On to Form

I finally wrapped up low-level today with another FPC. This one was requested special, because I spent both of my progress checks on the mid-phase contact block. Thankfully I passed, and I get to move on to formation. I actually had to fly it twice, since the first one was cut short due to weather. My check IP flew the recovery. The weather later in the day cooperated and allowed me to finish the sortie without too much trouble. I had to weave my way through a few clouds, but it worked out.

It seems you learn good things from going to the edge and back. Seeing as how I've been there twice now, I should know quite a few good things, but I'd like to put an end to these shennanigans. I'm getting too old for this.

The past week

I like to keep it mostly positive on this blog, but the past week has not been cooperative. My gradebook looks like a bloody mess. It has a line of 5 red boxes filled with U's along the top. Today however, I got a G. I passed my elimination checkride. It came down to one ride. I was reminded of a quote, "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail." Though not entirely accurate, since my fate is in God's hands, I felt myself in quite the precarious position. After failing my Initial Progress Check on Thursday, a weekend of soul searching left me better prepared to take on the challenges ahead and not let them ruin my life on a daily basis. I realized that's what was happening. I was unable to enjoy the fact that I was living the dream. The pressure was getting to me. I'm done with that. All I have is the next flight. I'll make it better than the one before. For any number of reasons my next flight could always be my last. An elimination checkride does not change that. Thankfully I passed today. I'll have some good rides, I'll have some bad rides. I'll have more setbacks, but that won't be the end.