Monday, October 25, 2010

Family First ...

The past 3 months have been hard for me because I have been helping my parents, who both need in-home care or assisted living. But, as other have shared with me, many seniors don't want to exersise anything that challenges their independence.

October gave a few great flying days, but most of them tied up with tasks.

Friday, October 8, 2010

SODA!! I got the SODA

I know that the FAA has a reputation. I see the comments such as “FAA. We are not happy until you are unhappy”. Today, I saw the potential, but the experience was very decent.

The potential was there, yes, but that was due to my unnecessary nervousness, not due to the FAA Flight Examiner. I could not do basic math (adding 5 numbers). Keep in mind that I was in the mortgage business and adding 7 digit numbers was routine. My memory was shot, and nerves ruled the roost between my ears. After I calmed down, I was much better. Luckily, I was being tested for VISION, not on doing my weight and balance and knowing my Cessna 152 numbers.

The flight test was completely without pressure. I flew the plane, but not up to my standards, but well enough and had an ego boost to hear the examiner tell me that I was doing well for a low time pilot.

I got my SODA paperwork on the spot and also my corrected medical certificate, so I am good to go.

I have 14 hours of required solo left then I will have the time to do my check ride. I am pretty sure that it will not be a bad experience.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Oh $#*#, a Letter From the FAA

I have been waiting for 4 weeks for this letter from the FAA. Today I received my authorization to take my Medical Flight Test for my Monocular condition (single vision).

Sooooooo, today the letter came. Suddenly, I am worried. Why? I have no idea. All I have to do is to be able to:

• The ability to select emergency landing fields at a distance, from high altitude, and preferably over unfamiliar terrain.
• The ability to simulate forced landings in difficult fields; note the manner of approach, rate of descent, and comparative distance at which obstructions (stumps, boulders, ditches, etc.) are recognized.
• The ability to recognize other aircraft (which may be present by prearrangement) approaching at a collision course (particularly aircraft approaching from the far right or far left).
• The ability to judge distances and to recognize landmarks (compared with the ASI’s estimate).
• The ability to land the aircraft.
• The ability to read aeronautical charts in flight and tune the radio to a predetermined station accurately and rapidly.
• The ability to read instrument panels (including an overhead panel, if any) quickly and correctly.

I am already doing most of this already, but at the same time I am not being watched over by the FAA.

After I pass this evaluation I will be granted a SODA, which is a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, not Pepsi or 7Up.

I will make the call in Monday morning and see what appointment. If I don't pass, I will need a SODA (7Up and Jack Daniels).