These posts start with the most recent post, with some of the older posts
combined. New posts will come when I start flying again. This part of
the blog is in a holding pattern.
-
Another Weird Flying Dream
It's been a while since I've had any strange dreams of flying in a machine
or by them. Last night I was involved with machines of the old west. Despite
the rest of the dream consisting of horse chases in the dead of the dark night
and rescuing people from burning flames since the old fire wagon had two
flat tires and couldn't arrive, the best part of the dream was at the airfield,
where I was lifted to 12,000 feet and parachuted out while I watched a
helicopter that was flying like a plane and a plane that was flying like a
helicopter duel in a race to get to the ground, an odd desire by any account.
They circled around me as I floated softly and slowly to the earth's crust,
through puffy clouds and gentle breezes. Their motors were the only sound
and it was as if they were fighting with their wings and rotors like two
strong-armed bare-knuckle fighters of the day. They both landed in a
cornfield and then after I landed I had to judge several old-style previously
uninvented helicopters fly squares around the field gauging who had the best
style and original maneuvers. Some didn't land very well. Later in the dream
I was being chased by snakes.
-
Things That Go Lift In The Night...And Other Times Too
In all that open vastness, I dreamed of flying. It was the perfect day.
Two clouds dispersing, pure blue sky in all its deepness, a five knot wind.
I thought of all other good things that lift or cause lift.
Despite my extreme dislike, it still amazes me that a certain demonic cat has
the ability and agility after so much hostility to poise itself, balance on one
front foot and use its other front foot to reach behind its body and gently lift
its back foot high so that he could lick himself. The wind along a valley and
creek that flowed evenly and parallel to the road, yet the wind didn't find our
road. Instead, the trees that were rooted in the valley blew fiercely, and the
bushes along the road were stale. Wind is one of the mysterious creatures
of all. I would marry it if I could find it. Wind is as nomadic as I, and just as
sexy. We would love each other well. A lady lifting one leg over the other to
put on her heels. Now that's a good shiny lift.
The proper music against any sour but dissolvable mood. The backdrops of
opera stages, which have just become more and more elaborate. You have
to see opera at least twice in a lifetime, and preferrably two different ones.
Sleep. Ahhhh. I have slept the best I have in months over the course of the
last two nights. Vivid dreams have returned. Waking up with sleep in my eye
has returned. My energy has returned. Sleep lifts almost like no other
(that's half a tongue-twister). Surgeons create lift like tummy tucks and
eyebrows, but please don't go out and get one. Superheros can usually lift
things with their powers. I was once a superhero, but I got stung by a bee.
-
Life Less of Monks
Women's minds are the reason why I'm not a monk.
And women's bodies too! Don't forget their bodies.
And their minds!
-
What the Flyer Said
'Once you taste the sky it stays on your tongue forever.'
I thought that was a good self-quote, along with my own,
'Flying makes me high.'
So I found a few other good quotes:
The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.
In a twin-engine aircraft, the purpose of the second engine
is to supply the pilot with enough power to fly to the scene
of the crash.
When in doubt, hold on to your altitude.
No-one has ever collided with the sky.
You've never been lost until you've been
lost at Mach 3.
A pilot who doesn't have any fear probably
isn't flying his plane to its maximum.
If an airplane is still in one piece, don't cheat
on it; Ride the bastard down.
There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm
in peacetime.
The three best things in life are a good landing,
a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The
night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities
in life to experience all three at the same time.
Try to stay in the middle of the air. Do not go near
the edges of it. The edges of the air can be recognized
by the appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and
interstellar space. It is much more difficult to fly there.
The three most common expressions in aviation are,
"Why is it doing that?" "Where are we?" and "Oh Crap".
Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers.
I remember when sex was safe and flying was dangerous.
Helicopters don't fly... they just beat the air into submission.
What is the similarity between air traffic controllers
and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC
screws up, the pilot dies.
If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to.
Helicopters can't fly; they're just so ugly the earth repels them.
Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.
Stay out of clouds. The silver lining everyone keeps
talking about might be another aircraft going in the
opposite direction. Reliable sources also report that
mountains have been known to hide out in clouds.
Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately,
experience usually comes from bad judgment.
If you're ever faced with a forced landing at night,
turn on the landing lights to see the landing area.
If you don't like what you see, turn' em back off.
There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing.
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.
Passengers prefer old captains and young flight attendants.
If something hasn't broken on your helicopter... it's about to.
A male pilot is a confused soul who talks about women
when he's flying, and about flying when he's with a woman.
congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last
there on my blog, it is about the GPS, I hope you enjoy.
The address is http://gps-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.
-
Lines and Possible Beheadings
Here are blogs 10-13 from when I began.
10. November, 2007
a long cross country route in which a direct portion of the flight is more than
50 nautical miles in length. I flew to Kerrville to Fredericksburg and then
back to New Braunfels via Canyon Lake. It's a route I have flown with
Trickles once before, but as a solo flight, it was more imaginary.
Overall the flight was great. I did have a short radio failure for a few minutes
on the first leg but after turning it off and using comm 2, it restored and was
fine. The return leg from Fredericksburg contained the interesting part of the
trip. The winds were shifting by nearly 60 degrees so my flight plan became
rather useless and inaccurate and I did miss one checkpoint, but as my
instinct suggested, I turned left and regained my original course. But the best
part of the return trip was the view. Yes, hill country can be exceptional, but
there was a set of black clouds to the south that the sun had decided to play
with and left a brilliant sun-streaked line of shadows covering the earth. I
came to a valley with a small lake that winddrift floated across and the sun-
streaks mirrored across the water as if there were simply two sets of
cumulus. I circled around just to see it again (maybe that's why I got off
course... no, it couldn't be... could it.... no, no...?)
I have now learned that more than a two hour flight is tough when soloing. It
may be beautiful and inspirational, but it can be lonely, especially with the
doors on. I like them off, like a woman's dress and high heels. Wind, free air,
you can smell what you're flying into. This flight was a little longer than two
hours, but it was my first solo of such length, and though I was happy to
return to my home airport, I will always remember that flight as brilliant, and
hopefully do it again. Makes me want to get to Alaska and northern
California and Patagonia even faster.
11. December, 2007
I forgot to mention about a week ago I was returning to New Braunfels from
Austin with my instructor and we were planning to do a confined landing in the
middle of the river just north of S&M(my name for painful San Marcos).
One WWII bomber and two smaller war planes were doing maneuvers and
everywhere we turned, they followed. Those little machine guns sticking out...
a little nerve-wracking. We would try and avoid what direction we thought
they were going to turn into and instead we kept in front of them as they
remained in formation throughout. One of us had to fly while the other looked
back and around to find out where they were. It felt like a little chase. Finally
they turned east and we returned to the river and landed on a little island in the
stream barely wide enough for two helicopters and some nice little kayakers
nearby came over to see what the hub bub was all about. Were I kayaking
and a helicopter came to land within throwing distance, I'd probably think it
stream barely wide enough for two helicopters and some nice little kayakers
nearby came over to see what the hub bub was all about. Were I kayaking
and a helicopter came to land within throwing distance, I'd probably think it
was a little on the cool side. I started to write what we did to scare those
three good people, but I erased it. This was simply an afterthought in my head.
three good people, but I erased it. This was simply an afterthought in my head.
12. December, 2007
A very strange set of flights yesterday. One to Austin, one to San Antonio.
The sun had me, had me blinded, the radio had me, had me befuddled, had
static, had miscues... neither flight felt controlled or complete. Plus, traveling
south along MoPac through Austin, into the sun, Austin approach kept
The sun had me, had me blinded, the radio had me, had me befuddled, had
static, had miscues... neither flight felt controlled or complete. Plus, traveling
south along MoPac through Austin, into the sun, Austin approach kept
informing me of a little plane coming but didn't tell me how close and suddenly
there he was to my left passing me closer than I would have liked, but he had
blended in with oncoming traffic on the highway below.
there he was to my left passing me closer than I would have liked, but he had
blended in with oncoming traffic on the highway below.
But sunset on a flight is always spectacular. I am feeling a little lackluster this
week. My flights seem less educating and more bewildering. I am behind with
my studies. I asked to cancel my flights for this weekend and won't fly again
till next week sometime so I can read aplenty and sit back to evaluate what I
really need to be working on. And I might be taking a trip to Kenya, but
probably not.
week. My flights seem less educating and more bewildering. I am behind with
my studies. I asked to cancel my flights for this weekend and won't fly again
till next week sometime so I can read aplenty and sit back to evaluate what I
really need to be working on. And I might be taking a trip to Kenya, but
probably not.
And speaking of not getting beheaded, the Eye of Horus. Indestructability.
Sky God. I believe in numbers and thought this would be a great character
to place on the side of a helicopter. In arithmetic
Image: Isis with sacred eye in papyrus.JPGHathor,
Sky God. I believe in numbers and thought this would be a great character
to place on the side of a helicopter. In arithmetic
Image: Isis with sacred eye in papyrus.JPGHathor,
mother of Horus and wife of Osiris, showing her sacred eye inherited from
Wadjet - depicted in the Papyrus of Ani
In the Ancient Egyptian measurement system, the Eye Of Horus defined an
Wadjet - depicted in the Papyrus of Ani
In the Ancient Egyptian measurement system, the Eye Of Horus defined an
Old Kingdom rounded off number one
(1) = 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + 1/64, by throwing away 1/64.
The Eye of Horus statements created 6-term rounded off numbers.
The Old Kingdom definition had dropped a 7th term, a remainder 1/64,
that was needed to report exact series. Blah blah blah
(1) = 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + 1/64, by throwing away 1/64.
The Eye of Horus statements created 6-term rounded off numbers.
The Old Kingdom definition had dropped a 7th term, a remainder 1/64,
that was needed to report exact series. Blah blah blah
13. February, 2008
Surprise Surprise!
This is a note to simply let all three of my readers know that
Silver State Helicopters folded without warning Sunday night at 6pm,
just as I was about to go fly the 44. Locked the doors, sent a repo man
to collect the helicopters, changed the locks, fired all the employees, and
well... screwed the students.
to collect the helicopters, changed the locks, fired all the employees, and
well... screwed the students.
SSH filed bankruptcy ch 7 on Monday, which it appears was filed a few
months ago, and even accepted money from new students... last Friday,
knowing what was going to happen. The last few days I've been
researching what to do next. What schools to look at, will I get any
unused money returned, what action will be taken. Don't have any
answers as of yet, but will find out soon. I'm shocked, but that's about it.
months ago, and even accepted money from new students... last Friday,
knowing what was going to happen. The last few days I've been
researching what to do next. What schools to look at, will I get any
unused money returned, what action will be taken. Don't have any
answers as of yet, but will find out soon. I'm shocked, but that's about it.
Just will have to find somewhere else to finish training. I'll be back on
when I know more! -Skyhog
when I know more! -Skyhog
El Scotto y El Nighto
Here are blogs 7-9 from when I began.
7. November, 2007
Recently I walked into the airport expecting a few short patterns for
my first night solo and instead walked away with a 2 hr flight, partially
around the airport, mostly over the city of New Braunfels. What can I
say but that I'm still in awe at what I get to do.
One thing I feel blessed with is a pinache for directions (I also like to use
words in blogs I seldom use, such as pinache). Even in the sky I seem to
find my way around rather well and easy. I saw what I thought was a
break-in and a lot of bright lights and although I'd like to say that as I
circled around 40 people went a running, I think it was just two people at
a warehouse welding something late into the night. I was prepared to give
exact location to the crime when I returned to the airport though, but alas,
not needed.
And the moon, two nights ago on a cross country night flight we saw the
moon come up on the horizon a hot red fireball. I don't mean crimson.
I mean the world is ending red. When I think of an inflamed tonsil or the
juice at the bottom of a cherry jar... yeah, that. It made me squirm in my
britches. I had never seen that and may never again. And last night it was
hot pink.
The moon has always been a weird and strange item to me. I remember in
all the places I've lived what the full moon looks like there, in what window
I could see it through at night. Late in the hours when I couldn't sleep,
walking through the house on a mission, I can remember seeing it and in
some cases what I thought when I viewed it. My memory is a ghost of
memories past... and all the new shit too. I like it all, so I don't complain.
But if you were to ask me how I remember the moon at any one place
where I've lived or toured, I can probably recall in a very short time. Of all
the things to brag about... memories of the moon. I'm not right in the head.
8. November, 2007
I'm currently sick as a dog at home these few days. And if by sick as a dog
you think I mean someone lazying around licking himself and moaning with
matted hair...well, not entirely. I'm not moaning. And I'm not lazying around.
Since I received my private license, I have mainly been running cross country
routes with my instructor. I have had some of my favorite rides doing this,
and I also crossed over the 100 hour mark. We've been traveling a lot to
Austin and San Antonio, but two cool rides were to Kerrville/Fredericksburg
Since I received my private license, I have mainly been running cross country
routes with my instructor. I have had some of my favorite rides doing this,
and I also crossed over the 100 hour mark. We've been traveling a lot to
Austin and San Antonio, but two cool rides were to Kerrville/Fredericksburg
and Lago/Georgetown. Finally... some good, non-flat river-running,
goat herding countryside to see and ogle. And Fredericksburg has the famous
Hangar Hotel and diner which we did not have time to see but will next time.
Just some beautiful country. This coming weekend we were able to get a few
flight blocks in a row and we are flying to east Texas to fly in to a neighboring
airport, have dinner with my folks, and head back out. I figured if we have to
do some long x country's, why not visit a few people. My mom and dad are
probably just as excited about my happiness in this, and I'll see you two in a
few days. We might also in the near future try and venture down to Rockport
goat herding countryside to see and ogle. And Fredericksburg has the famous
Hangar Hotel and diner which we did not have time to see but will next time.
Just some beautiful country. This coming weekend we were able to get a few
flight blocks in a row and we are flying to east Texas to fly in to a neighboring
airport, have dinner with my folks, and head back out. I figured if we have to
do some long x country's, why not visit a few people. My mom and dad are
probably just as excited about my happiness in this, and I'll see you two in a
few days. We might also in the near future try and venture down to Rockport
along the Gulf Coast. Maybe surf a little in the afternoon, have some lobster,
a few beers, and then hop back in the helicopter and fly. The open container
rule does apply! But flying nearly every day now and partying a little more than
I usually do with this schedule might have worn me out a little. My birthday,
Halloween, Wurstfest, a bonfire or two, a long ten days...you have to have a
little fun every now and then and I have certainly cut out most of mine while
starting this endeavor in the springtime. I've taken a few days off from flying,
so now I can return to... (see first paragraph).
a few beers, and then hop back in the helicopter and fly. The open container
rule does apply! But flying nearly every day now and partying a little more than
I usually do with this schedule might have worn me out a little. My birthday,
Halloween, Wurstfest, a bonfire or two, a long ten days...you have to have a
little fun every now and then and I have certainly cut out most of mine while
starting this endeavor in the springtime. I've taken a few days off from flying,
so now I can return to... (see first paragraph).
9. November, 2007
On Friday I partook in one of the coolest things I've ever done. I flew a
cross country to East Texas with my instructor just to have dinner with my
folks. That may not mean much to some, but to fly a 7-hr trip in training just
to have dinner with my folks and to let them see what I do, pretty damn cool.
Even my aunt, who has passed away, was there. She has been left in my
dad's trunk for quite some time and it was good to see here again, though
briefly. Flight up through College Station was fine although we were directed
into a presidential plane and had to turn around. Sec. of Something was there
for a presidential library function. The rest of the flight up was a beautiful
sunset flight over the pine trees of East Texas and we appeared to be floating
on soft asparagus or cauliflower stems for the better part of an hour. I had
never seen Davy Crockett State Park from above.
-
Tropics
Here are blogs 4-6 after I started.
4. August, 2007
Tropical Storm Erin, her hammock blowing self, is poised over us, delicate
and wet, brutal but honest. She's not near as bad as she could have been.
But nonetheless, I'm now at 20 cancelled flights, four in the last week. The
number really isn't important, but once the counter starts, it's somewhat
difficult to stop it.
The last two flights I've had have been full of haze. That's unique in itself,
wondering why dirty air flows around me. I'm licking dirty air and loving it.
Haze is different from rain and snow and ice and clouds. I can understand
those poor visibilities because I can see the obstruction, but haze is like a
mystery that is just a few feet in front of you and continually walking.
It seems to know a secret, hiding it from you just as a carrot in front of a
circled horse. I don't really need to know the secret, but yet I continue on.
My destination is in there somewhere.
One thing we usually do on a flight to a new area is find the rivers and see
if they are worth our rafts and canoes. Where are the miniscule dams, the
rapids, the curves. We found a good stretch on the last flight. I've only had
two flights in the evening, neither with a glowing moon sailing on the water,
but that should be a favorite sight.
My hope is to be a private pilot within two weeks. I'm finishing my review
flights right now and I still have one solo hour left to do. That's it. Take a
few tests, written, oral, and in the air, and hopefully I can get the FAA to
come give me more tests-written, oral, and in the air. Then they'll walk
away and say, hey-have at it!
5. August, 2007
Quite illogical as it may sound, I had a dream last night that I was flying and
had the voice of Louis Armstrong. Singing along, making my calls, reversing
the song 'A Kiss To Build A Dream On' into some unorganized poetry for
the sky. Then I sang 'Come Fly With Me', but in Louis style. That man's
voice in my body, it's a trick to imagine. I guess I'm calling out to all. I don't
often dream of flight, even though I'm involved with it practically every day.
If anyone is familiar with helicopter emergency procedures, you know you
have less than 2 seconds to get the collective down if engine failure occurs
or you will plummet fast and die, so when I discovered this in about the
2nd week of class, I had a dream about it every night. Vincent Price's voice
and a grandfather clock chiming in the background '2 seconds, 2 seconds'-it
rings very clear. 2 weeks later I seemed back to normal, but it was in my
head every day. Now I've trained my reflexes. I think I have. I think I have.
I think I have.
6. November, 2007
On Friday I partook in one of the coolest things I've ever done. I flew a
cross country to East Texas with my instructor just to have dinner with my
folks. That may not mean much to some, but to fly a 7-hr trip in training just
to have dinner with my folks and to let them see what I do, pretty damn cool.
Even my aunt, who has passed away, was there. She has been left in my
dad's trunk for quite some time and it was good to see here again, though
briefly. Flight up through College Station was fine although we were directed
into a presidential plane and had to turn around. Sec. of Something was there
for a presidential library function. The rest of the flight up was a beautiful
sunset flight over the pine trees of East Texas and we appeared to be floating
on soft asparagus or cauliflower stems for the better part of an hour. I had
never seen Davy Crockett State Park from above.
But the flight home was a stretch. Strong strong headwinds. We looked
down and traffic was moving faster. Had to stop in a little town at a closed
airport for gas and had to wait for a nice young fellow to come unlock the gas
pumps for us, which didn't take American Express. And then the dewpoint
and temperature closed in, and when the spread between the two is less than
down and traffic was moving faster. Had to stop in a little town at a closed
airport for gas and had to wait for a nice young fellow to come unlock the gas
pumps for us, which didn't take American Express. And then the dewpoint
and temperature closed in, and when the spread between the two is less than
4 degrees, foggy moisture cometh. Over Austin radio we could hear other
travelers reporting weird cloud vectors over the city and they were telling the
truth. Little ghosts flew all around us, and then Austin radio went dead.
travelers reporting weird cloud vectors over the city and they were telling the
truth. Little ghosts flew all around us, and then Austin radio went dead.
My butt hurt from flying sideways to get home. What a weird vector, Victor.
Under over over under. Shirley you understand what I'm talking about.
Trickles kept singing old 50's songs on the way up. I tried to find any song I
could to counteract but he has a button by his foot to squelch me out. I can't
wait till I'm an instructor. I am currently finishing up some cross country hours
and studying for my commercial written exam while I am also studying
commercial syllabus lessons, taking tests for each lesson, trying to make lesson
plans as instructed to do so to start preparing to be an instructor, learning to
incorporate verbal instruction into my flight, and will probably be starting in the
stimulator simulator for instrument training by Thanksgiving. I also shaved, cut
my nails, made my bed, started a fire, and farted today. I am absolutely pooped.
Under over over under. Shirley you understand what I'm talking about.
Trickles kept singing old 50's songs on the way up. I tried to find any song I
could to counteract but he has a button by his foot to squelch me out. I can't
wait till I'm an instructor. I am currently finishing up some cross country hours
and studying for my commercial written exam while I am also studying
commercial syllabus lessons, taking tests for each lesson, trying to make lesson
plans as instructed to do so to start preparing to be an instructor, learning to
incorporate verbal instruction into my flight, and will probably be starting in the
stimulator simulator for instrument training by Thanksgiving. I also shaved, cut
my nails, made my bed, started a fire, and farted today. I am absolutely pooped.
Tropics
Here are blogs 4-6 after I started.
4. August, 2007
Tropical Storm Erin, her hammock blowing self, is poised over us, delicate
and wet, brutal but honest. She's not near as bad as she could have been.
But nonetheless, I'm now at 20 cancelled flights, four in the last week. The
number really isn't important, but once the counter starts, it's somewhat
difficult to stop it.
The last two flights I've had have been full of haze. That's unique in itself,
wondering why dirty air flows around me. I'm licking dirty air and loving it.
Haze is different from rain and snow and ice and clouds. I can understand
those poor visibilities because I can see the obstruction, but haze is like a
mystery that is just a few feet in front of you and continually walking.
It seems to know a secret, hiding it from you just as a carrot in front of a
circled horse. I don't really need to know the secret, but yet I continue on.
My destination is in there somewhere.
One thing we usually do on a flight to a new area is find the rivers and see
if they are worth our rafts and canoes. Where are the miniscule dams, the
rapids, the curves. We found a good stretch on the last flight. I've only had
two flights in the evening, neither with a glowing moon sailing on the water,
but that should be a favorite sight.
My hope is to be a private pilot within two weeks. I'm finishing my review
flights right now and I still have one solo hour left to do. That's it. Take a
few tests, written, oral, and in the air, and hopefully I can get the FAA to
come give me more tests-written, oral, and in the air. Then they'll walk
away and say, hey-have at it!
5. August, 2007
Quite illogical as it may sound, I had a dream last night that I was flying and
had the voice of Louis Armstrong. Singing along, making my calls, reversing
the song 'A Kiss To Build A Dream On' into some unorganized poetry for
the sky. Then I sang 'Come Fly With Me', but in Louis style. That man's
voice in my body, it's a trick to imagine. I guess I'm calling out to all. I don't
often dream of flight, even though I'm involved with it practically every day.
If anyone is familiar with helicopter emergency procedures, you know you
have less than 2 seconds to get the collective down if engine failure occurs
or you will plummet fast and die, so when I discovered this in about the
2nd week of class, I had a dream about it every night. Vincent Price's voice
and a grandfather clock chiming in the background '2 seconds, 2 seconds'-it
rings very clear. 2 weeks later I seemed back to normal, but it was in my
head every day. Now I've trained my reflexes. I think I have. I think I have.
I think I have.
6. November, 2007
A beautiful dream last night of flying, but not in the helicopter itself. I
hovered above it the entire flight, a bird's eye view of its blades rotating.
I could see the air sliced open, the wind broken, the machine veer.
hovered above it the entire flight, a bird's eye view of its blades rotating.
I could see the air sliced open, the wind broken, the machine veer.
And my ears were plugged. Everything was eerily quiet, the flight was
subtle and straight. The earth below, the mountains ahead, the sea to the
side, the hills underneath, everything was quiet as we passed by or over.
Every noise the earth can make had disappeared.
subtle and straight. The earth below, the mountains ahead, the sea to the
side, the hills underneath, everything was quiet as we passed by or over.
Every noise the earth can make had disappeared.
Lately I have used ear plugs to sleep better. I happen to have loud
disturbances in the house during the middle of the night that used to wake
me regularly, and still do. The ear plugs even allow sleep differently into
the body. I can hear myself breathe unusually loud, the pillows and bed
creak, even my thoughts seem to be received at a higher pitch. I'm losing
that battle either way I fear.
disturbances in the house during the middle of the night that used to wake
me regularly, and still do. The ear plugs even allow sleep differently into
the body. I can hear myself breathe unusually loud, the pillows and bed
creak, even my thoughts seem to be received at a higher pitch. I'm losing
that battle either way I fear.
And that is why I imagine I dreamed I was flying with ear plugs. Though I
have made very few flights with ear plugs to see if the rotor noise could be
dampered through the headset, it's not a common thought of mine as they
are a sleep accentuator.
have made very few flights with ear plugs to see if the rotor noise could be
dampered through the headset, it's not a common thought of mine as they
are a sleep accentuator.
But the dream, a custom flight for me. I could watch and not worry to listen.
As for flying, my last flight was terrible. I am being slowed by something that
has brought me to a plateau and nothing more. A previous short break
seemed to be beneficial, perhaps another short one would be too. I am so
close to that private pilot exam.
has brought me to a plateau and nothing more. A previous short break
seemed to be beneficial, perhaps another short one would be too. I am so
close to that private pilot exam.
-
Man With Rotors
Here are blogs 1-3 from when I began my blog.
1. August, 2007
Let's start this post with a hell yeah! Due to the good support and urging of
many good people, this report will consist of my life and entertainment while
trying to become a helicopter pilot. Words can't really describe what I
experience myself in the air, which is a tough sell since words are used to
describe, but alas, the beauty of it is more than i can stand. I'm already 5
months in and near reaching the first goal of receiving my private pilot
license (rotorcraft). This first note is just to say what the hell did I do to
deserve this? If anyone has an answer to that for me please let me know,
because I've asked the clouds in passing and they have yet to respond. In
fact they usually disappear when I come around.
From the middle February to middle June, we were a guinea pig class
meeting only once a week while learning mostly on our own time off a
distance learning class the school created. It wasn't the best scenario
and I would have preferred more class time, but I still learned what I
needed. I was afforded decent time in the incredible simulator they have,
which I call the great stimulator. It's the same as foreplay.
Simulator/Stimulator=foreplay as flying=sex.
I used to say skydiving is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Helicopter flying might oust that quote for the title. Flying doors off, sunset,
orange/golden rivers and lakes, high clouds in the distance... pour me a
shot of vodka and I'm in heaven.
Oddly, out of ten of us in my ground class, it seems only 4 of us are
strongly in this for love and science. A few aren't even in the program
anymore, and it's terrible to hear when someone leaves. We do a good
job of supporting each other.
Even though ground school has finished and we are flying regularly
(weather permitting) and close to private pilot license obtainment, this is
just a quarter of the process for me. After private is a long term
investment in obtaining my commercial license, followed with instrument
rating training, and then learning to become a CFI (certified flight instructor).
My goal, makeable or not, is to finish this program by summer of 2008.
That's a 16-18 month goal for me. And though it's not a race, I wonder if I
can do just that.
Questions-anyone?
Answers-anytime!
Starting with my next post I'll begin discussing the program and what I'm
going through. I wanted to set this up today and learn what blogging is all
about.
-Skyhog
(Jessica commented to this with:
Hell yeah! I heart helicopter pilots!)
2. August, 2007
Here are blogs 1-3 from when I began my blog.
1. August, 2007
Let's start this post with a hell yeah! Due to the good support and urging of
many good people, this report will consist of my life and entertainment while
trying to become a helicopter pilot. Words can't really describe what I
experience myself in the air, which is a tough sell since words are used to
describe, but alas, the beauty of it is more than i can stand. I'm already 5
months in and near reaching the first goal of receiving my private pilot
license (rotorcraft). This first note is just to say what the hell did I do to
deserve this? If anyone has an answer to that for me please let me know,
because I've asked the clouds in passing and they have yet to respond. In
fact they usually disappear when I come around.
From the middle February to middle June, we were a guinea pig class
meeting only once a week while learning mostly on our own time off a
distance learning class the school created. It wasn't the best scenario
and I would have preferred more class time, but I still learned what I
needed. I was afforded decent time in the incredible simulator they have,
which I call the great stimulator. It's the same as foreplay.
Simulator/Stimulator=foreplay as flying=sex.
I used to say skydiving is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Helicopter flying might oust that quote for the title. Flying doors off, sunset,
orange/golden rivers and lakes, high clouds in the distance... pour me a
shot of vodka and I'm in heaven.
Oddly, out of ten of us in my ground class, it seems only 4 of us are
strongly in this for love and science. A few aren't even in the program
anymore, and it's terrible to hear when someone leaves. We do a good
job of supporting each other.
Even though ground school has finished and we are flying regularly
(weather permitting) and close to private pilot license obtainment, this is
just a quarter of the process for me. After private is a long term
investment in obtaining my commercial license, followed with instrument
rating training, and then learning to become a CFI (certified flight instructor).
My goal, makeable or not, is to finish this program by summer of 2008.
That's a 16-18 month goal for me. And though it's not a race, I wonder if I
can do just that.
Questions-anyone?
Answers-anytime!
Starting with my next post I'll begin discussing the program and what I'm
going through. I wanted to set this up today and learn what blogging is all
about.
-Skyhog
(Jessica commented to this with:
Hell yeah! I heart helicopter pilots!)
2. August, 2007
As everyone knows, anyone nearby anyway, Texas just recorded its wettest
6 months in state history, from mid Jan to mid July. Now who really wants to
complain about getting some rain in areas usually dry, but this was only fun
for those of us in school for the first 3 months. My own flight schedule has
suffered 16 cancelled flights in the 4 months that Ive actually been flying (my
first flight was April 2), and at 3-4 scheduled flight spots a week,
6 months in state history, from mid Jan to mid July. Now who really wants to
complain about getting some rain in areas usually dry, but this was only fun
for those of us in school for the first 3 months. My own flight schedule has
suffered 16 cancelled flights in the 4 months that Ive actually been flying (my
first flight was April 2), and at 3-4 scheduled flight spots a week,
mathematics states that has put me a month plus behind. And that's just my
schedule. Flight instructors trying to get paid to fly us must be cursing mutha
natura endlessly. I have once or twice. But I will also add there are not
enough flight instructors here to take on the amount of students here. It's
hard enough trying to schedule a flight.
schedule. Flight instructors trying to get paid to fly us must be cursing mutha
natura endlessly. I have once or twice. But I will also add there are not
enough flight instructors here to take on the amount of students here. It's
hard enough trying to schedule a flight.
But the real reason rain makes me wet is that we fly with the doors off in
summertime. Rain cometh and pelteth from above, from the side, and trying
to land and let the helicopter cool down for four minutes, well, we get
wetteth too.
summertime. Rain cometh and pelteth from above, from the side, and trying
to land and let the helicopter cool down for four minutes, well, we get
wetteth too.
The first time I got wet was during one of my first solos around the airport
3 weeks ago. I was just following the rest of the pack like a hungry yak
and there was a system off to the south that looked to slow to hit us
anytime soon and radar had looked fine, but as we became airborne and
turned downwind, quick landings were in abundance. But as a student
soloing, I couldn't take the helicopter to the hangars. I had to remain on a
taxiway and have someone come get me. Regulations are never as fun in
the rain. It was a learning experience in realizing my own personal
3 weeks ago. I was just following the rest of the pack like a hungry yak
and there was a system off to the south that looked to slow to hit us
anytime soon and radar had looked fine, but as we became airborne and
turned downwind, quick landings were in abundance. But as a student
soloing, I couldn't take the helicopter to the hangars. I had to remain on a
taxiway and have someone come get me. Regulations are never as fun in
the rain. It was a learning experience in realizing my own personal
minimums. I thought it was safe to fly and I saw other helicopters going up
with instructors and assumed if they can do it, it can't be unsafe weather.
I got down fine, but I misjudged the radar.
with instructors and assumed if they can do it, it can't be unsafe weather.
I got down fine, but I misjudged the radar.
The R-22 is the most weight sensitive helicopter made. But it sure is fun
to fly!
to fly!
Next time I'll mention the parachuters who should have been
looking out for me.
-Skyhog
3. August, 2007
So another flight cancelled this afternoon due to high winds. Who said
aviation was boring? Here are some firsts that have happened for me
over the last two weeks.
aviation was boring? Here are some firsts that have happened for me
over the last two weeks.
1-Had first solo flight two weeks ago, just around the airport. I wasn't that
nervous, which made me nervous, so it balanced out. A lot of discovery
comes from those first three solo flights around the airport. Weight
differential, lifting up and down on the skids, power, turns... But the
greatest discovery is seeing that you can fly by yourself. A few times I got
lazy from staring off into space and I lost my power settings and speed.
Thinking about anything beside the flight at hand for a split second can
nervous, which made me nervous, so it balanced out. A lot of discovery
comes from those first three solo flights around the airport. Weight
differential, lifting up and down on the skids, power, turns... But the
greatest discovery is seeing that you can fly by yourself. A few times I got
lazy from staring off into space and I lost my power settings and speed.
Thinking about anything beside the flight at hand for a split second can
altar everything involved. Scratching my ass only makes it worse.
2-Had 1st solo cross country flight. This was a true adventure. Went to
the same 4 cities over 80 miles that my instructor took me on in the few
days before to learn the route. And the flight went perfect. 2000 feet,
clear sky, mid day, and I didn't miss any of my checkpoints. The value in
that: when I missed an airport on my first run I overshot a turn to head
the same 4 cities over 80 miles that my instructor took me on in the few
days before to learn the route. And the flight went perfect. 2000 feet,
clear sky, mid day, and I didn't miss any of my checkpoints. The value in
that: when I missed an airport on my first run I overshot a turn to head
home and suddenly saw parachutes dropping from the clouds just a mile
ahead. Even worse, or better, depending on how you look at it, there were
people attached to those chutes, and seven more above them dropping into
cloud cover. We veered left and didn't worry too much, but that could have
stung a few hands and heads. And as an unaware mistake maker, I was
curious at first how THEY got off course, but alas, it was I.
ahead. Even worse, or better, depending on how you look at it, there were
people attached to those chutes, and seven more above them dropping into
cloud cover. We veered left and didn't worry too much, but that could have
stung a few hands and heads. And as an unaware mistake maker, I was
curious at first how THEY got off course, but alas, it was I.
3-Two nights ago I had my first night flight. You have no idea how orange
the world looks from the sky. Cities are orange, reflections are orange,
instruments are orange. Went to Austin from our home base and hand to
land with a 707 coming down my tailpipe, so it was a quick and low
approach, no harm no worry, but when we left and made a 180 turn to
downtown, the entire airport disappeared from a small but dense rain
the world looks from the sky. Cities are orange, reflections are orange,
instruments are orange. Went to Austin from our home base and hand to
land with a 707 coming down my tailpipe, so it was a quick and low
approach, no harm no worry, but when we left and made a 180 turn to
downtown, the entire airport disappeared from a small but dense rain
shower. We were 3 miles away and in perfect weather, yet this little
shower stood over the airport, drenching it, making life invisible and it
was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Rain at 1500 feet falls just
the same. We headed to downtown and flew over the lit Longhorn
stadium and over my old haunt downtown, Lil Woodrows. I wondered
how many thirsty scavengers below looked up and thought, oh, a
helicopter, Scott? Nooooo, beer, mmmmmmmmm!
shower stood over the airport, drenching it, making life invisible and it
was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Rain at 1500 feet falls just
the same. We headed to downtown and flew over the lit Longhorn
stadium and over my old haunt downtown, Lil Woodrows. I wondered
how many thirsty scavengers below looked up and thought, oh, a
helicopter, Scott? Nooooo, beer, mmmmmmmmm!
4- And another first is what I call the vertical tan. The farmer's tan is
well known, but I only get the half-farmers tan on one side. My right side
is darker than my left. Face, arms, legs, hands. I think it would just be
smarter and safer and happier for all if I could just fly nude. It works for
me. It's a solo flight anyway. It's how we were intended to fly. A little
suntan oil in the right places and I should come back down even and
square, tan and cool. At least on the front side. But where would I put
my map? My cold Sprite?
well known, but I only get the half-farmers tan on one side. My right side
is darker than my left. Face, arms, legs, hands. I think it would just be
smarter and safer and happier for all if I could just fly nude. It works for
me. It's a solo flight anyway. It's how we were intended to fly. A little
suntan oil in the right places and I should come back down even and
square, tan and cool. At least on the front side. But where would I put
my map? My cold Sprite?
5-My first cancelled flight due to high winds. That's like the farmers being
pissed that last year their crops died from drought and this year their crops
died from flood. The sun is supposed to be used. That's why we write songs
and praise old sungods and sit in it till we sweat.
pissed that last year their crops died from drought and this year their crops
died from flood. The sun is supposed to be used. That's why we write songs
and praise old sungods and sit in it till we sweat.
