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.
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