I Passed

I realize I've been 'flying under the radar' now for a couple of weeks. And I am sorry to those of you who've asked me to update this blog but I assure you I've had good reason. Instrument training has become very intense and the preparation for the instrument checkride has taken its toll on any free time I might have enjoyed. But it is with great excitement and sheer exhaustion that I get to tell you that I flew to Auburn, AL, today to do this checkride I've been working toward and passed. Both the orals and the flight portion went smooth and I left Auburn this evening with a new pilot's license. I can't tell you what a huge relief I feel right now as I write this. I'm so tired and yet so pumped with adrenaline.

The next phase of fight training, the multi-engine rating, begins tomorrow. The great thing about moving on is that now, at least for a while, I actually get to look out the window again when I fly. Woo-hoo.

Below are two pictures. The first was taken during the actual flight portion by a friend riding along in the backseat. Gary Kitely, the FAA examiner, is in the right seat and I'm the confused one in the left seat. The second picture is the traditional 'I passed' picture you take in front of the plane with the examiner or instructor. Mr. Kitely is handing me my new license in the picture.

So anyway, again I'm sorry it's been a while since the last post. It does make me feel good when those of you who check this call me and say, "Hey, why don't you keep up? We want to know what's going on!" I really appreciate it - it just reminds me that I have great circle of family and friends that do care what I'm doing. Thanks to you all. . . .