New update! They pay me to fly a helicopter!

I seriously can not believe it either, but true enough I am an employed helicopter pilot. If you have been following my blog, I have to apologize for the lack of updates. The last 6 or so months have really required 100% of my attention and focus to get through. (No time to relax when you're doing your CFII rating in 2 months). But finally, I have a moment to breath, re-focus on the next goal and of course, update my blog.

 So last we left off, I believe I had just completed my Commercial rating. As fun and exciting as it was, there was little time to rest as I jumped right into my CFI training. CFI proved to be a bigger challenge than I had expected. Not only are you expected to know the material in a working manner, you now must know the material to a professional level, in order to teach it to a student in a manner that they can grasp.

The ground knowledge was fairly straight forward. My real challenge came with teaching flight maneuvers. It was hard for me to explain what I was doing with the helicopter and why. One area that I struggled with was removing abstractions from my language while instructing. For example, I would constantly refer to the LZ as "it". "It" is moving up the windscreen or "it" is moving down the windscreen. The lesson learned here is that just because "it" means a certain thing in your head, "it" may not mean that same thing to your student. Given the inherent danger in what we do, I am sure you can see that there is no room or time for that matter to play "guess what I really mean" with your student. 

Any how, after a very tense and rushed summer semester, I had completed my ratings up through certified flight instructor instrument. I have honestly never been more proud of an achievement (minus marrying my wife, which was an achievement... The girl wouldn't even have coffee with me at first!) So after hearing that my school may have some positions open for instructors, naturally I applied. As did the rest of my graduating class. So here are the numbers. 12 graduates, 12 applicants, 6 selected for interviews, 3 pilots hired. Fortunately, I was selected for hire, as were two of my close friends. Most interesting part about it is that the three of us who were hired, set next to each other and studied together for a year and a half. Yeah, interesting...

So as of now, I am doing a good deal of ground instruction including teaching the simulator class and doing extra tutoring for students that need it. I did not receive any flight students this semester (next semester I will) but to keep my flying, I am doing the majority of the maintenance flying for the school. We have a fairly large fleet and there is plenty of work. The best part about being so involved with maintenance flying is not only getting to really know the maintenance crew but getting an even better understanding of the machine that you strapped to your butt. Only one interesting moment so far. I precautionary landing due to an alternator light coupled with the strong smell of smoke in the cabin. Turned out to be just a bad alternator, but man... the things that rush through your head when you decide that "hey, this is a land immediately situation".... Where is the wind? Is that flat? Is it soft? If I have to auto, can  I plop it down with no ground run? Why is the maintenance guy riding with me so quiet...oh yeah, hes terrified.

The reassuring thing about being faced with an emergency is knowing how you will react. For me, my reaction was an immediate flood of information to my frontal cortex, recalling wind direction and speed from ATIS, emergency procedures, full down training, etc etc. The beauty of it is that in a helicopter there is really not enough time to get "emotional" for lack of a better word. You deal with the problem, get on the ground and deal with how it made you "feel" after you roll that throttle down.

Wow.... no real rhyme or reason to this post, I just wanted to bring things up to speed on whats going on. Stay tuned for more updates! Also look for videos soon. Just got a GoPro for some in flight footage! 

I'm a professional (kinda)

That's right, and I have the ratings to prove it. This past Thursday, I took and passed my commercial helicopter pilot check ride.The FAA says that I am now well enough equipped to place other peoples lives into my care, take them aloft, and be paid for it.  It is hard for me to believe that I have done this. In just over a year, I have learned an enormous amount of information and have slowly developed into a professional pilot.

Something you may not know is that this is my 3rd professional career. I spent 6 years in the U.S. Air force, then spent some time as a police officer in bay area of Northern California. While the military was always a stepping stone, I thought law enforcement would be my last career. Well fate usually has a different idea then the one you intended.  The winds shifted and I left law enforcement and spent the better part of three years trying to figure out what my "forever" plan was going to be. The thought of flying professionally had crossed my mind several times over those three years but for whatever reason, was not yet ready to commit to it. It made sense, most of the men in my family were and are pilots and I did have a desire to fly. I think a part of me was holding on to my last career in hopes of returning to it.

Well, the months went on and the economy continued to diminish. After hearing the same story from different departments who could not afford to hire due to the economic downturn, I decided I needed to re-train and sight my sights on a new trade. I met a guy who is now somewhat of my aviation mentor. My friend was a corporate pilot who flew helicopter and fixed wing planes for an operator out of Chino airport in Southern California. I was able to fly along on several helicopter and airplane flights and was hooked. One of the flights that really set the hook in me for the helicopter was a photo flight he did for a large electronics corporation. We did several flights over this corporations headquarters, flying sideways, at low speeds, with a camera sticking out of the side of the helicopter. It scared the pants of me and excited me beyond words all at the same time. From then on, I knew I had to fly and that I was going to do it in a helicopter.

Fast forward a couple years and here I am. Moved a state away, uprooted my family and put my hopes and determination in making this thing work. And as far as I can see, it is indeed working. I am moving along on track and am looking at my last semester of flight school with focus on learning how to teach the things that I have learned over the past year. At the end of the summer, if things progress accordingly I should be a certified flight instructor. I really cannot think of a more demanding and encompassing responsibility. This has been the most challenging and rewarding thing that I have ever undertaken in my professional life and I do not regret one second of it. I honestly can say, I would not have been able to do this without the never ending support of my wife, and the support that I have received from my school including my fellow students. It has been such a positive experience and everyone wants you to do well. There is nothing like walking in off the ramp after a check ride and giving a high five or pound to your instructors and friends because you passed the check ride. And likewise, it is just as exciting to see your friends succeed and pass their rides as well. It's just been a fantastic experience.

Being succesful in the aviation industry

At first glance it may seem a bit presumptuous of me to write a blog on how to be successful in this industry. And to a point, it is. I have only been flying for a year and just recently completed my helicopter instrument rating. But, in this last year, I have had an opportunity to meet some amazing people, take some equally amazing advice and learn some invaluable lessons. A lot can be learned in a short time if you're tuned in.

Negativity. BLOCK IT OUT. Don't let it enter your thought process. Like any career field, aviation (at my level as a student) has its share of people who would rather focus on negativity than actually apply themselves one hundred percent and see what the outcome is. You will know these people if you are aware of them, and I recommend that you are. These are the people who could have a million dollar opportunity in front of them and rather than focusing on the outcome they focus on what they have to put in. These people say "it's to hard" or "it takes to long" etc. Do yourself a favor, focus on the reward and the outcome. If you are overly concerned with what it will take to get there, the reward and achievement will never be enough. I know these people because unfortunately I was one of them for the majority of my twenties.

 Being consumed with negativity takes the flavor out of life. I can remember being a twenty three year old Airmen First Class in the Air Force on deployment to Kuwait for the build up leading to the invasion of Iraq. In my six months there, my unit did some amazing things. We airlifted more cargo than the Berlin Airlift (first time that record had been broken), survived numerous scud attacks, lived in chem-gear, transported captured surplus munitions including sea born mines, and transported a lot of captured bad guys. Looking back on it, it was a pretty amazing thing to go through but unfortunately I was young at the time and more focused on when are we going to go home, or it's to hot, or I don't want to die here etc. I only wish I could go back and focus on the bigger picture, and make the best out of it. That deployment would have been a lot better if I were then, mentally where I am now.

With that said, during this time of adventure and learning my thought process is significantly different than it has ever been. No longer do I let the negative take over. It will still try to work it's way in but I find ways around it now. For instance, on a hot day... rather than "it's to hot for this crap" I look at the performance degradation of the aircraft and how the density altitude will be affected. I look at it as an opportunity to sharpen my flying skills. Understanding that if ever there was a condition where I would sink through the bottom of an autorotation, today is it and I had more reason than normal to pull it together. Whats better... worrying about how things inside your flight suit have turned into a swamp, or focusing on your ability as a pilot and improving on those abilities. I chose the latter.

The next thing I'm going to touch on, I wont spend many words on....frankly because people with this attitude are not worth the effort. Yes, I am talking about "that guy". This industry does not need another Tom Cruise. If you are that guy, you are not that cool and yes people are just to polite to tell you. These guys, along with their narcissism bring danger. Usually brought forward by sever insecurities, this attitude will reflect in their flying. I wont get much further into it, but it is a big deal. So much so, attention to this (hazardous) attitude has been mandated by the FAA and it sure enough showed up on my written exam. Aside from the social abnormalities, these people are not usually liked in the work place if they manage to slip through the hiring process and even get picked up at all. To sum it up, an inflated sense of self worth and ability in this career field will severely limit your success. Don't be this guy.

I feel I'm getting a bit long winded here so I will wrap up with this one thing. Never stop learning. I've recently decided to take an opportunity that my flight school has offered with a turbine transition integrated into my commercial rating. Doing this is going to make for a busier semester (17 units), but it is going to do at least two things for me. For starters, it will give me some turbine helicopter time and secondly, it gives me a heads up on hire ability. Think about it this way...right now flying the turbine is an option for students but if you look at it further and think down the road a bit... there is a chance that eventually the school will need instructors for that turbine helicopter. Who looks more marketable for that job... the guy who has hours in that type or the guy who passed on it. And if that does not play into the hiring process, what did I lose? Nothing... at the very least, I have turbine helicopter hours in my log book. That can never be a bad thing.

In addition to finishing my helicopter ratings up through CFII, I plan to get my fixed wing add on through commercial. I have already heard an ear full from class mates how it would be a waste of time etc etc. A furtherance of education and ability can NEVER be a negative. I may not use it in the first few years of my career, but I will use it. Bottom line here, the reward of achievement will always be worth it.

Well that's it for me. It's 1am, and I think I am finally starting to wind down. I'll just leave you with this. Sucess starts in your mind. Growing up, my father always told me I could do whatever it was that i put my mind to. At 31 years old, I finally believe him and I will be sucessful. It may not look the way I thought it would, or the way someone else expects it to look, but it'll happen.

I am a helicopter pilot.

Last Friday, I achieved a huge milestone in my life. I took and passed my private pilot rotorcraft, check ride. I cant begin to explain how rewarding this has been for me, but I will do my best.

That evening, after passing, I did what any excited guy would do. I hit the phone. Everyone got a call. The two calls that really stuck with me and even helped to enhance my high, were the one to my Dad and to his Dad, my Grandad. My Dad has been the single most support (second to only my wife) for me during this program. Through the highs and lows he was always there for a supportive and encouraging word (thanks Dad). And while talking to my Grandad, It was just obvious in his voice how excited he was for me. Being a retired airline Captain, he went on to tell me that he (at 84) can still remember the day he got his private rating. He described it as "the best day of his life". He told me that in aviation I will meet the "happiest people who love and know how to party". Yup, his words. He told me that aviation did wonderful things for his life and that he was elated that there was now another pilot in the family, and excited to see what aviation does for my life. Well, I am excited too, Grandad.

So, you probably want to story about the check ride. Or should I say checkride(s). Yup, I had to go up twice. Can you say discontinuance.

My strong point (so I thought) was always in the cockpit. I felt most comfortable with the pedals under my feet and the cyclic and collective controls in my hands. Given this, I thought I would have the flight nailed. I was wrong.

The check started off with 3 hours of ground. Yeah, it is just like it sounds. I sit in a room with an FAA examiner and he verbally tests me....for three hours. Surprisingly, the three hours went by with little problem and I passed the ground portion of the check! Awesome, now on to the easy stuff. I was wrong... again.

Out to the helicopter I go, pre-flight complete, DPE all strapped in. Lets do this! And unfortunately, my "lets do this" attitude turned out to bite me. As it ended up, I was all to engrossed with getting it done, than I should have been. To make a long story not so long... I continued the check ride, performing maneuvers in a fricken torrential down pour and winds I probably should not have been flying in. You see, being focused on getting it done left little room in my head for other things... like oh... I dont know... SAFETY! I can laugh about it now...

So half way through an autorotation, I caught a pretty good down draft and was told by the examiner to restore engine RPM and recover from the maneuver. Now keep in mind, during a check ride, you are the pilot in command and you surely do not want to hear the examiner tell you to stop what you are doing. It usually means that you are not safe. And I wasn't.

"Okay lets take it back to the airport and talk about the flight" were the next words out of the DPE's mouth. aww crap.... lump in throat... longest 7 mile flight EVER!

We got back and I was debriefed. The DPE made it really clear that I was not making good

decisions and needed to work on my ADM (aeronautical decision making). After the stress of "get

it done" went away, I could see clear as day the mistake I had made. They pound it in our heads

over and over not to let stress or pressure make anything mandatory. And thats what I had

done. I wanted to get it done so bad, nothing else mattered.

Well the DPE didnt fail me but gave me a discontinuance for weather, and told me we would

pick it up on another day. So now, I had to go home and for just about a week, stew in my

mistake. The first few days, anger, then disappointment etc. I went through all the emotions that

week. But in the end, I learned a valuable lesson about safety. And on top of that, the way I see

it, I am lucky to have learned it so early into my aviation career.

One week later, I went backup with a different DPE (scheduling) performed 5 maneuvers,

brought it home, shut it down and got that ever so important handshake. Never has a handshake

meant so much. I had passed, and I was a pilot.

Although a bumpy road, I have done it. I set my mind and heart to something almost 9

months ago, given everything I had to this program, lost sleep, (and weight) sacrificed anything

that resembled a social life, but I succeeded. Flight school has by far been the hardest, yet most

rewarding thing I have ever taken on, second to only my marriage (not that my marriage is hard,

but you get what I'm saying).

So next Monday, I start on my instrument rating. Ill keep ya in the loop! thanks for reading.

One milestone reached, another in my sights....

HIGH FLIGHT

by Pilot Officer John G. Magee Jr.

OH! I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLY BONDS OF EARTH

AND DANCED THE SKIES ON LAUGHTER-SILVERED

WINGS

SUNWARD I'VE CLIMBED, AND JOINED THE TUMBLING MIRTH

OF SUN-SPLIT CLOUDS __ AND DONE A HUNDRED THINGS

YOU HAVE NOT DREAMED OF __ WHEELED AND

SOARED AND SWUNG

HIGH IN THE SUNLIT SILENCE, HOV'RING THERE

I'VE CHASED THE SHOUTING WIND ALONG.

AND FLUNG

MY EAGER CRAFT THROUGH FOOTLESS HALLS OF AIR.

UP, UP ALONG THE LONG, DELIRIOUS BURNING BLUE

I'VE TOPPED THE WIND SWEPT HEIGHTS WITH

EASY GRACE

WHERE NEVER LARK, OR EVEN EAGLE FLEW

AND, WHILE WITH SILENT LIFTING MIND I'VE TROD

THE HIGH UNTRESPASSED SANCTITY OF SPACE

PUT OUT MY HAND AND TOUCHED THE FACE OF

GOD

I have this poem framed and hanging above my desk in my office. It was given to me by my father (who is also a pilot) and was given to him by his father (who is also a pilot). This framed piece of inspiration has been fairly, well... inspirational for me. Since I was young, reading this poem has instilled a sense of adventure and danger that a young boy longs for (some of us older boys too). I can remember being about 10 or so, reading this, not understanding some of the words, but knowing that I HAD to fly, and "touch the face of God". And so I have, and like a drug, I look forward to nothing more than being at home "HIGH IN THE SUNLIT SILENCE".

On Friday I reached a personally significant milestone. I received my wings. I proudly wear them on the chest of my flight suit and for now, carry my head a little higher and breathe a little deeper. Myself and my cohorts have joined an exclusive group of people who know what it feels like to take those mechanical wings aloft, safely, relying on your own knowledge and ability to defeat the earths never ending attempt to reclaim you. If you're reading this, and you have never flown an aircraft, I wont even try to describe it because I simply can not. It is however, incredible.

Several months ago, when I initially sat down with my flight instructor, he asked me what kind of pace I wanted to take this at. I told him that I wanted to do it as quickly as he felt I safely could. Not telling him, but knowing in my heart and mind that I wanted to be the first out of my class to solo.

Now, when I say that I wanted to be first, please understand that it was not purely because I wanted to be before my peers (ok, maybe a little) but I knew that I wanted to push myself and my ability, and set myself apart even if it was just but a day or so. A lot of it came down to aircraft scheduling and instructor availability, but I am proud to say that I was the first in my class to solo a helicopter. And yes, it felt good.

That said, I have to give credit where credit is due. I was NOT however the first to take and pass a stage check ride. Those accolades belong to my friend and study group partner, Eric. (round of applause).

So the next mile stone is getting that certificate from our friends at the FAA. That should happen in about 2 and a half month after studying cross country flight planning and successfully taking and passing an FAA check ride with a DPE.

Am I setting personal goals for this next semester, like I did the last? Welp, you'll just have to wait and find out. But I'm pretty sure you can answer that one on your own.

Until we meet again Dear Friends...

Rob

That was ground school, thanks for playing....

Those were the words that my instructor said as he dismissed us from class today. While there is technically a week or so left in the semester, those of us that have chose to take the FAA written test early were able to avoid the in class final by doing so.

So in short, my personal experience of Private Ground was phenomenal. This has been the most challenging thing I have ever taken on, and by far one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. This group of pilot instructors and all others involved has taken not just one individual but a group of over twenty, from the point of little to no aeronautical knowledge to the point were we are passing FAA written tests and flying helicopters solo(in a matter of a few months). To me, that in itself is testament to the type of instruction and dedication that is required if someone makes the bold statement that they are making pilots and emphasizing placing them in industry. Well, my school has definitely done it's part and I think I'm doing pretty ok on living up to my part of the bargain.

So any way, looking back on the semester, here are some things that I have learned. Some funny, some technical, all important.

1) The wind is your friend. It can toss you around... but it can also (and more importantly) keep you and that piece of aluminum strapped to your butt, in the air. Passing through ETL in a hover is actually pretty cool....

2) If you have to think twice about it, don't do it. My grandfather (a WWII pilot and retired airline pilot) told me this one recently and it will keep you alive. I used this recently when I was on my stage 1 check flight. My check pilot had me fly over the practice area and told me to make the wind call and set myself up on a downwind for a normal approach. I checked the flag and set myself up in right hand traffic with a final to the north. As soon as I turned final the warnings went off in my head. I felt the wind pushing me and knew that I blew my wind call. Should I go for it? OF COURSE NOT ROBERT... suck it up and tell your check pilot what you did. I informed my check pilot (who has a nick-name of "tinman" as in no heart!) that I had blown my wind call and I needed to make another pass and double check the winds before I felt comfortable making an approach. He was very supportive of my decision and applauded the safety. So that went well and it saved my butt, if only in passing my stage check. (oh and if anyone knows "tinman" he's actually a very nice guy, but when I saw that name tape, my heart sunk! )

3) There are no stupid questions! ok well maybe there are a few but for the most part, don't be afraid to ask. There has been numerous times when something was not clicking and I finally got fed up and asked... Come to find out, I was not the only dummy who did not get it. Like I said before, everyone will only laugh at you for a second!

4) Communicate with your instructor. People have a learning style and a teaching style. When your learning style clicks with your instructors teaching style.... beautiful and magical things will happen. The sky's will part, the angels will sing and...... okay maybe not all the romantics but communication can lead to a "light bulb moment" and allow things to click between you and your instructor. There is no room in a cockpit for anything less than clear communication and calm demeanors.

5) Fly that aircraft, don't let it fly you. This one may sound silly, and if your not an aviator, I almost expect it to. But when you are in this wonderful contraption we call a helicopter and are getting acquainted there will be a feeling out period (like dating...I suppose) You want to see how she will react to your inputs (clean up your mind!) etc. There has been times for me when I need to hold say 180* and she felt like flying 170*... I told her that I appreciated her input and don't mean to be pushy, but today we are flying 180* until I otherwise decide were not. Along those lines, we ask the helicopter to do what we want to, we don't force it. After all, were pilots, and we're gentlemen.... right? My wife thinks so...

6) Love what you do. This one is mandatory. If your not thinking about it, day dreaming about it, telling everyone you know about it etc. You're cheating yourself of this experience. If you are anything like me and have a true passion for flying, take the steps to involve it in your everyday life. The people you will meet, the places you will go, and the memories you will make are those only a pilot can relate to. I just don't get the folks who don't get as excited as I do about flying. I guess were a special breed.

Get over it....

Seriously, get over it.

I've mentioned before how flying helicopters, and flying in general, is mostly mental. I'd venture to say 80% mental and 20% physical. Some may argue my figure, but this is from my perspective at this point in my flying.

Today I was reminded that I am not a pilot. I AM a student pilot. As good as things have been going, I am still very much in need of instruction from my IP (instructor pilot). Today I had what I will call a "duh" moment. You may have noticed, if you have been reading along... I have a lot of "moments". Any how back to the moment of "Duh"..

Let me set the stage for this.

So I arrive at the hanger about 20 minutes before my flight, and jump right into a preflight of my old trusty girl, 332MD. She's my baby, I fly her almost exclusively for my training. So i get panels open and I'm doing my checks when another instructor pilot walks up and says "Hey Ardy, your not on this ship today, your out there" as he points to a brand new R22 BII sitting on the ramp. "oh wow" I said. Grabbed my headset and log book and high-tailed it over to this new bird to give her the once over. Now when I say this helicopter is new, Im talking the only hours on it were from the ferry flight from Torrence. This baby is new, not a scratch, not a dent, got that new helicopter smell, upgraded rotor blades, the works, this baby is new new new. At this point, I get internal and think.... "okay Rob, yes it's new, but you've flown these before... It's still a helicopter, and it's still an R22, everything is in the same place, so relax". I'm always very meticulous on my pre-flight, and since this ship was new, this one was no different. If anything I am more picky because in my eyes this ship is not "proven" if you will. 332MD has kept me safe, and I'm still picky about it, but this helicopter and I don't have a relationship at this point and it may decide it doesn't like me (sound strange??) Okay so everything checks out, I get my clearances, and were off to the training area. This bird is butter!!! so smooth....

So we get out there and do a few approaches, first a normal that I nailed then a steep that I let get too steep, but I fixed it and made it work. Then some autos, everything was coming together fine. Then a quick stop and over to the slope area to practice slope landings. I'm still pretty un-easy about these but at this stage in the game they are looking for my setup and not so much how pretty it looks. We execute a slope landing on both sides and then we move over to some flat ground and are going to work on hovering autorotations. You ready for the "duh"....

I don't know why, but this maneuver has proved to be one that is a little more difficult for me than other maneuvers. I don't know why, but it's probably in my head (remember my 80-20?) This one is pretty simple. Goes like this... Throttle, pedal, settle, pull. Roll throttle off, use pedal to maintain heading, allow the helicopter to settle and finally pull in collective pitch to cushion landing. FREEKING SIMPLE... right?

Ok, all setup. "Hovering auto in 3....2.....1...I roll off throttle, allow the heli to settle and pull in collective to cushion the landing. Oh crap.. this is not right, im now facing west and I entered with a north heading. I totally and completely forgot to do ANYTHING with my feet. As soon as I rolled the throttle off we lost all rotational torque and yawed to the left FAST. CRAP. I knew what I did wrong and immediately let my mistake get inside my head. My instructor looked at me and said "Do I even need to say anything" I replied with "no sir, I know what I did wrong".

I was overcome with a feeling of almost anger at myself for not thinking about my feet. I mean I use them for every other maneuver, what happened here. Fear, and being uncomfortable with the maneuver. That's what happened.

"Shake it off Rob and get back on it, you can do this, don't let yourself tell you any different (do I sound schizophrenic sometimes?) So then I pushed that disappointment and fear aside with determination. After all, no one was hurt, the ship was fine, it wasn't a hard touchdown, just not a straight one.

Next words out of my mouth "can we do another one" "of course" my IP came back with. I was bound and determined not to head back to the airport until I had done these things in a fashion that was acceptable and safe. I didn't care if they had to drive the fuel truck out there, I wasn't going home until I had a better handle on hovering autorotations. Thankfully my next two were pretty good, could have used a little more pedal, but "much better" according to my IP.

I have this thing inside me (usually called doubt, I call it a jerk) that when I screw up, it want's to hold me back and convince me that I can't do it. The hell I cant! I am perfectly capable of flying this helicopter in a safe fashion. It's what I have set my mind and my heart on doing. Nothing is going to convince me other wise, especially not myself. So it's what I will do. I will continue to improve and I will not be held back by my mistakes. IN FACT, I will exploit my mistakes and use them. Yup, I'm going to use that temporary lack of motor-skills to ensure that I don't do it again. So there you go, negative self, take that!

Today also showed me something about my instructor. Something that I think is very important to a good instructor. You may remember when I said earlier that teaching is a gift and some people have it and some people don't. I stand by that 100%.

On the flight back to the airport, I was talking with my instructor about what happened on the hover-auto. He picked up pretty quickly that I was disappointed in myself. Then he showed me his colors "look man, your doing great, it's not a big deal... just remember your feet, that's all". Wow, thats it, I thought. But he's right. He would know better than me how I am doing.

What I picked up from him today is that teaching someone how to fly is more than "this makes you go up, this makes you go down" it involves different roles for different situations. Discipline and encouragement are both equally important. Discipline helps me become a safe and aware pilot, the encouragement helps me over the hurdles. They kind of play on each other if you think about it. Both very necessary in pilot development. And thats what's happening. I'm not just learning to fly, I am becoming a pilot.