Cleared for Takeoff

On May 23, I finally took my FAA Practical Exam for my Private Pilot Certification. The test began at 0900L with an FAA Examiner. This test was apparently one for my flight school's record books as it lasted until 1600L. The Director of Operations at the flight school commented to me after the exam was over, that he had never seen one of these exams last as long as it did. It comprised of over 3 and a half hours of oral quizzing and just shy of 2 hours of flying. I know the math doesn't add up, but there was also time spent on paperwork and pre/post flight briefings. Without a doubt, this was not an easy day. During the flying part of the exam, I had a lot of wind changes and therefore, in addition to a turbulent day....the tower kept changing the departing and arrival runways on me. I didn't use any one pattern or one runway more than once. I did very pretty on all maneuvers, except my last 3 landings. Though they were not too horrible, I also would not consider them smooth. For those who are unfamiliar with this kind of training and testing to allow for a pilot's license, it is a very thorough process. Without going into too much detail, the exam consisted of being able to respond to emergencies such as an engine fire and losing an engine; stalls; navigation by radio signals and dead reckoning; ground reference maneuvers; managing to fly at slow enough speeds to be right at the borderline of losing lift from the wings; steep turns; flying in controlled and non-controlled airspace; short and soft field takeoffs and landings; and general "how the pilot handles the airplane."

So....when all was said and done and I was pulling off the runway and heading back to the parking area, I asked Eric, the examiner......"So...uh....did I pass my test?" His answer didn't hit me as soon as I heard it. In his most monotone government employee style voice, I heard through my headset...."Everything was satisfactory." Followed by, "you can relax now, it's over." We pulled back into the parking space and I asked him his opinion of my flying before he went inside to prepare for the full debrief. He repeated again that I flew satisfactorily and then expanded on it by saying I was a good instinctive pilot. Then, he walked away and I sat in that pilot seat for a few seconds just breathing a sigh of relief. I knew I passed and would be handed my private pilot's license in a few minutes...yet...it still hadn't hit me fully...what I had finally accomplished. So...after a few sighs and a couple self congratulatory, "Fuckin A's" I secured the airplane and went inside.

While he was filling out my temporary certificate (a nice permanent one will come in the mail) he debriefed my exam. After he handed me my new licence, we shook hands and he left. I was then congratulated by Phil, the old B29 pilot, then the Director of Operations came to shake my hand. Again....it hadn't fully hit me yet. The Director, Terry, took me outside and got my photo with the airplane for their photo wall, where they have pictures of their students when their students accomplish something big. This was my second photo as my solo flight picture is still on the wall. After the photo session with the Polaroid, I was headed home.

I called my wife and kept her in suspense for a few seconds and then broke the news that she was married to a pilot. She was so excited for me and even this many days later....still is. God Bless her! I love this feeling. She was worried as I told her the whole exam should only last 4 hours and she hadn't heard from me, so this was obviously very welcome news. After giving her the run down on my adventure, we got off the phone and I called Rob to let him know. He pointed out how I've literally changed my life from few years ago because I simply set some clear goals and didn't let anything get in my way...and completed ALL of them. At that point, I needed to end the call as my accomplishment was starting to hit me.

My heart started to fill with emotion unlike anything I've ever felt. That feelings that were now washing over me were pride and appreciation. I cried and thanked god for my life and everything in it. Not only was the feeling of appreciation overwhelming, but that pride that I was feeling was just amazing. Every single goal that I wrote down back in 2004 when I was laying in my bed in Owings Mills and trying to figure out what the hell I wanted to do to change my life for the better had been realized at this point. That too was enough to draw tearful emotion.

Say what you want about motivational speakers and goal workshops, The Tony Robbins CD Program "Get the edge" is what I listened to back in 2004 as I was feeling totally lost back then. I didn't want to do the "Goal Workshop" that his CD's told me to do, but I did it anyway....and damn if his words didn't ring true. "If you write your goals down, you will see them come true." "If you make your goals realistic and attainable, they will come true." Silly as it sounds.....I own 2 homes, have a beautiful wife, make more money than I did before, my career is in overdrive and I'm now a Pilot, which was a dream that started with my Grandfather who was a private pilot and took me flying.

Not too bad for written goals to be accomplished within 5 years.....that workshop included goals for 10 years and beyond....watch what comes next!

I LOVE MY LIFE!!!

Universal Adventures

Sheri and I took a long weekend and went down to Orlando this past Thursday to Monday. We had a lovely time at the Universal Theme Parks. If anyone has a chance to get down there and likes theme park rides, I do recommend "The Mummy Returns" and "Spiderman." Both are excellent rides. For dinner one night, Sheri got to experience, the in your face cooking style of a fantastic Japanese Steakhouse. Another night, we went to a great Italian Restaurant in the town of: Celebration, Florida. I swear to god, this place was so perfect, it was identical to the set used for the filming of, The Truman Show. Would I love to live in this pre-planned neighborhood full of boat loads of money and is meticulously groomed....??? Absolutely! From Beverly Hills to Northern Virginia....I've never seen any place as perfect as this tiny little town. The cost to buy a home there is generally at least over 1 million for a single family home....so I don't think I'll be either of my homes on the market and moving to Florida anytime in the near future.

Once again, my FAA pilot exam has been pushed back. The Weather today is the cause. Even more of a pain....the FAA Examiners in my area are unavailable until June 4th at the earliest. So, It's back to the practice area I go. Though I would much rather be able to take my wife, friends, family etc...,

Thunderstorm has hit....dog is going nuts.....Ciao!

A not so solid thumbs up

As mentioned before, I was able to fly with Phil yesterday. After hours of study the night before, I was able to pass my oral "pre exam...exam" by the skin of my teeth. Phil was great though....he helps you pull correct answers out from the depths of your brain, especially when you are stuck in tunnel vision mode. There were a few times that I would answer him with a totally dead wrong answer, but overall, he was able to help me think things through to correctly answer a question. I do believe a lot of my problem with this pending check ride is incredibly self induced. If I would just freaking relax, I would probably do a lot better. I've had this silly passion for flying since I was 5 years old and my grandfather (who was a private pilot) took me up a few times. He retired his wings by the time I was around age 7 and picked up boating. Though I always enjoyed steering the boat, my passion remained in the sky. So, maybe that is why I am struggling so much with this exam prep? I'm too damn passionate and almost totally desperate to finally achieve that goal.

This leads me to my next portion of my "pre exam," flying. This I did pretty well. I did make a few bone head mistakes such as....Not looking out the damn window to see if anyone else was out there before I turned. Why? Because as Phil put it....."I'm a really good instrument pilot!" If I was working on my Instrument Pilot rating, I'd be in great shape. I'm working on my VFR (Visual Flight Rules) rating and therefore...I should have my damn head up and looking out the windows. Sad thing is....when I solo...I'm very much in own natural element up there and look out the window all the time. But....for some reason, this damn exam preparation has my head so far up my ass....I can't see the light of day around my own stupid shit!

Long story short....when all was done and Phil and I were back in his office to review my day at the airport, his final ruling was that I was a GOOD PILOT (Thank God) and that he is recommending to my instructor that I am qualified to take the Practical Exam. Sweet! Another step in the right direction. I was really surprised by his opinion. I thought my own stupidity got the best of me. Maybe I'm just too hard on myself.

I think a lot of people in my life would say that I'm pretty easy going, care free and relaxed about a lot in life. My own mother for whom I'm very close to has commented to that effect. Truth is, I believe that I'm a lot harder on myself than most people, including myself, realize.

Last night, I sent a 767 full of sick, close to death and badly handicapped people to Lourdes, France for a "miracle bath." I was talking to Bob Lowe, a person who has been blessed with a second chance in life, last night. I was telling him my own personally opinion about this Lourdes trip and how I feel that it's a bunch of crap. I've never heard of anyone from these charters (they take place once a year) coming back and being cured of their ailments. Bob on the other hand told me how beautiful this trip is for these people and how the "bath" can provide the miracle of healing. I have the deepest respect for Bob as he as already been dead on the table twice from a horrible motorcycle accident and been told he would never walk again....has beaten incredible odds. His comment to me was, look at him, obviously he was granted a miracle. I agree.....but I did say to him and this is true.....that his positive (I will walk again and nobody is going to stop me) attitude probably played a much bigger role in his life. Personally, I'm very spiritual...and not very religious. It is my spiritual belief that Bob was given the miracle of life AGAIN on that day he was laying dead on the table at Hershey Medical Center. How he is able to walk again....that I believe is a testament to his attitude, spirit and drive.

I could be wrong about all of this though....Who am I? What the "F" do I know about life or power of God? After all....I'm the guy who goes on a "pre check ride" with the hopes of getting a thumbs up so I can prove my skills to the FAA....and forgets to even figure out which direction I'm supposed to fly before we take off. (-: Another Big Ooops!

Today I became 10883 days old. Good or bad...I'm thankful that I've been able to wake up every single one of those days. Now, I think I'll drink my morning orange juice and eat some oatmeal to toast my good fortune in life. Then...I'm going to mow the lawn...because I can!

Abused quote for the day: "I love the smell of lawn mower fumes in the morning"

Major Hurdle Dead Ahead!

I have finally gotten past the terror that Microsoft has brought upon my home computer. With the assistance of my Father, King David of Computerland, I once again have a computer that functions without massive failure each time it boots up. Thank you Dad.

Speaking of tough times, lately, I've been dealing with a bit of stress. Since I passed my FAA Written exam, I've been hell bent of making that dream of mine become reality. I've been studying a lot and I seem to fall on my ass every time I sit with my flight instructor and go over the oral portion of my exam. Finally, I've made a little headway and feel confident that failure is not imminent. I fly tomorrow with another instructor from Aerotech, Phil. Phil used to fly the B-29 during WWII and I love the insight that he offers both in the air and on the ground. He'll be going over the oral and practical portion of my pending exam with me tomorrow and if I get a thumbs up from him....the it's on to the actual exam. Nervous...HELL YES! I am ok with the reality that failure is possible and does not equal the end of the world....but the fact is....I want to pass that fucking thing and get my certificate on the first attempt. Maybe I'll feel more confident after an oral quiz and flight with Phil?

My car got rear ended last week by some guy while sitting in the drive thru lane at Wendy's. The dude hit my 2 times! I went to a body shop today near BWI and got an estimate on the work. Now, I'm waiting to see if the crazy driver will call me back to settle out of the insurance arena...or if we need to make a claim and go that route.

I was reading Jeff Conlin's latest blog regarding the space re-entry communication blackout and I feel kind of like my life is going through that stage. I've had very limited contact with friends and family lately due to my self inflicted increased workload. I look forward to being able to report success and invite those I love to join me in seeing the local area from an elevated view.