This has been a most odd year. I've achieved such a lot, but feel like I've done no flying at all!!
Firstly, I did my JAA CPL and IR between March and July, did my night rating in August (yes, that is in the wrong order - don't ask), and then the MCC in October.
All this flying... but hardly any of it was the fun flying that I've enjoyed in MY aeroplane! Of course, I flew 85 hours for my CPL/IR, but if you asked me how many hours I've flown this year, my initial reaction would be "about 20", because that's all I've done in the Jodel
The best part of the whole flying course this year was the MCC (with AFT incase you wanted to know). Such fun, hard work - but without any of the pressure - such is training to a fixed budget!! I really enjoyed my two weeks.
The most memorable moments though are:
1) IR Test - Initiating the go-arround from Asym ILS, looking up as the screens came down, and seeing the runway a long, long, long way away: I'd mis-read the altimeter by 1000'...
2) MCC Course: Flicking the "cabin notification" switch, and hearing a "bong" in the background. oh yeah, NOW I feel like a professional pilot!!
3) First cloud break over an 8/8th layer. It's ALWAYS sunny up there folks.
4) 20 minute flight in a friends (freshly imported) RV4; Where do I sign?
What next then? For 2005:
1) Get a job. Turboprops would be nice.
2) Buy share in RV4 (as soon as it's back on the register).
3) Aerobatics. I'm gonna get myself seriously good in that RV4! Enter a competion.
4) Try and be happy: The financial strain I'm under now is REALLY getting me down. I've never been more qualified to fly than I can now, and as a result, I can't afford to fly. Welcome to wannabe hell
