01/11

(Tuesday 1310) Just landed from my first Instrument flight. It was so great to get back in the air. The weather was ideal for instrument flying today, with bad visibility, low clouds and several cloud layers. So we took off from the main runway and headed off to our practise air-space. The IP demonstrated some of the principles end techniques of instrument flying and then it was my turn to try some things out. It's all about smooth fine movements and patience. Then on the way home we got vectors to a GCA (ground controlled approach), where the controller talks you all the way down to landing and tells you whether you're on glide path and centre line. It's a strange feeling to fly in complete cloud cover while descending slowly towards the ground. Then, as if in a dream, the runway lights emerged and the IP could perform his landing. I can't wait for my next Instrument flight. However there's a chance that my next flight will be Aerobatics.
This morning we had the mid-way test in English, where we had 2 hours to write an essay about a subject that we could choose from a list. The subjects weren't exactly what I had hoped for. I was hoping that they would be aviation related, but they had nothing to do with it.
Now it's time to get some (more) lunch.
/GEA

01/11

(Tuesday 1745) Just had a little thought which I considered important for my diary...
As I was walking out to the aircraft this morning, after briefing, I looked at the aircraft at thought of what a great life I have. It's definitely worth all the hard work and those (many) moments of hardship and doubt that goes through one's head. The few F16 pilots that I know keep saying that the grass is greener on the other side...in that case, I cannot wait to get on the other side. On a day like today, with ligt rain and cloud cover at low level, it's just great to get into the aircraft and fly. It's the kind of weather that would have been deemed 'hopeless' back in my days flying gliders.
Now it's time for dinnner and then afterwards I plan on studying Navigation, since we have the final exam on Friday. Have a nice evening. This life is damn hard...but worth every effort.
/GEA.

02/11

(Wednesday 1445) Just been out running a few km as part of today's physical training...
I was supposed to fly my first flight in Aerobatics today, but unfortunately bad weather moved in as my turn to fly was approaching. Hopefully I'll fly it tomorrow or Friday. Now there's a bunch of guys who are on the verge of flying their solo check this week, so hopefully we'll have alot of solo flights if the weather permits.
It's strange that I'm getting used to hearing and seeing jet fighters on a daily basis, yet I cannot help looking every time I hear that thundering noise. Maybe one day I'll learn how to not look when I hear the noise...or maybe not.
Yesterday we had a couple of German Tornados doing close formation touch and gos. They looked great, and being one of my favorite aircraft, I'm always happy to see them.
Tonight I have do some more brushing up in Navigation for Friday's exam. Hopefully it'll go as well as the two tests that we've had in the subject so far...
/GEA

04/11

(Friday 0740) We'll head off to the local swimming hall in a short while for the usual Friday morning swimming.
Yesterday one of the guys who had failed his solo check was at the commision, and unfortunately he got a 'no go.'
So yesterday was another one of those 'down days' on flying school.
All that's left on the programme after swimming is the Navigation final exam, which I feel comfortably prepared for.
Have a nice weekend.
/GEA

07/11

(Monday 1100) Today we had our first lesson (of 8) in engines, mostly jet engines. We don't have any exams in the subject but there's alot of good to know stuff for our next flying school, whether we'll be flying jets, transports or helicopters.
We also had a couple of lessons in English where we've started off with out Iterim test, where we have to brief eachother about part of the book 'Air Power' orally.
My turn is up tomorrow, together with one of my old mates from sergeant school. We have to brief about Air Superiority and Air Defence Fighters.
Next on the programme is flight briefing. The weather has cleared up, so there's a couple of solo checks today, together with some other flights. Unfortunately I'm not on the programme today. I really hope that we'll finish in time for Christmas, but I really doubt it...the weather hasn't exactly been on our side lately, so many flights have been cancelled. Sara bought a couple of flight tickets for the Christmas holidays, so it's going to be good to see my family again after over 1 year...
Catch you later.
/GEA

07/11

(Monday 1440) Unfortunately both solo-checks were failed today which gives us a rather sad feeling in class. We have some more solo chcks tomorrow, and hopefully they'll do well and contribute to our, so far, still good statistics.
Now it's time for the daily cockpit drill and then I'll spend most of the evening preparing for the next flights.
When things are good, they're really good, but when things suck, they really suck. I suppose we just have to get used to it and do our best to hang on...
/GEA

09/11

(Wednesday 0740) I was up flying yesterday. The weather was crap but that made it ideal for an instrument flight. We were in the clouds during all of the flight. There was rather turbulent air and windy conditions so that made it hard to fly precisely...even the E3 AWACS pilot had a hard time doing touch and gos. Fortunately the instructor thought that I did a good job and gave me a 9 for the flight. Then on the way home we had to fly a GCA again. It was nice to emerge out of the clouds and see the runway all lit up looking like a Christmas tree.
It seems like we're going to fly today too, and I'm on the programme with an aerobatic flight. I think that my prayers for VMC (Visual meteorological conditions, or good weather in plain English) have been answered. We have a clear blue sky but quite a bit of wind.
There are also a couple of solo checks on today's programme, so we'll get the BMW and cameras ready and hope for the best.
/GEA

09/11

(Wednesday 1200) I was up flying again today. We had great visibility and clear skies but still windy conditions and rather turbulent air below 1400 feet. We did 3 spins from 6000 feet, some lazy eights and then we ended up with a bit too much altitude before returning back to the base, so the instructor did a few aileron rolls and a loop to burn some altitude. Then we flew home and did some SFO's (simulated engine flame out's) from 1500 above the runway, where you then make a full circle for landing. All in all I wasn't too good in the flight, but ok I suppose. I got an 8 which is ok...I just have to do it better next time. My landing was also a bit long but I put the blame on the crosswind, or I just wished it was because of the crosswind, or something like that...
/GEA

10/11

(Thursday 0740) I'm supposed to be flying my second Low-level Navigation flight today, however I don't think that we're going to fly at all. Right now we have nice weather and sunrise looks great, but according to the weather forecast there's rain coming our way, so we'll probably stay on the ground for the day and have Meteorology and English. I'll keep you updated.
/GEA

11/11

(Friday 0920) Almost weekend again, and we can't wait to be sitting in the van on the way home. Swimming was hard today, we were told to race the pool lenght (25m), then about 20 seconds of rest and swim again and again... for I don't know how many times. At the end we were wasted. Then in the end we were split up into 2 teams and had to keep a piece of floating foam on the bottom of the pool. It was hard work and demanded alot of team work, but it was good fun.
Now we have aviation medicine the rest of the day, where we'll learn about some more human factors for pilots.
Alot of people got convicted at the GFU meeting yesterday, with myself being no exception.
The lesson is starting soon, so I better get ready. Have a nice weekend.
Best regards
GEA

12/11

(Saturday 1745) I didn't mention that we had 2 solo-checks yesterday. It's great when someone makes it and gets his solo flight, but it's also really sad when someone fails. Yesterday we had one of each. Unfortunately, the guy who failed was one of my best mates on the team. He'll be attending the elimination commition on Monday and hopefully they'll give him a new chance, but the odds are always bad in such a situation. I gave him a call today, and he sounded ok.
I played a bit of Lock-On today (PC flight sim) and took some screen shots, which I've uploaded on to the gallery so you can get an idea of what a great game it is.
It's time for dinner soon and it won't be long before my parents give me call either...
Take care
/GEA

14/11

(Monday 1130) We just came back from lunch at the Cafeteria. I was supposed to be flying today but it got cancelled due to bad weather. Right now my mate is going through the commision. Hopefully he'll be given another chance. The Navy chap was at the commision earlier and unfortunately he got a 'no go.'
We'll be having Meteorology the rest of the day and afterwards I plan to use a few hours on practsing EP's (Emergency procedures) as I can expect a simulated in-flight emergency every time I fly from now on. The instructor simulates an emergency and you have to take proper action while maintaining aircraft control of course, so here it's very important to know what to do when 'shit happens.'
And if you've heard of Murphy's law, then you know that 'If anything can go wrong, it will!'
/GEA

15/11

(Tuesday 1420) I was up flying my TD14 today, where I had to do loops, rolls, lazy eights, steep turns and Simulated engine flame outs in the area at different altitudes. It went ok but on the way home I got sick so we had to abort the flight. It's not fun to get sick, but shit happens I suppose. The IP had also given me a simulated in flight emergency on the way home, where i had a 'Generator failure' which I had to deal with. I did the correct procedures and headed home for landing...and then I started feeling dizzy. No use weeping about it now. All that's left is debriefing but right now the IP is flying with another student, so I just have to wait until then.
It seems as if we'll be flying this weekend...if the weather is up for it, that is.
/GEA

15/11

(Tuesday 1510) I just debriefed and got all the good tips for my next flight. I got a 10 for today's flight which I'm very happy with, but now I can feel that it's time to take a rest as I'm not feeling on top. Catch you tomorrow.
/GEA

16/11

(Wednesday 1120) Right now there's 2 solo checks going on. Two of my best mates actually, so I hope that they both make it...
Last night we had below freezing temperatures and hail showers, so the ground was all white this morning. I'm glad that it's not me who has to swim in that freezing pond after the solo flight! I'm not flying today. The weather is amazing so it's a shame that I'm not on the flying programme. Almost no wind, clear blue skies with some isolated clouds and brilliant visibility.
Yesterday the IP gave me a simulated engine failure while I was performing a loop, right on top of the loop when I was invereted. So I pulled back on the stick to get the nose below the horizon in order not to loose airspeed, then I rolled wings level and started the checks for Enigne Failure, Engine Airstart and Forced Landing, while flying the aircraft and finding a suitable place to land of course. It's good fun to get tested, especially when the IP is creative and comes up with such things. I mean who would expect an engine failure during a loop? But that's the whole point with it, that you get it when you least expect it. Now we're off to prepare the solo-BMW and the cameras for the 2 solo pilots who should land from their solo-check any time now.
/GEA

17/11

(Thursday 1130) Unfortunately only one of the solo checks was passed yesterday, which means that I had to say goodbye to one of my friends. It was hard, but we simply have to get used to it.
In the evening we beer-baptised the new solist and had a nice chat together at the bar.
Today it's my turn to fly and I'll be up flying in about 30 minutes. It's my second navigation flight and I can't wait. The weather is beautiful but bloody cold. After the flight I have to perform 3 good landings and if all goes well with them, I'll get a solo flight afterwards where I'll do 6 take offs and landings. Right now my IP is flying a solo check with a friend from sergeant school, so I hope it goes well. Fingers crossed...
/GEA

17/11

(Thursday 1635) I just landed from my second flight today. My friend from sergeant school passed his solo check and went solo but I wans't there to see him being thrown in the water as I had to fly myself.
The Navigation flight didn't go to well, I did a few mistakes so I only got an 8.
However the 3 landings at the end of the flight were good so I was sent on my second solo flight, consisting of 6 patterns, together with 3 other guys from the team. It was great fun. The weather couldn't have been better and we all had a blast I'm sure. The last landings were done in almost darkness. It was beautiful to see the sunset from up there in my own T17 'fighter.'
Now it's time to study and prepare for tomorrow's flight for a couple of hours before we head off for the GFU meeting tonight. Tomorrow I'm supposed to be flying TD15 which is another Aerobatic flight. If I fly (which I probably will) I would have flown 4 flights this week which is brilliant.
/GEA

18/11

(Friday 0945) I'm still high from yesterday's solo flight. Right now there are 2 solo checks going on and then later on today we'll have the last solo check on the team. So by the end of the day, everyone on the team would have been to the solo check.
I'll be flying TD15 in about 45 minutes time, which is an aerobatic flight with Lazy Eights, Loops, Aileron Rolls and Steep Turns. Afterwards I have to perform at least 7 simulated engine flame-outs (SFO) and on the way home I'll get a simulated in-flight emergency.
Catch you later, if not then have a nice weekend.
/GEA

18/11

(Friday 1310) We just threw one of the mates in the pond after his solo flight. There's thick ice so he had to break it while swimming to the end...glad it's not me!
Today we had the last 3 solo-checks and 2 of them were passed which is a great way to end the week.
I flew TD15 myself and it went good. It was great weather, even better than yesterday! I practised some aerobatics and SFO's and then on the way home home I got a Generator and Battery failure as a simulated in flight emergency, so it's good that I have good knowledge of the aircraft electrical system...
Without the battery I knew that the aircraft secondary bus was unoperable shich means that I couldn't use the electrical trim and flaps among other things. So I did a no flap landing which went nicely.
Yesterday I got a bird strike with following structural damage as sim emergency and it went well too.
Now it's time to pack the things for the weekend. On Monday we have the last test in Meteorology before the exam, so I have alot to study this weekend.
By the way I got 92.5% in Air Laws exam and 89.4% in Navigation exam. In flight theory I got 99% which I'm really happy about.
/GEA

21/11

(Monday morning, way too early) Another week is on and according to our programme, there's only 4 weeks to go until Flying School is over.
Today we only have theory on the programme; English, Meteorology and 4 lessons of Psychology. It's our last chance to ask questions before our test in Meteorology which will be held tomorrow.
Lesson is starting now, so I'll catch you later.
/GEA

21/11

(Monday 1455) We didn't have English this morning. Instead we had 'physical training' where we were out playing golf. I had never tried golf before and to be honest, I think I'll just stick to flying...
We had the last 2 commisions in connection with solo checks while we were at the golf course. Unfortunately they both got a 'no' so now we're 11 student pilots and 4 co-pilots back on the team. The co-pilots have no solo checks, only a final check. Then when they're ready they'll be flying next to the pilot on the Navy's Lynx helicopters.
I have alot of studying to do this afternoon as Meteorology is our second largest subject on the course. That's it for now.
/GEA

22/11

(Tuesday 1520) We just had our last test on the course, in Meteorology as you know. It went ok. No big deal but I did my best and I think that it was ok.
Flying got cancelled today since we had rather thick fog most of the day. There's flying on the programme tomorrow and I'm supposed to be flying ND-3, my third low-level navigation flight. I look forward for it and I hope that I won't repeat the same mistakes that I did on my last one.
So tonight I'll take the map for tomorrow's flight with me for some bed-time reading and get aquainted with the route and procedures.
That's it for now. Soon it's time for the daily cockpit drill with my friend from Sergeant school. Take care...
/GEA

23/11

(Wednesday 1510) Done for the day. Another day without flying, so it won't be long before we'll start missing it again. Rumours say that we might have to finish Flying school between Christmas and New Year or else we'll have Christmas holidays and then go back to flying school in January. I hope that we'll get some Christmas holidays... I don't have anything against going back to flying school in January. Anyway I have a bit of a head ache, so I think I'm going to take a nap before I hit the books.
/GEA

24/11

(Thursday 0850) The weather is hopeless today. Outside it's dark and rather depressing to look at. So we're sitting here having a few English lessons.
I noticed that there are some problems with some parts of the website so I'll fix them this weekend. It seems like none of us are going to fly this week. The meteorology final exam is approaching fast so w'll use some of our time in the weekend to start studying, since it's a big subject and also one of the heavy ones.
Now it's time to read some more about military helicopters. The programme for the rest of the day is still rather uncertain, so I'll let you know if something exciting comes up.
/GEA

24/11

(Thursday 1620) As said before, the weather was hopeless so the school took us to the Aircraft museum in Stauning as part of the Aircraft-engine knowledge course (mainly about jet engines). It was fun and it's always great to get away from the base for a few hours. We took quite a few pictures, so I'll probably upload them tomorrow or in the weekend. Now it's time for the daily cockpit-drill. After that there's only the GFU meeting left on the (unofficial) programme and I have a feeling that there will be a million accusations this evening as people were really watching each other in every move this week...it's going to be fun!
/GEA

25/11

(Friday 0925) We've just been swimming where we played some more water-polo. It was fun but my team got our ass kicked.
Yesterday we had a good meeting. There weren't too many accusations, however the few convictions got big fines and all in all there were about 500kr in fines! Myself I got away with 2 fines, 30kr in all, so I have nothing to complain about.
Flying got cancelled again today due to the hopeless weather conditions once again. All that's left is a few lessons in Meteorology and then the usual 4 hour drive home. Yesterday we played a few table tennis games before cockpit drilling and we decided to play for beer to make it more interesting. I ended up with winning 1 beer which isn't much, but always better than losing...
Have a nice weekend.
/GEA

27/11

(Sunday 1220) I fixed the website and everything should be up and running again now. Tomorrow I'll try to upload the pictures from Thursday's visit to Stauning museum. We were supposed to have snow-storm all weekend, but we had clear blue skies instead. It would be great if the weather could stay like this throughout the whole week so that we can log some flying hours...
/GEA

28/11

(Monday 1300) I just landed and it didn't go as good as I had tought. I wasn't accurate enough in holding my altitude and I did a goof at one of the turn-points where I mistook a village for another village so I was a bit off over the turn point. Then on the way home I got an 'engine-fire' as a simulated emergency. I handled it well and decided to perform a forced landing on a grass field. Then we flew home and debriefed. The IP gave me a 7 for the flight, so I have to do better next time.
Now it's time for some (late) lunch. Catch you later.
/GEA

29/11

(Tuesday 0925) We're sitting between Meteorology lessons which we're supposed to have until 1105. Then there's a flying programme set up, but it doesn't look very promising outside. Everywhere is white. It actually looks really good (and cold) but we also have rather thick fog and icing conditions which isn't exactly ideal for flying. Let's wait and see what happens...
This Friday we have our final exam in written English, but as you know there isn't really any way that you can prepare yourself for such an exam, except than have a good night's sleep.
The lesson is starting again soon...
/GEA

30/11

(Wednesday 0950) I just briefed my thrid Instrument flight. It's a long time since I've had an Instrument flight, so I look forward to trying it again. I also got a new IP today so there's always new techniques to learn and tips to get.
The weather is beautiful today...yet bloody cold! We had about -5 last night and now it's just below freezing I think. Yesterday some Swedish Gripens came over to Karup and they've been flying around since 0700 this morning. Beatiful aircraft that Gripen...
My departure time is set to 1130 but it'll probably be moved ahead a little bit. So I think I'll use the remaining hour to brush up the procedures for the flight so that there are no doubts when I'm up there sweating...
/GEA

30/11

(Wednesday 1340) I just landed from my flight. It went well. All that's left is debriefing, but the IP is flying with another student right now so debriefing won't take place before in about an hour and a half. If only the weather could stay as good as it is the rest of the year... Wishful thinking.
Catch you later
/GEA