Surfing on Clouds

I’m currently a sophomore at Bridgewater State University, majoring in aviation management. When I used to post a lot on here, I was on track to becoming an airline pilot. Since then, I’ve had a few changes of mind. I’m not completely sure what I want to do. I’m getting my degree in management and seeing where that takes me. I wanted to try to get into air traffic control, but I’m not sure what’s happening with that now after sequestration.

Anyway, I wanted to update and share my experience last weekend. For those of you who are familiar with NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association), my school took third place at the regional level and has been invited to the national competition this May at Ohio State University. I personally took home three trophies - second place in Ground Trainer, third place in E6B Computer Accuracy, and third place in Aircraft Preflight. Each event was out of about 30 contestants. 

Here’s a picture of myself with my trophies :)

I also wanted to take this opportunity to reach out and ask you all for your support in helping my team make the trip out to Ohio this May. We’re going to have to fly probably two airplanes from Massachusetts to Ohio as well as transport the rest of the team members and stay there for a week. It’s going to be very expensive and we’re looking for help any way we can. We’ve set up an online account to accept donations, so if you could help us make it out there, any amount you can donate is extremely appreciated. If you could also reblog to help get this message around that would be awesome.

More information here - http://www.youcaring.com/other/Land-the-BSU-Flight-Team-at-Ohio-State-University-/46552

Thank you!

Its been a while since I updated you guys. I haven’t been flying much, partially because instrument flying sucks and I hate it, and also because of money.

I have about 120 hours now (I’ll post actual hours later when I have my logbook), checked out in the Cessna 162 LSA, soon to be checked out in the Piper warrior. When we get our G1000 skyhawk back this spring (they send it down to florida during the winter to get more hours) I’ll get checked out in that, although I actually like steam  gauge panels better. Its easier to just see where the needle is and where you want it to be rather than interpreting the glass panel. I found that out when I got checked out in the Skycatcher, which has a G300 display. I was always off by up to 100 feet or more on my altitude. I don’t mean to sound like I’m boasting, but our Skyhawks don’t have A/P and I can maintain altitude to ATP standards (+/- 20 feet). Anyone who has flown both glass cockpits and steam gauges will know what I mean.

But the instrument flying is coming along okay. I’d say I’m about halfway through. I’ve done 3 VOR approaches and one ILS into Providence. I’m taking the ground school and getting ready to take the written probably in another month or two.

I’m still pretty sure I’m not going to go through with commercial/cfi all the way still. I’ll just finish after I’m done with the instrument rating and then fly for fun, and get into ATC. I have a good plan all set up so I know where I’m going.

How has everyone else been with flying and everything?

Getting checked out in the warrior next weekend!

First time flying a low-wing

Finished my checkout in the Cessna Skycatcher today!!