01/09
(Thursday 0725) A new day and the sun is shining once
again.
I'm on the flying programmme with 1340 as my estimated departure time, so I'm
looking forward indeed! During today's flight, I will do my first take off,
landing circuits and landings among other things. Yesterday, some of the guys
were out on TD4 (the mission that I have to fly today) and they all came
sweating back. Can't help wondering if it was because the flight was difficult
or because their IP pushed them too hard. Anyway, I look forward for my flight
and I'll do my best to achieve best results.
I found out what's wrong with the picture gallery, so I'll fix it in the
weekend and then start uploading pictures once again. I still have pictures
from Karup airshow and also have some new ones from school.
/GEA
01/09
(Thursday 1350) Just got back from a late lunch break.
My departure time was changed to 1045 so I was up earlier than planned. My
first take off went fine, however I did a couple of silly mistakes in my
'Engine run-up check' before the take off. The flight was well underway, I had
done some climbs, descents, turns and a few combinations of the above
mentioned. We had climbed all the way to 6500 feet and ready for some 'free
flying' where I had 5 minutes of 'playing' with the aircraft to get to know it.
We did the pre-aerobatics check and discovered that the lamp for the auxiliary
fuel pump wasn't working properly.
So the flight got cancelled; the instructor took the controls and flew us back
and made a safe landing.
So next time I'll get to do the remaining items from this flight and then get a
grade for TD4.
/GEA
02/09
(Friday 0735) Almost weekend, but not quite...
First on the programme is a couple of hours of physical torture in the house of
pain.
Afterwards we have a couple of lessons in aerodynamics, where we'll mainly go
through last times test.
Then we have our first lessons in meteorology, which is our second largest
subject. I look forward for the weekend. It's time to relax and recharge,
however I also have to prepare for the next 2 flights.
I got a couple of small fines yesterday in the GFU meeting (as usual!) and I
got to keep the crying biscuit, since no one else got nominated for it this
week.
Catch u later...
/GEA
03/09
(Saturday 1250) I fixed the problem with the gallery,
so now there'll be uploaded new pictures.
Thursday we got our 'personal introduction' essay back from our English
teacher. I got a 'Splendid' which is the highest grade that he gives. PLA also
got a splendid, so we couldn't complain much about that one.
Then on the way home we sat in the van preparing for the next flight...we
looked like idiots sitting with our eyes closed and 'flying' the imaginary
plane...but it's a good way of studying.
In a few minutes the football game between Denmark and Turkey is starting, so
I'm off to watch the game. We're gonna whoop
their Turkish ass (I hope!)
/GEA
05/09
(Monday 0725) Back at school. It's strange to think
about that we've already been through 20% of the time course on flying school.
It feels great to having learned so much in such a short span of time. We've
learned so much, yet there's so much we still have to learn.
Sometimes it feels good that I'm doing well, other times I almost feel
intimidated by the workload that we have.
Today we start off with a couple of lessons in Aerodynamics, then English and
after lunch we continue with Meteorology and then it's on to finish off with
Physical training.
Catch u later...
/GEA
05/09
(Monday 1555) Done for today. We finished off with a
4km orientation race here on the base. I couldn't find post number 10, so I
screwed it up. Some of the other guys also had problems finding it, but that
won't help me much...we'll all be disqualified.
Now it's time to practise some cockpit drills with PLA. Today we'll also give
eachother a weather briefing with all the details before out 'flight' in order
to make it as realistic as possible.
Tommorrow's flying programme is out: Briefing at 0815 and then it's on to
flying. I'm not on the programme yet, but I think they'll put me on a mid-day
slot. Let's just wait and see...I'm ready for the flight, so ´the IP can throw
anything at me, and I'll do my best to fight it back.
Catch u later.
/GEA
06/09
(Tuesday 0735) Yesterday wasn't my day...
First I screwed up in the orientation race. Then, after work PLA and myself did
the daily cockpit drills and finished off with a game of table tennis, which I
lost...
So I met up with JØR and we went to the base cafeteria to have dinner. We ate,
and on the way home we stopped by the mess to have a beer and a game of
pool...and I lost again!!!
I guess I just have to make it up today then.
So far there are only 8 students on today's flight schedule, and I'm not one of
them. So I hope that it will be updated (with my name) soon. The weather seems
like it's going to be great once again, with clear skies and up to 25 degrees.
/GEA
06/09
(Tuesday 1135) The guys just landed. Hopefully I'll be
on the programme on Thursday. The weather isn't going to be good for flying
tomorrow, so let's hope it gets good again for Thursday.
PLA flew his 4th ride today and got a stunning 10! Well done, my friend, keep
it up!!!
The other guys got 8 from what I've heard so far.
Anyway, now we have Aircraft and Emergency equipment, where we're probably
going to visit 722Sqn and their helicopters. Then we'll probably finish off with another test.
/GEA
07/09
(Wednesday 0740) Yesterday we were shown 722Sqn, as I
wrote, and were also given a great display like I've never seen before. The
helicopter literraly flew a couple of meters from our heads!
I think that the pilot wanted to attract some more of us to fly helicopters,
since he knows that most of us would rather fly the F16 after flying
school...and he did a good job indeed! However, my goal is still, and will
remain the F16.
Today is a theory day, no flying, nothing exciting. The weather also looks like crap.
/GEA
07/09
(Wednesday 1320) We just got the results from the
Flight theory test from last week. I got 92%, which is ok...but far from the
top! It gave me a shared 9-12th placing. PLA got 98% and a 1st placing once
again. The guys on the course are all very gifted, some more than others, but
PLA has that extra notch, that extra amount of brain capacity. Well done, once
again!
Now he has a comfortable lead in class.
Anyway, we just had a lesson in Aerodynamics where we learned all the
matemathics behind acceleration (take off run), rotation and climb. Jesus what
a heavy load of formulas and graphs!!
Anyway, only thing left on the programme today is Aircraft construction, where
we'll probably have a test.
I'm not on tomorrow's flying programme, so I hope that it's going to be good
flying weather on Friday, so I can get a flight before the weekend.
Catch u later...
/GEA
08/09
(Thursday 0735) I have a feeling that there won't be
much flying today...the weather looks like crap.
Last night turned out to be a late one. I learned a couple of new EP's
(Emergency Procedures) and then put my energy into the Aerodynamics books.
Afterwards, I slept like a bloody dog. It's funny how good you sleep after
having spent a few hours reading Aerodynamics.
First on today's programme is Aviation medicine, a new subject on our schedule.
Then we have Navigation and Rules & Laws of the skies....
After work we have the usual GFU Thursday meeting.
Catch u later.
/GEA
08/09
(Thursday 0950) We just had briefing. It was my turn
to brief about dangerous and restricted areas in Danish airspace. It's not easy
to stand up there in front of the whole class, all of the instructors, the air
traffic controller and the meteorologist.... I think my heart rate peaked at
480 beats/minute or so.
But anyway, it went fine, so I'm happy.
The flying programme has been somewhat shortened and postponed by a couple of
hours due to weather conditions. We expect the visibility to get better as time
goes, so the instructors have decided that we should have a couple of lessons
in Air law until then.
/GEA
08/09
(Thursday 1140) Just had lunch and we got the results
from yesterday's test in Aircraft construction. I got a 9 (on the 13 scale)
which is ok I suppose. It gives me a shared 4th place in the general standings
in the theory tests.
BLI got the highest result...a straight 13! Well done, BLI! That means that he
answered correctly in all 50 questions.
Now it's flying time for some of us. However it's very windy out there, so I
don't know if they'll cancel the whole thing. PLA and myself agreed to go visit
the ATC if the other guys fly. It's fun to see the others take off and land. We
also have to cockpit drill and play some table-tennis. I'm going to trash him
today! I hope so anyway...
/GEA
09/09
(Friday 0730) I did trash him and the other guys in
table tennis yesterday...but they got their revenge during the GFU meeting. I
got a GFU and 2 minor fines; This is starting to get expensive!! JAS got the
crying buiscuit, so he has to wear it in a visible way, all day today.
Programme for today is a swimming lesson and then flying the rest of the day.
However I have a feeling that they'll start with flying, since the weather is
good right now and is expected to deteriorate as time elapses. I'm not on the
flying programme once again. It's been over a week since I've last flown, and I
almost don't remember how to start the engine anymore.
At the meeting yesterday, we also decided to start the official Flying School
diary on the flying school's website, so it won't be long before you'll see
some diary entries (in Danish!) and pictures of us during our daily lives. The
address is www.flyveskolen.dk
/GEA
09/09
(Friday 1310) Just landed...I was up flying today!
I'll write about it when I get home tonight...
Now it's time to go home for the weekend.
/GEA
09/09
(Friday 1900). Home again and tired. As you know, I
wasn't supposed to fly today, and until 2 minutes before briefing, I was still
not on the flying programme. Then during briefing I saw my name on the list. I
think that the IP did it on purpose to put an extra bit of pressure on me.
I was supposed to fly the rest of TD-4, which we didn't finish last time, due
to the fuel pump light failure. But instead I got to fly the rest of TD-4 and
TD-5. So it was one hell of a flight! It's good that I'm always prepared for
2-3 flights ahead...
Last night I couldn't quite sleep, so I wasn't on top this morning. Then, we
started off with a swimming, where we had to swim until the instructors thought
was enough. I'm not exactly the ideal swimmer. I mean I won't drown or
anything, but my swimming technique (or lack of it!) isn't exactly great. I use
alot of energy unefficiently.
So anyway, I started the flight, all was ok. I got to do a bunch of stalls,
free flying, pulled a few g's and used quite alot of energy. Then it was time
to fly home and make 6-7 landings, which is quite demanding in itself. I wasn't
on top, and the IP could see that I was tensed and not at ease, compared to
what I usually am, so we only did 5 landings.
Anyway, I got 9 for both TD-4 and TD-5, which is still above average, but I
felt quite 'busy' in the cockpit...
The IP had warned me about not demanding more of myself than he does, after all
I'm only human, and the demands are very high in the first place. If he's
satisfied, then I should be too. So I have to work on that one, or else I'm
going to be disappointed most of the time.
As you know, they will take 3 flights from me because of my earlier flying
experience, so from TD-6 I go directly to TD-10. Those 3 flights mostly involve
touch and gos, so I'll be missing over 30 take offs and landings in all, which
is quite a lot.
Landings are what most students fail in, so I'm rather anxious to see how
quickly I can learn to land, doing it their way. I'm going to relax for a few
hours tomorrow, but otherwise I'm going to study most of the weekend. The
workload is really starting to press on our shoulders now, especially us who have
earlier flying experience.
If all goes well, I should be up for solo-check in about 3-4 weeks time! And
then it's order to go on, or order to go home.
Catch u later...
/GEA
10/09
(Saturday 0850). I heard a couple of good jokes, so I
think you should get them too. They're about things that you hear on the radio
between pilots and Air Traffic Controllers (all true stories!):
Commercial pilot: I'm fucking bored!
ATC: Last aircraft, identify yourself!!
Commercial pilot: I said I was bored, not stupid!
F16 pilot: Request priority landing due to a problem with the aircraft.
ATC: You are number 2 behind a B52 with one engine down.
F16 pilot: Ah, the dreaded 7-engine approach...
Now it's time to get some breakfast and then dig into those books.
/GEA
10/09
(Saturday 1930) Just got home from my old flying club.
I spent most of the day over there, enjoying the sunshine, the gliders and the
good company of some of my old flying mates. I even flew a little flight with
Jørgen, the instructor who sent me on my first ever solo flight.
It was great to fly gliders again, I found a nice thermal and flew about 30
minutes until I decided that I'd had enough. Then I finished off with a smooth
landing, just like the old days.
It was almost nostalgic.
Now it's time to eat and watch a movie.
/GEA
11/09
(Sunday 1425) I just finished studying the procedures
and techniques for the next 2 flights. Now it's a matter of transforming the
theory into practise. Right now, I'll make some landing patterns using Flight
Simulator 2004, here on my PC. Catch u later
alligator...
/GEA
12/09
Stephen cant write today because he had a accident. He
had a really bad crash with his bicycle. It was very stormy today and when he
was bicycling uphills, the wind lifted the front wheel and stephen was thrown
of He was taken to the emergency room, where he got x-rays and CT- scanning
a.s.o.
The doctors thought his lungs had punctered but thank god they had not. He is
right now lying in his bed in his own room at the flying school. He is feeling
bad and he´s hurting alot in his chest, but otherwisw he is ok.
He will rest as long as he need.
According to stephen, PLA is sweeping his forhead and taking care of him.
Before i finish i have to repeat what the doctors said to stephen:
Do you think it is safe to be a pilot, when you dont even know how to bicycle.
Over and out from Sara
13/09
(Tuesday 1335) I feel much better after yesterday's
mishap. It's good that I decided to rest for the day. I feel really lucky that
it didn't turn out to be as bad as the doctors had feared. They talked about
broken ribs, punctured lungs and inner bleeding, and I was sure of that myself,
but fortunately none of it was the case.
We had the 'dinghy drills' yesterday morning, where we went to the swimming
hall and had to practise using our emergency life jackets and dinghys. It was
good fun. Hopefully we'll never need to use them other than inside the swimming
hall...
Instructor TAJ (from the Danish TV series Fighter-pilots) came visiting me this
morning while I was eating breakfast. He wanted to see how his student was
doing he said. It was very nice of him indeed! We also had a chat about flying
and he gave me some good tips. Apparently he's been reading my online diary, so
he basically knew everything about me.
Our first lesson today was 'Aviation medicine' which I was of course absent
from. TAJ said with a smile: Right now you should be at Aviation medicine and
not Bicycle medicine! And believe me, I'd rather be at the theory lessons than
being here feeling like crap.
The guys have Physical training right now. Today's programme consists of a game
of ice-hockey. Let's hope that no-one gets injured!
Anyway, that's it for now.
/GEA
14/09
(Wednesday 0835) Between Navigation lessons. Hmmm,
this subject isn't that easy at all! Especially when you're not on top.
I'm still physically tired, especially because I couldn't sleep properly.
Anyway, I look forward to being fit for f(l)ight again. I should be ready to
spread my wings again after the weekend. I have my fingers crossed...
/GEA
14/09
(Wednesday 1150) 4 hours of Navigation was a bit too
much for me...I'm not as fresh as I usually am, so I have quite a hard time
concentrating.
Next on the programme is Flight theory, where we'll probably learn a couple of
new EP's among other things.
Then we're going to finish off with Air Laws. Flying got cancelled due to very
windy conditions today and a front which has just passed. I'm grounded of
course and will be ayt least the rest of the week.
I got a parcel from Sara today, with an aeroplane magazine and Playboy
magazine. I cannot say that she doesn't take care of my needs.
/GEA
15/09
(Thursday 0740) We have briefing at 0800. I'm grounded
of course. I don't think I'm able to climb into the aircraft in my situation,
let alone fly and pull g's.
I'm starting to think that my 'plan' to be fit for flight on Monday is perhaps
slightly too optimistic.
One thing is certain: I'm going to rest as much as possible during the weekend.
Catch u later...
/GEA
15/09
(Thursday 1210) We're doing the last preparations for
tomorrow's family day later on today. Unfortunately I don't have much family
here in Denmark, since all of my family lives in Malta. However, Sara will be
coming here later on today, and I'm looking froward to showing her around. Tomorrow,
families will see how our briefing takes place, including stand up. Stand up is
when one of the students is 'randomly' selected during a briefing, and he would
have to go through an emergency procedure that the briefing IP chooses. It's a
stressing moment for any student and everyone hopes that they won't be the
'chosen' one during briefing.
Then the families will see some of our emergency equipment, they will visit the
control tower and fire department here at the base and see our school of
course. One family member from every student will get a flighty in the T17 with
one of the IP's. So Sara is looking forward for that!
This morning we had an F16 doing a few touch and gos...I'm getting used to
seeing fighters on a daily basis now, but not quite anyway. I still look
whenever I hear the wonderful noise of a jet blasting through the air.
That's it for now. It's time for yet another
English lesson.
/GEA
16/09
(Friday 2110). Back home for the weekend. The family
day was a great success. Even the weather was on our side this time.
I was surprised to hear how many people read my diary. Initially I started this
diary for my family who, as you know, don't exactly live round the corner...
MEY's mum said that she reads it regularly and so do some of the other parents
and family members of my class-mates. This diary has actually turned out to be
a success and I'm quite happy about that! Apart from that, one day many years
from now, it's going to be great to read about my time back in flying school.
We finally agreed to start the official diary on the flying school's website,
which will be updated once weekly from next week on. DUE and myself are in
charge of writing about the first week on flying school. It was finally LOD who
took the initiative to get the school diary started. Well done!
So in the future you'll be able to read (in Danish) the school's diary with
updated pictures from other student's point of views.
Yesterday we got the results from the test that we had in Aircraft and
Emergency equipment. I got 73%, which isn't exactly an optimum grade, but it's
ok. The pass mark was 70%, so I only just made it, but then, so did most of the
class.
Anyway, I took many good pictures today, and I'll upload them on the website
during this weekend.
Take care.
/GEA
19/09
(Monday 0845) The flying is cancelled for today, due
to low clouds. So we have theory instead, and next on the programme is a test
in Air laws. We knew that it was coming, but we didn't expect it today.
Tomorrow or the day after we have a test in Navigation. Now it's time to brush
up my knowledge in Air laws before the test. Catch u later...
/GEA
19/09
(Monday 1255) We have Flight Safety right now, and
outside there's a RNLAF KC10 doing touch and go's on the main runway. I've
never seen one before so I'm dying to go out and take a few pictures. Let's
hope that it'll be here for a few hours more...
/GEA
20/09
(Tuesday 0735) The sun is shining outside and it seems
like it's going to be doing so for quite a while at least. So now the question
is whether they'll´put flying on the programme for the whole day, and postpone
theory lessons to a day when the weather isn't so good. We were supposed to
have a theory test in Navigation today, and no-one is exactly looking forward
to it. However, everyone wants to get it over with and also to find out where
we stand in the subject.
The Air Laws test yesterday wasn't too hard, but somehow I managed to mix the
position lights and anti-collision lights on an aircraft which will cost me 10
points. Now it's just a question of waiting to hear the result...
That's it for now. By the way, yesterday I didn't get the opportunity to take
pictures of that RNLAF KC10. By the time the lesson had finished, the plane had
flown away.
/GEA
20/09
(Tuesday 0925) The Navigation test went fine, I
answered all questions, however I'm sure that a couple of them were wrong.
Then, after the test I got a little reward. I delivered my papers and went out
of the classroom, and to my surprise, the Dutch KC10 did a touch and go again.
So I grabbed my camera and got ready to take a picture. I waited paitiently for
10 minutes and there it finally was, emerging out of the morning fog and coming
on late finals for yet another touch and go. And yes, I took a picture, so I'm
happy indeed, even though the shot was quite foggy.
So far, it's a good day today. We have briefing in about 5 minutes time and
then there's flying the rest of the day, not for me of course. I'm off to the
doctor to find out what's going to happen, and more importantly, when. Catch u later...
/GEA
20/09
(Tuesday 1145) Just had lunch. The flying programme
has been delayed until 1330 due to low cloud cover. To be honest I have a
feeling that it's going to get cancelled once again.
I think it's time to study some more EP's. Now we've been through all of them
with our instructor, so we're expected to know them all. This morning during
briefing, a guy was asked about 'Oil system failure' and he couldn't remember
it...then it went on to another guy and he had problems too. In the end LOU took
it since he knew it and was quite confident in it. Well done!
When I pull the short straw and it's my turn to go through an EP, I need to
know it 100%, so it's good to be prepared to the bone.
/GEA
20/09
(Tuesday 1500) Done for today. I was at the doctor
earlier and got good news. I am not grounded anymore, so that's just great. If
you read this, thanks mum and dad; You know what I'm talking about.
So afterwards I had a few good games of table tennis with my new bat (and won
them of course) and then I was out running with the guys. The plan was to run
around the perimiter of the base, that's just over 12 km!! I didn't think I
could do it because of the chest pains, but I did, so I'm happy indeed. We ran
the 12km in just over 1 hour. It feels great to be getting back on top.
Then we got back to the school and to our surprise, we got the results for the
tests from yesterday and from the one we had this morning. In Air Laws I only
got 73.5% which is a pass, but I have to learn to RTFQ during exams. Oh by the
way, 'RTFQ' means 'Read The Fucking Questions'.
MEY came first in class with 99% correct. Well done!
Thankfully, it went a bit better in the Navigation test. I got 98% which is
best in class (shared), so I'm happy about that.
All that's left today is to go take a good shower, the daily cockpit-drill with
PLA, dinner and ALOT of studying.
Take care and
check six...
GEA
21/09
(Wednesday 0950) We just had briefing, and guess who
was 'the chosen one' for the daily stand-up: Yep, I pulled the short straw today.
I had to go through the EP called 'Engine airstart, prop rotating.'
It went well, actually better than I had expected. I had expected getting
nervous when asked to stand up in front of the class, but it was actually
easier than what the rumors say. So now I've tried the daily stand up.
Now I'm off to read some more Meteorology while the other guys fly, and maybe
go visit the control tower too. Unfortunately there are no interesting aircraft
visiting Karup today.
/GEA
21/09
(Wednesday 1325) Most of the guys who were scheduled
to fly have landed, but some are still in the air. I have just been visiting
the tower together with BLI and NIT.
Here are the class standings:
Theory subjects: MEY has the lead with a stunning grade average. Myself, I'm
just above the middle of the class:
Flying: PLA has the lead and I'm trailing behind him as number 2.
All in all, I'm satisfied. The goal is to be within the best third of the
class, however it's no secret that most of us want to be the best. After all,
we're all competitive and hard-working people.
Apparently I wrote a little mistake yesterday. I remember as having won all
table tennis games, however LOU brought to my attention that TIN and myself
lost during the doubles against LOU and JAS but won against LOU and NIT. I was
sure that we'd won, but then I checked it out with TIN and got it
confirmed...that we lost one of the games that is...
According to the programme there's going to be flying both tomorrow and Friday,
so hopefully I'll get a trip one of the days.
/GEA
22/09
(Thursday 1450) Just had lunch after the flight. The
flight went ok. It included rolls, loop, pulling 4.5g's, simulated engine flame
outs at 300 feet above ground (after take off), climbs, descents, traffic
patterns, 7 touch and gos and a full top landing. Whoaaa, I was wasted
afterwards!
I got an 8 for the flight which is 'average.' In a way I'm hoping that I won't
fly tomorrow, since next flight is TD10 (I just had TD6). Now the expectations
from the instructor will rise drastically, so I really have to do it good from
now on. I did a major screw-up during my last pattern: I forgot the 'before
landing check'. That's what probably cost me so much that I got a grade 8 for
the flight. The instructor said that if I had been in a fighter, it would mean
that I'd landed with the undercarriage up.
I just have to learn from the mistakes and move on...and do it better next
time.
That's it for now.
/GEA
23/09
(Friday 0930) It says TGIF on the flying programme. A
quick translation into plain English is Thank God It's Friday.
To be honest, I think that everyone is looking forward for the weekend. It's
been a hard week.
Otherwise, we just got back from the swimming hall, where our instructor, Per,
taught us some good swimming techniques. It was hard but good.
We have briefing at 1000. I'm not on today's flying programme (so far,
anyway!). You never know if they put you on the programme in the last minute. I
wouldn't be surprised if I got the daily stand up once again, even though I
just had my turn. They try to give you the stand up when you least expect it,
so now would be a good time, since I had stand up last Wednesday.
Now it's time to check my e-mail and relax a bit before briefing.
Yesterday I had to pay a round of beer during the GFU meeting for having placed
my feet on the table when we were sitting at the TV. Damn, it's way too easy to
forget one of those (endless list of) rules that we have. But on the other
hand, I don't think that I'll ever forget that one again!
/GEA
23/09
(Friday 1230) Almost weekend. PLA and myself just got
back from the control tower. We stood out there in the balcony and watched the
other students do their touch and gos. I actually think that it's a good idea
to see the other guys land from the tower once in a while, especially when
there's a steady crosswind like today.
Soon, we're going to have the famous 'Dash 1' test, which is a test in the
aircraft's manual, normal procedures, emergency procedures, limitations and
flight theory. It's big test and the exam follows soon afterwards and it has to
be passed before you can fly solo. The only problem is that the pass mark is
85%.
So it's going to be a long study weekend.
That's it for now. Have a nice weekend.
/GEA
25/09
(Sunday 1015) I can't help thinking about when the weather
will change for the worse. It's amazing that we still have beautiful clear blue
skies and temperatures above 20 degrees one week away from October.
I talked to my dad yesterday. This weekend they have the yearly airshow and
this year it's quite a good one. My dad says that this year they have quality
rather than quantity. Among the aircraft participating is a USAF B1B Lancer,
RAF Spitfire and Hurricane, FAF Mirage 2000 and the usual aircraft, which are
great none the less, like Harriers, Hawks, Tornados, F16's etc. and The RAF Red
Arrows as aerobatic team.
The last few years I had visited Malta during the airshow every year, it had
become a kind of tradition, however this year I broke the tradition for
something better. My dad met all the usual friends and relatives, and they all
asked how I'm doing and how far I've come. He said that it's like they all own
a part of me, and they all feel proud of my achievments. It feels great and I
hope not to disappoint them.
I'll do whatever it takes to make it all the way and have the carreer that I
always worked for. I'm thankful for being where I am today and wouldn't give it
up for the whole world (litteraly!).
Now it's time to get some breakfast and then to dig in those books
/GEA
26/09
(Monday 1345) Ok, I suppose I got my answer with
regards the weather. The weather is good today, but it'll get worse and worse
as time goes by this week, and by the end of the week we should have proper
fall weather conditions.
I flew again today, with my new instructor HAK of course. The flight went
really well, however we flew TD11 instead of TD10 due to clouds in the assigned
airspace for TD10. I was relaxed in the cockpit and did it good except for a
'big goof,' as the instructor called it. I was on base leg for a touch and go and
rather close to the aircraft in front of me, so I decided to extend base leg
for spacing: BAD idea! I would have come in conflict with the traffic for the
main runway if the IP hadn't corrected me. So that cost! I got an 8 for the
flight. The IP said that it would have been a clean 9 if I hadn't goofed that
one.
All in all I did 12 landings (11 touch and gos and 1 full stop) today, and 4
simulated engine flame outs shortly after take off. It was all great fun and I
feel that I really learned alot once again.
That's it for now.
/GEA
27/09
(Tuesday 0735) We have a theory day ahead of us. The
weather isn't up for flying, so it fits very well with the plan.
Yesterday JØR came over and asked if we should cockpit drill together. Since I
didn't have any more important plans, I said yes of course. So then he asked
with a smile: 'Are you sure that PLA won't get jealous or anything?'
'We're not married or anything' I said.
Then later on during the evening I was studying alone in my room and JAS came
over and asked if we should study the flight manual together. So we started off
and used some time preparing for the upcoming Dash 1 test.
This Thursday we have our mid-way party where we're going to play some paint
ball and eat some good food together. Then in the evening we will party and
enjoy eachother's company as long as we can stay awake. The IP's have made an
easy programme for us Friday, so that's very considerate of them...
Now it's time for a lesson in Air Laws. Later on we have Meteorology, English
and finish off with physical training.
/GEA
29/09
(Thursday 0955) Just landed and debriefed. The flight
went very well, however we had to abort due to low clouds, rain and bad
visibility. We started off, the IP gave me an SFO (simulated engine flame out)
at 800 feet, so I switched the Auxiliary fuel pump on, lowered the nose to the
optimal glide angle to maintain 80Kts and chose a field to land on; It went
well and at about 100 feet above ground, the IP took over and established a
climb so that we could continue. So we continued, left the landing pattern,
approached the training area, did the checks, then did about 10 stalls,
descents, checks and flew back towards the landing pattern. Unfortunately as we
approached the airbase, the clouds got lower, it started raining and visibility
deteriorated drastically, so we had to abort. But all in all I'm happy with the
flight.
I think that they'll give us some theory lessons from now until we're off.
Then, as you know, tonight we have the mid-way party, where we're going for
some paint ball, eating dinner together and drinking a beer or two and then
enjoy eachother's company untilwe can keep it going. Catch u later...
/GEA
29/09
(Thursday 1035) Programme for the rest of the day is 4
Navigation lessons. I just uploaded some pictures of the T33 that will be
placed on a pedestal in front of the hangar at the flying school. The wings
arrived yesterday and the fuselage arrived the day before. I will take more
pictures as the project advances...
/GEA
30/09
(Friday 1150) We had a great evening yesterday. First
a good game of paintball where we got some agressions out, and then it was time
for dinner and entertainment...and beer! Afterwards, some of the guys went on
to Silkeborg city and danced the night away (or something). I chose to stay
home together with HAN, LUB, PLA and BLI. We had a good time and got to sleep a
few more hours than the other guys. This morning we had swimming and
meteorology. Then, our Flight Safety instructor, BOK, told us that we have
briefing and asked if anyone wasn't up for flying. Everyone raised their hands
of course, and he was happy. He just wanted to check our attitude towards
alcohol/flying. BOK is an ex fighter pilot with background on Draken and F16,
so he always has some good stories to tell.
Now it's time for a couple of lessons in aerodynamics, and then it's weekend! Have a nice
weekend.
/GEA