1:47 PM -- Update time baby! --

So after academics it was back to the flightline to finish up. I had a few rides and then they deemed me ready for my first checkride. We basically took the c-130 pilot checkride, include 0/50/100 flap landings, 3 engine go around and landing, and an instrument approach with holding or a procedure turn to a circling approach. It was a pretty hectic ride and I did ok, except I kept landing left of centerline. On my last landing, my 0 flap (which had been giving me the most trouble so I was already nervous) the evaluator said "I need to see that you're able to land on centerline..." hinting that my checkride hinged on my next landing. I have never concentrated so hard on the centerline in my flying career and I managed to snag it. Phew.

I had a cool checkpilot so after my landing he immediately let me know I had passed (unlike some who will wait for the entire flight and 2 hour debrief before letting you off the hook). I got a Q1 with 2 downgrades, one each on my 50 and 100 landings for, you guessed it, centerline. Stupid crosswind.

After that check it was right into my night flights. We did a bunch of NVG sorties and I came out of it NVG Airland and Airdrop qualified. Note to future prospective pilots, make sure your goggles are working WELL in the lane, don't wait till short final to figure out you are seeing double. Landing with your eyes closed is harrowing at best.

After my nights were done it was time to finish up the program with Tac formation/airdrop. It took about 10 flights or so and I was up for my next checkride. I flew a SKE formation (thats the instrument formation in the weather stuff) with a tougher checkpilot but did pretty well and got another Q1, no downgrades this time. With that it was time to bid farewell to my Fiancee, and head back home, C-130 type rating in tow.

Next stop was Fairchild AFB last month for survival school. Long story short, 6 days in the woods=suck. Being a POW=suck hard. 15 pounds lighter I got onboard a plane and was back in pittsburgh where I got to fly once and now I am here in Atlanta losing at poker waiting for my flight to pensacola.

I am scheduled to deploy in July to the desert, so I won't really be updating the site anymore for many reasons...hope you guys enjoyed my 2 year journey as much as I did...feel free to e-mail me, I get a kick out of helping out aspiring pilots.

Austin out.