructor has to disorient me and it feels a bit like being on a roller-coaster ride.
July 22 -- Day 46
Did some more hood work in the morning, basically a repeat of yesterday. In the afternoon, started with checkride prep which is manuever review and some new things like short-field and soft-field takeoffs and landings.
I am starting to feel a little bit stressed because I know my check-ride is coming up soon.
July 23 -- Day 47
Went up for another hour of checkride prep. My checkride is scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday). My instructor spent some time quizzing me for tomorrows checkride.
July 24 -- Day 48
The checkride was postponed. Will probably be in a couple days. I decided this is a good opportunity to get more studied up.
July 25 to 27 -- Days 49 -51
It seems that all but one of the Cessnas were hitting their 100 hour maintenance during this time period. So, I just used the opportunity to continue to study, lucky me!
July 28 -- Day 52
Went up for what I believe is my last flight as a student pilot for a little bit more checkride prep. The checkride is not yet scheduled. But, it sounds like it will be as early as tomorrow. I will find out soon. I do feel much better prepared now, so I guess the delay is a good thing.
Rocketman99
Frozen Guppy Manipulator
Well good luck man! Extra time is a bonus but it sure never helps the nerves...
ZippiGuy
New Member
True story: A friend of mine from Microsoft called and asked me how my training is going and how I am enjoying things. I told him that so far, the version of windows I use in the airplane is much interesting view than Microsoft Windows. And my Office has not crashed even once! He was laughing so hard that he dropped his phone and I heard it bouncing down two flights of stairs. Clickety-clack, clickety-clack, thud, Clickety-clack...
ZippiGuy
New Member
July 29 -- Day 53
Went to the airport today and found out that my checkride was scheduled to be with Ernie on Monday. My training is complete and all that is left is the checkride. After the checkride, I will have 20 hours to burn off which will take about 3 days of cross-country. So, I will study and "chair-fly" the next few days. And, I will also spend a little time in the pool...
July 30 -- Day 54
Hitting the books and reviewing everything today. I am focused primarily on the PTS and the FARs.
Went to the airport today and found out that my checkride was scheduled to be with Ernie on Monday. My training is complete and all that is left is the checkride. After the checkride, I will have 20 hours to burn off which will take about 3 days of cross-country. So, I will study and "chair-fly" the next few days. And, I will also spend a little time in the pool...
July 30 -- Day 54
Hitting the books and reviewing everything today. I am focused primarily on the PTS and the FARs.
ZippiGuy
New Member
July 31 -- Day 55
I was at the airport today working with my instructor to prepare for tomorrow's checkride when dispatch called and bumped me to Tuesday, August 2nd due to a conflict with another person's checkride. I am getting so used to the idea of a looming checkride that I am no longer feeling stressed about it. I guess that this is a good thing. But, I really want to get done so I can go home and see my wife and daughter. I miss them terribly. If all goes as expected, I should be able to hit the road by Sunday after I have burned through my remaining 20-some hours.
August 1 -- Day 56j
Reviewing all materials to keep things fresh in my mind. Also, working on weight and balance and cross-country Nav Log for the aircraft and the checkride. The checkride will be tomorrow--I think this time it is set in stone.
I was at the airport today working with my instructor to prepare for tomorrow's checkride when dispatch called and bumped me to Tuesday, August 2nd due to a conflict with another person's checkride. I am getting so used to the idea of a looming checkride that I am no longer feeling stressed about it. I guess that this is a good thing. But, I really want to get done so I can go home and see my wife and daughter. I miss them terribly. If all goes as expected, I should be able to hit the road by Sunday after I have burned through my remaining 20-some hours.
August 1 -- Day 56j
Reviewing all materials to keep things fresh in my mind. Also, working on weight and balance and cross-country Nav Log for the aircraft and the checkride. The checkride will be tomorrow--I think this time it is set in stone.
ZippiGuy
New Member
Sorry for the delay in posting. It has been a very busy and, in some ways, a very fustrating week. But all is good. read on...
August 2 -- Day 57
Well, I did have my checkride today. But, was unable to complete it for 2 reasons. First, I made one really stupid mistake which means I did not pass. I believe I have all the necessary skills to pass--but, as you know, mistakes sometimes happen. In this particular case, I have to accept the fault and try again. Bummer. I will turn my mistake into a learning opportunity. Second, the weather prevented me from completing a few remaining items which are soft/short field take-offs and landings. In case you don't know, if you bust on a checkride, you do have the option to continue the test so that you only need to retest on the particular item you fail on. I did accept this option, but the weather at Craig was deteriorating. So, we went back and landed. I would have to say that the landing was the smoothest one I ever had and I was glad that it happened with Ernie sitting next to me.
August 3 -- Day 58
Our plan was to do one hour of training and then I was going to take the remainder of the checkride. But, my instructor was ill today. So, it did not happen. I used the time to study. I am rescheduled for tomorrow.
August 4 -- Day 59
OK, it seems that someone forgot about me because I was not listed on the schedule for the checkride. But, I did get up for an hour of training with my instructor. Justin apologized (but it was NOT his fault as far as I could tell) and told me that I am on the schedule for Saturday. There seems to be an unusual amount of delays in my scheduling my checkrides these past couple of weeks. I should be done now. But, in the scheme of things, it's not really that important. Just venting a little fustration...
August 5 -- Day 60
Just waiting and getting a little review in. Tomorrow is the big day...again.
August 6 -- Day 61
I passed my checkride. Yay! I'm a Private Pilot now! Ernie did throw me a curve ball and had me take him to an airport that I did not expect. But, I took an extra few minutes to do a quick study on JAX and then we went. Sorry, Ernie, for the delay. Man, I had to go through the approach checklists fast because JAX airspace is only a few miles from CRG airspace. Honestly, I didn't think it was going to happen today because the weather was not looking so good. But, it had improved when my turn came up.
Although it was fun (because I love flying), checkrides are stressful and, immediately after, I was only glad it was over with. It took a few hours for it to sink in that I accomplished this milestone. Now, I have about 20 or so remaining hours to burn off and then I can go home, see my wife and daughter, and then start with the ATP Career program. Just waiting for the call from dispatch... In the meanwhile, I'm going out to celebrate!!!
THANKS ATP!!!
August 2 -- Day 57
Well, I did have my checkride today. But, was unable to complete it for 2 reasons. First, I made one really stupid mistake which means I did not pass. I believe I have all the necessary skills to pass--but, as you know, mistakes sometimes happen. In this particular case, I have to accept the fault and try again. Bummer. I will turn my mistake into a learning opportunity. Second, the weather prevented me from completing a few remaining items which are soft/short field take-offs and landings. In case you don't know, if you bust on a checkride, you do have the option to continue the test so that you only need to retest on the particular item you fail on. I did accept this option, but the weather at Craig was deteriorating. So, we went back and landed. I would have to say that the landing was the smoothest one I ever had and I was glad that it happened with Ernie sitting next to me.
August 3 -- Day 58
Our plan was to do one hour of training and then I was going to take the remainder of the checkride. But, my instructor was ill today. So, it did not happen. I used the time to study. I am rescheduled for tomorrow.
August 4 -- Day 59
OK, it seems that someone forgot about me because I was not listed on the schedule for the checkride. But, I did get up for an hour of training with my instructor. Justin apologized (but it was NOT his fault as far as I could tell) and told me that I am on the schedule for Saturday. There seems to be an unusual amount of delays in my scheduling my checkrides these past couple of weeks. I should be done now. But, in the scheme of things, it's not really that important. Just venting a little fustration...
August 5 -- Day 60
Just waiting and getting a little review in. Tomorrow is the big day...again.
August 6 -- Day 61
I passed my checkride. Yay! I'm a Private Pilot now! Ernie did throw me a curve ball and had me take him to an airport that I did not expect. But, I took an extra few minutes to do a quick study on JAX and then we went. Sorry, Ernie, for the delay. Man, I had to go through the approach checklists fast because JAX airspace is only a few miles from CRG airspace. Honestly, I didn't think it was going to happen today because the weather was not looking so good. But, it had improved when my turn came up.
Although it was fun (because I love flying), checkrides are stressful and, immediately after, I was only glad it was over with. It took a few hours for it to sink in that I accomplished this milestone. Now, I have about 20 or so remaining hours to burn off and then I can go home, see my wife and daughter, and then start with the ATP Career program. Just waiting for the call from dispatch... In the meanwhile, I'm going out to celebrate!!!
THANKS ATP!!!
ZippiGuy
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
I hope all went well on the check ride today. . .!!???
[/ QUOTE ] Well, not quite, you can read about it above. But, in the end I succeeded!
[ QUOTE ]
I am on a self paced, and just soloed today!!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats!!! Doesn't it feel great? I have to say I'll never forget the day I soloed!
[ QUOTE ]
Hope you can take a few minutes to let us know how it went before you start buring hours off to see you family!!!!! but really, good luck. . .
[/ QUOTE ] I did just that. Thanks for the encouragement!
I hope all went well on the check ride today. . .!!???
[/ QUOTE ] Well, not quite, you can read about it above. But, in the end I succeeded!
[ QUOTE ]
I am on a self paced, and just soloed today!!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats!!! Doesn't it feel great? I have to say I'll never forget the day I soloed!
[ QUOTE ]
Hope you can take a few minutes to let us know how it went before you start buring hours off to see you family!!!!! but really, good luck. . .
[/ QUOTE ] I did just that. Thanks for the encouragement!
Pokerpilot
New Member
congrats
