Procedures and Basketball

This morning we finished up our lectures before sims start. One of the AF IPs came in and briefed us on the local procedures for transitioning from Corpus (NGP) to the area, to Cabaniss (NGW), the aux field, and back to Corpus. The local procedures consist of when to switch frequencies, cancel with ATC, what altitudes and headings to fly at which locations, and local landmarks. I finished up the last CAI on normal flying procedures, and we got a brief on CRM. CRM is emphasized even more in this aircraft because we're getting trained to work with a crew from now on, not just an IP. So the CRM consists of utilizing the copilot in the most efficient way possible and learning to see the IP as copilot instead of threat and the observer as a contributing member of the crew.

Intramural basketball picked up again today. We played much better, even with only 7 guys, but still lost even though we had it tied up with 5 minutes to go. I'm just glad to be getting back in shape and hittin' some 3's.

Long day

Maybe tomorrow will be our dollar rides. We got cancelled for crosswinds out of limits today. Can't go fly if the winds will blow your plane all over the sky.

We briefed the rides and did a walk around so it wasn't a total loss. We started instrument academics too. Boring.

One of the IPs was talking about chairflying today and mentioned how practice DOES NOT make perfect. PERFECT PRACTICE makes perfect. I will forever testify that basketball was the best preparation I've ever had for my profession. I had a couple coaches who used to always say that.

I'm FDO tomorrow. Have to give the morning brief. Should be interesting.

Got some practice time in the sims today and a little chairflying back in the dorms about an hour ago too. Off to bed.