Career Change with ATP Blog
- Thread starter ZippiGuy
- Start date
ZippiGuy
New Member
Looks like I am over my 60 days due to delays caused by weather, checkride scheduling, etc.. But, it's not a big deal. I'll be done here in Jacksonville probably on Wednesday.
August 7 -- Day 62
I found out today that I have exactly 19.3 hours to burn off. ATP Dispatch will have me flying somewhere tomorrow. I spent the day relaxing and started packing up for my trip back to Seattle.
August 8 -- Day 63
Took off at 0'dark hundred (6:30am) for a flight to Dallas, TX. I flew with Dave from dispatch. We stopped in Pensacola, FL for fuel and went on to Monroe, LA. After refueling in Monroe, we noticed that our ground speed was not enough to make it to Dallas and then back to Jacksonville within my limit of 19.3 hours. So, ATP sent us back to Meridian, MS where a hotel room waiting for us. We flew through some actual IFR conditions near Monroe. This is the first time I have ever flown through clouds! We also shot the ILS into Monroe.
August 9 -- Day 64
Took off at 7am for Atlanta, GA. Flew through actual IFR conditions on approach into Atlanta and shot the ILS into runway 8. After a break in Atlanta, we switched planes and came back in N84299, which is the same plane I did my solo cross-country flights in. The trip back to Jacksonville took us through scattered cumulonimbus clouds and a small thunderstorm. So, it was true IFR off and on for roughly 20% of the trip. We got some water in the static system a few times when going throught the clouds which gave me my first experience with what happens to instruments when the static port becomes clogged. Fortunately, it was only clogged for a few seconds at a time. Our approach into Craig took us directly over JAX at 2000 feet! What a sight!
It's nice to be back in Jacksonville. But, what a fun trip this was! This has certainly been an experience that I'll never forget!
I have 4 remaining hours and then I'll be done with the ATP Private Pilot Program. This means I should be done tomorrow and on the road for Seattle on Thursday!
August 7 -- Day 62
I found out today that I have exactly 19.3 hours to burn off. ATP Dispatch will have me flying somewhere tomorrow. I spent the day relaxing and started packing up for my trip back to Seattle.
August 8 -- Day 63
Took off at 0'dark hundred (6:30am) for a flight to Dallas, TX. I flew with Dave from dispatch. We stopped in Pensacola, FL for fuel and went on to Monroe, LA. After refueling in Monroe, we noticed that our ground speed was not enough to make it to Dallas and then back to Jacksonville within my limit of 19.3 hours. So, ATP sent us back to Meridian, MS where a hotel room waiting for us. We flew through some actual IFR conditions near Monroe. This is the first time I have ever flown through clouds! We also shot the ILS into Monroe.
August 9 -- Day 64
Took off at 7am for Atlanta, GA. Flew through actual IFR conditions on approach into Atlanta and shot the ILS into runway 8. After a break in Atlanta, we switched planes and came back in N84299, which is the same plane I did my solo cross-country flights in. The trip back to Jacksonville took us through scattered cumulonimbus clouds and a small thunderstorm. So, it was true IFR off and on for roughly 20% of the trip. We got some water in the static system a few times when going throught the clouds which gave me my first experience with what happens to instruments when the static port becomes clogged. Fortunately, it was only clogged for a few seconds at a time. Our approach into Craig took us directly over JAX at 2000 feet! What a sight!
It's nice to be back in Jacksonville. But, what a fun trip this was! This has certainly been an experience that I'll never forget!
I have 4 remaining hours and then I'll be done with the ATP Private Pilot Program. This means I should be done tomorrow and on the road for Seattle on Thursday!
John_Mitchell
Well-Known Member
It really sounds like you're starting to have fun. All the hard work and studying is paying off. Keep it up! (by the way, I am so jealous of you!!!!)
Heath
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Took off at 7am for Atlanta, GA. Flew through actual IFR conditions on approach into Atlanta and shot the ILS into runway 8. After a break in Atlanta, we switched planes and came back in N84299, which is the same plane I did my solo cross-country flights in.
[/ QUOTE ]
ROCK ON Zippy! Congrats on being a pilot!
Sorry I missed you guys passing through ATL.
Good luck in the ACPP!
Heath
Took off at 7am for Atlanta, GA. Flew through actual IFR conditions on approach into Atlanta and shot the ILS into runway 8. After a break in Atlanta, we switched planes and came back in N84299, which is the same plane I did my solo cross-country flights in.
[/ QUOTE ]
Good luck in the ACPP!
Heath
ZippiGuy
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
It really sounds like you're starting to have fun. All the hard work and studying is paying off. Keep it up!
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, the last part was certainly a lot of fun!
[ QUOTE ]
by the way, I am so jealous of you!!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Whatcha gonna do about it?
Seriously, dude, what's stopping you? If this is something that you really want to do, don't let anything get in your way and just do it. In my case, this is something I had to do in my life or else I would be seriously disappointed in myself if I never tried.
It really sounds like you're starting to have fun. All the hard work and studying is paying off. Keep it up!
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, the last part was certainly a lot of fun!
[ QUOTE ]
by the way, I am so jealous of you!!!!
[/ QUOTE ]
Whatcha gonna do about it?
Seriously, dude, what's stopping you? If this is something that you really want to do, don't let anything get in your way and just do it. In my case, this is something I had to do in my life or else I would be seriously disappointed in myself if I never tried.
ZippiGuy
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
ROCK ON Zippy! Congrats on being a pilot! Sorry I missed you guys passing through ATL.
[/ QUOTE ]
I was wondering if you were still in ATL. I was looking to see if you were around. By the way, the FBO there has some really nice facilities. The vending machine even had some frozen meals that could be heated in the microwave. While it's not the best food in the world, I didn't have to starve all the way back to Craig.
Hey thanks! Your posts several months ago have been a great inspiration and weighed heavily on my decision to come out to JAX.
ROCK ON Zippy! Congrats on being a pilot! Sorry I missed you guys passing through ATL.
[/ QUOTE ]
I was wondering if you were still in ATL. I was looking to see if you were around. By the way, the FBO there has some really nice facilities. The vending machine even had some frozen meals that could be heated in the microwave. While it's not the best food in the world, I didn't have to starve all the way back to Craig.
Hey thanks! Your posts several months ago have been a great inspiration and weighed heavily on my decision to come out to JAX.
ZippiGuy
New Member
August 10 -- Day 65
Dave was not able to fly with me today, so I spent more time packing and cleaning the apartment.
August 11 -- Day 66 -- Last day!!!
Flew my remaining hours to Orlando and bought a gift to bring back to Seattle for my dad's birthday (he'll be 60 next week). After returning to Craig, I said my good-byes to the instructors and all of my friends and hit the road. Thanks, Jason, for helping me load my car in the rain.
Post Mortum
As I write this, I am in Reno, NV on my way back to Seattle. After a good night sleep, a bit of rest from the road, and a short visit with some friends here, I be in Seattle on Wednesday evening for a joyous reunion with my wife and daughter. I am scheduled to start the ATP Career Pilot program at the Narrows in Tacoma on August 20. I will start a new thread for the Career Pilot program at that time. So, check back here for the link!
I would have to say that my two months in Jacksonville have been a real adventure and it was certainly worth the time and cost. While the whole program was challenging, honestly, the first few weeks were the toughest and there were certainly times I thought I was not going to make it. There were a few mornings where I woke up and was tempted to pack my bags and go home. But, I decided to stick it out no matter what (it's only 2 months, right?) and that persistence is eventually what allowed me to go on my first solo. Rich made me so nervous that when he got out of the plane I was actually very relaxed for my first solo--I think that was his intent. If you can deal with Rich, the flying is trivial.
All of the training finally came together on the cross-country flights and I really started enjoying the program at that time. The solo-cross country time was the most fun! There was a lot of stress prior to taking my checkride. But, at no time did I ever doubt that I could do it. There was the one setback where I was required to retake the checkride. But, in the end I succeeded. The last few days were a lot of fun as I got an intro to flying IFR and we went to various cities--this was the second best part of the program.
Knowing what I know now about the Private Pilot Program and ATP, would I do it again? You betcha!!!
Dave was not able to fly with me today, so I spent more time packing and cleaning the apartment.
August 11 -- Day 66 -- Last day!!!
Flew my remaining hours to Orlando and bought a gift to bring back to Seattle for my dad's birthday (he'll be 60 next week). After returning to Craig, I said my good-byes to the instructors and all of my friends and hit the road. Thanks, Jason, for helping me load my car in the rain.
Post Mortum
As I write this, I am in Reno, NV on my way back to Seattle. After a good night sleep, a bit of rest from the road, and a short visit with some friends here, I be in Seattle on Wednesday evening for a joyous reunion with my wife and daughter. I am scheduled to start the ATP Career Pilot program at the Narrows in Tacoma on August 20. I will start a new thread for the Career Pilot program at that time. So, check back here for the link!
I would have to say that my two months in Jacksonville have been a real adventure and it was certainly worth the time and cost. While the whole program was challenging, honestly, the first few weeks were the toughest and there were certainly times I thought I was not going to make it. There were a few mornings where I woke up and was tempted to pack my bags and go home. But, I decided to stick it out no matter what (it's only 2 months, right?) and that persistence is eventually what allowed me to go on my first solo. Rich made me so nervous that when he got out of the plane I was actually very relaxed for my first solo--I think that was his intent. If you can deal with Rich, the flying is trivial.
Knowing what I know now about the Private Pilot Program and ATP, would I do it again? You betcha!!!
Matt777
Well-Known Member
So how long does it take to drive from Seattle to Jacksonville?
I plan to go to Sacramento since it is a shorter drive but will have to go on to JAX for ATP's CFI standarization training anyway.
Since I just had my checkride today and am now a Private Pilot(!!!)
I will make my call to ATP to ask how I should use the last remaining 9 hours of my 40 hour block of 172 time up here at Paine Field.
I could start on the IR, but I am 15 hours short of ATP's requirement for 25 PIC cross country.... except that the 10 hours of solo cross country I have is probably not technically PIC time since it is pre-PPL solo time... hmmm... CRAP!
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
Oh well, ATP told me that their 172s are only $75/hour (including an instructor)- not too bad compared to the $120 I'm paying now just for the airplane, which is a 1998 172R with GPS.
Sorry for the rambling- I am mentally and physically exhausted from the stress of the checkride!
The examiner was very relaxed and laid-back- it was _ME_ who was making me nervous- not the examiner!
Whatever... I have the license and that's what matters!
I plan to go to Sacramento since it is a shorter drive but will have to go on to JAX for ATP's CFI standarization training anyway.
Since I just had my checkride today and am now a Private Pilot(!!!)
I could start on the IR, but I am 15 hours short of ATP's requirement for 25 PIC cross country.... except that the 10 hours of solo cross country I have is probably not technically PIC time since it is pre-PPL solo time... hmmm... CRAP!
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
Oh well, ATP told me that their 172s are only $75/hour (including an instructor)- not too bad compared to the $120 I'm paying now just for the airplane, which is a 1998 172R with GPS.
Sorry for the rambling- I am mentally and physically exhausted from the stress of the checkride!
The examiner was very relaxed and laid-back- it was _ME_ who was making me nervous- not the examiner!
Whatever... I have the license and that's what matters!
Van_Hoolio
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
.... except that the 10 hours of solo cross country I have is probably not technically PIC time since it is pre-PPL solo time... hmmm... CRAP!
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't know how you realized that since it isn't true.
[ QUOTE ]
14CFR§61.51(e)(4)
A student pilot may log pilot-incommand
time only when the student
pilot—
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft
or is performing the duties of pilot of
command of an airship requiring more
than one pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement
as required under § 61.87 of this
part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot
certificate or rating.
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats on your checkride! Have some cross country fun with the rest of your block time, and then buy the rest of the time from ATP when you get there. $75 per hour is the exact cost of a 172M at my flight school, a decent rate.
Mike
.... except that the 10 hours of solo cross country I have is probably not technically PIC time since it is pre-PPL solo time... hmmm... CRAP!
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
I don't know how you realized that since it isn't true.
[ QUOTE ]
14CFR§61.51(e)(4)
A student pilot may log pilot-incommand
time only when the student
pilot—
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft
or is performing the duties of pilot of
command of an airship requiring more
than one pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement
as required under § 61.87 of this
part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot
certificate or rating.
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats on your checkride! Have some cross country fun with the rest of your block time, and then buy the rest of the time from ATP when you get there. $75 per hour is the exact cost of a 172M at my flight school, a decent rate.
Mike
Matt777
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Congratz. Who was the examiner? I heard Neal Karmen was in that neck of the woods now.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hey Don!
I literally just sat down to email you!
Yes, the examiner's name was Neal and he was great.
Last night I woke up 2 hours after I went to bed and then laid there wishing I was asleep for hours.
End result? I was very disappointed in my performance... but I don't ever cut myself any slack- so it wasn't actually that bad (obvously since I passed!
)!
I did do everything correctly, but I was not happy with my landings- which are usually really good. BUT not when I am operating on less than 5 hours of sleep!
To my complete surprise he said I was actually better than average and that I was a safe pilot- which, he said, is basically what the checkride is for.... even if I have done the maneuvers more accurately on my practice flights.
My oral exam was basically a breeze since I was prepared.
Neal actually teaches you a few things during the oral- I think it is because he knows that they are things that the flight schools and instructors don't teach you (because they are actually A&P things) so he wants to make sure you know... for example, when asked how long the Airworthiness Certificate is good for I said, " As long as the aircraft is operated and maintained according to the regulations and remains based in the U.S.", which is all the PPL training books tell you.
But he is a mechanic (I think?) so he asks if the Airworthiness Cert is still valid if the airplane is wrecked and unflyable. I didn't know, so I said, " I'm not sure, but I would guess that it would have to be maintained so that it was flyable for the AC to be valid"?
Nope- the AC doesn't expire in that case (I'm sure most of you guys here already know that). He said that the AC is like a birth certificate... as long as the pile of parts that used to be an airplane, still has an ID tag it is valid since it is still a 172.
He doesn't correct it in a judgemental manner though- just explains it. I thought he was a great examiner.
I just need to chill out when I have a checkride and realize that they aren't trying to fail you, they are just observing to make sure that you are safe and meet the requirements for the certificate.
Since airline pilots are maybe the most tested people on earth I better learn how to relax on a checkride!!!!
Because it's not that big of a deal!
Of course if I had a full night's sleep I wouldn't be going on and on and on about all this because I would have performed to MY expectations!
Was this post long enough?
Hey Don, do you still want an aerobatic airplane?
Compared to a 152 I suppose an old Navion is probably too big and heavy to be as fun? I'm not even positive that they are aerobatic approved, but there is an aerobatic team that flys them...
just curious- I can tell you why by email if you have any interest
Congratz. Who was the examiner? I heard Neal Karmen was in that neck of the woods now.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hey Don!
I literally just sat down to email you!
Yes, the examiner's name was Neal and he was great.
Last night I woke up 2 hours after I went to bed and then laid there wishing I was asleep for hours.
End result? I was very disappointed in my performance... but I don't ever cut myself any slack- so it wasn't actually that bad (obvously since I passed!
I did do everything correctly, but I was not happy with my landings- which are usually really good. BUT not when I am operating on less than 5 hours of sleep!
To my complete surprise he said I was actually better than average and that I was a safe pilot- which, he said, is basically what the checkride is for.... even if I have done the maneuvers more accurately on my practice flights.
My oral exam was basically a breeze since I was prepared.
Neal actually teaches you a few things during the oral- I think it is because he knows that they are things that the flight schools and instructors don't teach you (because they are actually A&P things) so he wants to make sure you know... for example, when asked how long the Airworthiness Certificate is good for I said, " As long as the aircraft is operated and maintained according to the regulations and remains based in the U.S.", which is all the PPL training books tell you.
But he is a mechanic (I think?) so he asks if the Airworthiness Cert is still valid if the airplane is wrecked and unflyable. I didn't know, so I said, " I'm not sure, but I would guess that it would have to be maintained so that it was flyable for the AC to be valid"?
Nope- the AC doesn't expire in that case (I'm sure most of you guys here already know that). He said that the AC is like a birth certificate... as long as the pile of parts that used to be an airplane, still has an ID tag it is valid since it is still a 172.
He doesn't correct it in a judgemental manner though- just explains it. I thought he was a great examiner.
I just need to chill out when I have a checkride and realize that they aren't trying to fail you, they are just observing to make sure that you are safe and meet the requirements for the certificate.
Since airline pilots are maybe the most tested people on earth I better learn how to relax on a checkride!!!!
Because it's not that big of a deal!
Of course if I had a full night's sleep I wouldn't be going on and on and on about all this because I would have performed to MY expectations!
Was this post long enough?
Hey Don, do you still want an aerobatic airplane?
Compared to a 152 I suppose an old Navion is probably too big and heavy to be as fun? I'm not even positive that they are aerobatic approved, but there is an aerobatic team that flys them...
just curious- I can tell you why by email if you have any interest
DE727UPS
Well-Known Member
That's the same DE that gave me my CFI in 1980. He was with AAL for a while. Not sure if he's retired from the airlines and just doing checkrides, now, or what. He's been doing a lot of rides in that neck of the woods for a while. I owe him a big thanks for seeing the big picture on my CFI ride.
Have two planes now, don't need any more.
Have two planes now, don't need any more.
Matt777
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
That's the same DE that gave me my CFI in 1980. He was with AAL for a while. Not sure if he's retired from the airlines and just doing checkrides, now, or what. He's been doing a lot of rides in that neck of the woods for a while. I owe him a big thanks for seeing the big picture on my CFI ride.
Have two planes now, don't need any more.
[/ QUOTE ]
Wow that seems like a crazy coincidence. About how many different examiners do you think there are in western washington? It sounds like its less than I imagine?
Since I mentioned becoming an instructor he figured he'd see me later- so it sounds like he plans to continue doing checkrides in this area.
I see him around at Northway doing checkrides on a regular basis.
What is the second airplane again? The Aerobatic Sundowner was the first airplane right? Or is that the one you bought?
That's the same DE that gave me my CFI in 1980. He was with AAL for a while. Not sure if he's retired from the airlines and just doing checkrides, now, or what. He's been doing a lot of rides in that neck of the woods for a while. I owe him a big thanks for seeing the big picture on my CFI ride.
Have two planes now, don't need any more.
[/ QUOTE ]
Wow that seems like a crazy coincidence. About how many different examiners do you think there are in western washington? It sounds like its less than I imagine?
Since I mentioned becoming an instructor he figured he'd see me later- so it sounds like he plans to continue doing checkrides in this area.
I see him around at Northway doing checkrides on a regular basis.
What is the second airplane again? The Aerobatic Sundowner was the first airplane right? Or is that the one you bought?
ZippiGuy
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
So how long does it take to drive from Seattle to Jacksonville?
I plan to go to Sacramento since it is a shorter drive but will have to go on to JAX for ATP's CFI standarization training anyway.
[/ QUOTE ]
It took me five days (50 hours total driving time--averaged 10 hours per day on the road). I took a longer route because I stopped to see some friends along the way. If I took the shortest route to Seattle, I could have done the trip in four days.
[ QUOTE ]
Since I just had my checkride today and am now a Private Pilot(!!!)
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats!!! Did it take time for it to sink in like it did with me? The funny thing is I just felt relieved to have the checkride over--I didn't really feel elated about it until the next day.
[ QUOTE ]
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
Who told you that? Your solo time DOES count as PIC. Check out 14CFR 61.51(e) (4)
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry for the rambling- I am mentally and physically exhausted from the stress of the checkride!
[/ QUOTE ]
I know the feeling!
[ QUOTE ]
Whatever... I have the license and that's what matters!
[/ QUOTE ]
So True! Congrats again and good luck with your continued training! I hope we'll have the chance to meet sometime!
-Zippi-
So how long does it take to drive from Seattle to Jacksonville?
I plan to go to Sacramento since it is a shorter drive but will have to go on to JAX for ATP's CFI standarization training anyway.
[/ QUOTE ]
It took me five days (50 hours total driving time--averaged 10 hours per day on the road). I took a longer route because I stopped to see some friends along the way. If I took the shortest route to Seattle, I could have done the trip in four days.
[ QUOTE ]
Since I just had my checkride today and am now a Private Pilot(!!!)
[/ QUOTE ]
Congrats!!! Did it take time for it to sink in like it did with me? The funny thing is I just felt relieved to have the checkride over--I didn't really feel elated about it until the next day.
[ QUOTE ]
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
Who told you that? Your solo time DOES count as PIC. Check out 14CFR 61.51(e) (4)
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry for the rambling- I am mentally and physically exhausted from the stress of the checkride!
[/ QUOTE ]
I know the feeling!
[ QUOTE ]
Whatever... I have the license and that's what matters!
[/ QUOTE ]
So True! Congrats again and good luck with your continued training! I hope we'll have the chance to meet sometime!
-Zippi-
ZippiGuy
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
14CFR§61.51(e)(4)
A student pilot may log pilot-incommand
time only when the student
pilot—
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft
or is performing the duties of pilot of
command of an airship requiring more
than one pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement
as required under § 61.87 of this
part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot
certificate or rating.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ha! You beat me to the punch! Well, thanks for showing Matt777 the light!
14CFR§61.51(e)(4)
A student pilot may log pilot-incommand
time only when the student
pilot—
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft
or is performing the duties of pilot of
command of an airship requiring more
than one pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement
as required under § 61.87 of this
part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot
certificate or rating.
[/ QUOTE ]
Ha! You beat me to the punch! Well, thanks for showing Matt777 the light!
Matt777
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Congrats!!! Did it take time for it to sink in like it did with me? The funny thing is I just felt relieved to have the checkride over--I didn't really feel elated about it until the next day.
[/ QUOTE ]
I did great on the 2 hour oral, but because I was unable to fall asleep for 4 hours the night before I did not do even close to as well as I know could have on the flying. I told the examiner that, but he said I was better than average- which makes me think he has seen some really scary pilots. He said that I am a safe pilot and that finding that out is what the checkride is for.
Have you ever flown on 3.5 hours of sleep before? I sure hadn't!!!
Plus, when I went to the vending machine to get water it was sold out (and stole my money)- so I had to get a Cherry Coke.
I think that putting the caffeine into a mostly empty stomach really screwed up my mental abilities! Don't do it!!!!
My main problem is that I need to just "get over it!" when I do not perform to my expectations because I get flustered and frustrated when I let it all pile up. Especially stupid since it was just a few pretty insignificant things, such as: overshooting my course intercept because I was OVER-avoiding the parachuting areas, having trouble telling if I was looking at Snohomish or Monroe from 1200 AGL/1700MSL, due to clouds, feeling stupid for mistaking Snohomish for Monroe, and landing very firmly when my landings are usually good. (Typing it all out now I realize it wasn't going as badly as I seemed to think it was at the time).
At the end he gave me the engine-out (fortunately it went great) so close to the airport that after recovering from it I had to turn left to avoid entering the Class D without permission. Then I was in a rush to get ATIS and then call tower and head inbound.
So anyway.... now I've got the ATIS, time to call tower.
Here's what tower said, " Cleared touch and go runwy 16 Left, Make left traffic and report downwind...."
So then I start mentally formulating my response and then he says, " actually the wind is more out of the north now, make right traffic for 34R, report base, cleared touch and go runway 34R".
I recieved this barage of new information just as I was in the process of mentally formulating my responce to the first clearance!
Of course this would not have been a problem if I had slept and had a real breakfast and no caffeine and wasn't already pissed off at myself!
)
Lot's of excuses huh?
So I didn't catch where tower wanted me to report on this second clearance- it is usually downwind, but I had no idea what it was on this day.
I confessed that fact to the examiner and said that they probably said downwind like they usually do, but that I didn't really know for sure what was said.
He said that they told me to report base.
A few seconds after that I said, " This is great- I've just wasted $350! I should have rescheduled and risked making a bad impression instead of doing this today"!
Yeah... I actually said that! I was not very happy right then.
That positive sefl-talk set me up nicely for another landing that had absolutely no resemblance to my normal landings!
As we exited the runway tower told me " contact ground point 8". There is absolutely no question that they did- I specifically remember hearing it. For sure.
So I contact ground and then the examiner asks, " Did they tell you to contact ground"?
I was +110% positive that they did. No question- so I said, "Yes they did".
He said that they didn't- and that they had cleared me to taxi to the flightschool- because it is the same guy doing tower and ground... and that I need to be careful to hear what they say, not what I expect them to say- like when I got my landing clearance.
I decided not to stick to my guns about the fact that I WAS told to contact ground point 8 because I don't think pissing off your examiner is a good idea. Plus he was really nice and understanding!!!
While taxiing I said that no one at this flight school had ever seen me fly as bad as I just had!
The examiner probably wished I'd shut up!
As I pulled into the parking spot the examiner said, " Well you passed". I could tell that he knew I'd be surprised since I was so disgusted with myself for the few piddly things I didn't do absolutely perfectly.
The sense of failure remained, but having passed added a sense of disbelief on top of that feeling.
So when I walked back into the flightschool I probably still looked pissed so when my instructor said, " Any news"?
I said, " Passed" and walked away to follow up with the examiner.
Sorry for the loooong story, but all of the above is why I've not felt it "sink in". I took my parents flying for 2 hours on Sunday and I'm flying to Orcas island tomorrow with a passenger so I definitely understand that I have the license, but I have felt no elation (yet?). Weird huh.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who told you that? Your solo time DOES count as PIC. Check out 14CFR 61.51(e) (4)
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Congrats again and good luck with your continued training! I hope we'll have the chance to meet sometime!
-Zippi-
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The confusion about the PIC time all came from the 8710 form because there is a spot to fill in your PIC time and a separate spot for Solo time- like they are supposed to be two separate different things.
There was also a difference of opinion between my flight instructor and the owner.
Its all figured out now!
I AM elated about flying to Orcas Island tomorrow though!
I've been there once on my dual X-country- a very neat place (Eastsound Airport).
The only AC available was the 172SP that I flew on Sunday with the HSI, moving map and leather interior! $10 more an hour.
So I have that airplane in 15 hours... time to do some TFD etc...
I'm having second thoughts about choosing ATP's Sacramento location because the news tonight rated it as the 5th worst city in the country for car thefts!
Too bad you have to fly in the middle of the night at the LAS ATP in order to be able to shoot the ILS or I'd just go there!
Damn this is a long post!
Congrats!!! Did it take time for it to sink in like it did with me? The funny thing is I just felt relieved to have the checkride over--I didn't really feel elated about it until the next day.
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I did great on the 2 hour oral, but because I was unable to fall asleep for 4 hours the night before I did not do even close to as well as I know could have on the flying. I told the examiner that, but he said I was better than average- which makes me think he has seen some really scary pilots. He said that I am a safe pilot and that finding that out is what the checkride is for.
Have you ever flown on 3.5 hours of sleep before? I sure hadn't!!!
Plus, when I went to the vending machine to get water it was sold out (and stole my money)- so I had to get a Cherry Coke.
I think that putting the caffeine into a mostly empty stomach really screwed up my mental abilities! Don't do it!!!!
My main problem is that I need to just "get over it!" when I do not perform to my expectations because I get flustered and frustrated when I let it all pile up. Especially stupid since it was just a few pretty insignificant things, such as: overshooting my course intercept because I was OVER-avoiding the parachuting areas, having trouble telling if I was looking at Snohomish or Monroe from 1200 AGL/1700MSL, due to clouds, feeling stupid for mistaking Snohomish for Monroe, and landing very firmly when my landings are usually good. (Typing it all out now I realize it wasn't going as badly as I seemed to think it was at the time).
At the end he gave me the engine-out (fortunately it went great) so close to the airport that after recovering from it I had to turn left to avoid entering the Class D without permission. Then I was in a rush to get ATIS and then call tower and head inbound.
So anyway.... now I've got the ATIS, time to call tower.
Here's what tower said, " Cleared touch and go runwy 16 Left, Make left traffic and report downwind...."
So then I start mentally formulating my response and then he says, " actually the wind is more out of the north now, make right traffic for 34R, report base, cleared touch and go runway 34R".
I recieved this barage of new information just as I was in the process of mentally formulating my responce to the first clearance!
Of course this would not have been a problem if I had slept and had a real breakfast and no caffeine and wasn't already pissed off at myself!
Lot's of excuses huh?
So I didn't catch where tower wanted me to report on this second clearance- it is usually downwind, but I had no idea what it was on this day.
He said that they told me to report base.
A few seconds after that I said, " This is great- I've just wasted $350! I should have rescheduled and risked making a bad impression instead of doing this today"!
Yeah... I actually said that! I was not very happy right then.
That positive sefl-talk set me up nicely for another landing that had absolutely no resemblance to my normal landings!
As we exited the runway tower told me " contact ground point 8". There is absolutely no question that they did- I specifically remember hearing it. For sure.
So I contact ground and then the examiner asks, " Did they tell you to contact ground"?
I was +110% positive that they did. No question- so I said, "Yes they did".
He said that they didn't- and that they had cleared me to taxi to the flightschool- because it is the same guy doing tower and ground... and that I need to be careful to hear what they say, not what I expect them to say- like when I got my landing clearance.
I decided not to stick to my guns about the fact that I WAS told to contact ground point 8 because I don't think pissing off your examiner is a good idea. Plus he was really nice and understanding!!!
While taxiing I said that no one at this flight school had ever seen me fly as bad as I just had!
The examiner probably wished I'd shut up!
As I pulled into the parking spot the examiner said, " Well you passed". I could tell that he knew I'd be surprised since I was so disgusted with myself for the few piddly things I didn't do absolutely perfectly.
The sense of failure remained, but having passed added a sense of disbelief on top of that feeling.
So when I walked back into the flightschool I probably still looked pissed so when my instructor said, " Any news"?
I said, " Passed" and walked away to follow up with the examiner.
Sorry for the loooong story, but all of the above is why I've not felt it "sink in". I took my parents flying for 2 hours on Sunday and I'm flying to Orcas island tomorrow with a passenger so I definitely understand that I have the license, but I have felt no elation (yet?). Weird huh.
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I didn't realize that solo isn't the same as PIC until just now!
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who told you that? Your solo time DOES count as PIC. Check out 14CFR 61.51(e) (4)
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Congrats again and good luck with your continued training! I hope we'll have the chance to meet sometime!
-Zippi-
[/ QUOTE ]
The confusion about the PIC time all came from the 8710 form because there is a spot to fill in your PIC time and a separate spot for Solo time- like they are supposed to be two separate different things.
There was also a difference of opinion between my flight instructor and the owner.
Its all figured out now!
I AM elated about flying to Orcas Island tomorrow though!
I've been there once on my dual X-country- a very neat place (Eastsound Airport).
The only AC available was the 172SP that I flew on Sunday with the HSI, moving map and leather interior! $10 more an hour.
So I have that airplane in 15 hours... time to do some TFD etc...
I'm having second thoughts about choosing ATP's Sacramento location because the news tonight rated it as the 5th worst city in the country for car thefts!
Too bad you have to fly in the middle of the night at the LAS ATP in order to be able to shoot the ILS or I'd just go there!
Damn this is a long post!
