Hurry Up and Wait

Well, I'm getting a good introduction to life in the aviation industry. This is four or five days in a row of cancelled flights. I feel like I'm just sitting here wasting time but there's nothing I can do about it. Two delays a pilot can't help are weather and mechanical delays. And I've had both this week. So I'm just sitting here watching the clouds build up and darken the sky. Rain and clouds are okay -- even good when you're working on your instrument rating -- but thunderstorms are not good. Lightning is always associated with thunderstorms, hence the name. And lightning is not a good environment for flight. So, I'll wait.

My instrument checkride has been scheduled for September 12. Although I feel like I'll be ready, I know it'll still be tough as nails. The gentleman who is doing it for me lives in Auburn, AL so I'll fly down there for it. It starts with the oral exam. Anything in the book is fair game. It could last anywhere from an hour up to three (at least those are some of the horror stories I've heard). And if that goes well, we'll hop in the plane and go for a ride. He'll be looking for a demonstration of my proficiency in instrument flight -- my ability to fly in instrument conditions, to stay focused, and to handle unexpected surprises and emergencies (i.e. instrument failures). Once it's over, I'll fly back to Georgia, go to my barn, and celebrate with a beer.

They say the pilot's motto is 'Hurry up and wait.' Well, here I am. Four hours from home, waiting. It actually brings a disappointed grin to my face. Wow, its amazing, the things guys who were born to fly will do. . . . .