Well, I am now a few months into my flight training. I am having so much fun and learning so much... It's truly an experience of a life time. One of the parts I enjoy most, besides the flying, is the comradery with the guys I am going through the program with. Interestingly enough, the majority of us are veterans, which makes things pretty fun. (I'm the only Air Force guy, and I catch hell for it)
The way the school is designed is different from traditional flight training. This is more of an academy environment. It's the same group of guys, on the same day's doing and learning the same things. This is the type of environment I thrive in. I do well in this setting probably because I have had a good amount of exposure to it with the military and being a former police officer. Groups are good! You can learn more, I believe. Another good point is that if you are struggling or have a question, there is a strong chance that someone else in the group is struggling with or having the same issue.
Today I was talking with one of the younger guys in the class (Yes, I'm one of the "old guys") and he was telling me that sometimes he gets behind because there is something that he does not understand and does not want to ask the question because he's afraid it may be a "stupid question" or something that's simple. I tried to encourage him that there are never any stupid questions, especially when it comes to operating inside a parameter that will save your life. I also tried to express how we as a group wouldn't judge him and more importantly, he should give two and a half craps what these guys think of him. Thats the beauty of the "Academy" setting. Everyone gets the chance to be laughed at... at least once. So stop taking yourself so serious and enjoy this thing. This are the good times that we will look back on.
Okay on to the flying... It's going great! I was blessed to get an instructor who is my age and shares much the same demeanor as I. He's a calm guy, doesn't get excited easily, and has the gift of instruction. Yup, it's a gift. Some guys just don't have it. But this guy does, so lucky me.
Some of the maneuvers we have been working on are; normal and steep approaches, quick stops, settling with power, autorotations (no power landings) with max performance take offs coming on my next flight this Wednesday. I seem to be picking things up at a decent pace, and I am staying on top the the training schedule. The biggest issue that I am having right now, is that during slower speed maneuvers, I tend to move the cyclic around to much. I have no idea why I do this, but I do... so it'll be one thing that I will focus on and overcome.
I have not had a chance to video any of my flights just yet but I will leave you with a quick clip I shot of my buddy Nathan, picking up. It was only his second time up when the video was shot, so he did pretty good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swKvIzKpRu8
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