Flying Solo

Hearing the jets fly over our house everyday is pretty neat. They're so fast and smooth. Recently, Mike passed his check ride and soloed for the first time in one of them. He started out in the flight simulators back in April/May, then began flying the jet from the backseat with an instructor, then moved up to the front seat with an instructor in back, and finally, all by himself. I can't imagine going up there alone, but Mike said he wasn't nervous at all. I guess that's the whole point of such intense training.

He's been learning the instruments for awhile now, which requires him to fly under a hood where he can only rely on the navigational instruments in the cockpit to guide him. Next week, he'll begin "forms," or how to fly in formation. He's looking forward to this part of training because he says it'll be more fun.

I'd like to post a picture of him in the T-45, but I guess they don't actually want the students' spouses out on the line taking pictures of them before their flights. (Or maybe it would just be embarrassing for Mike.) It's not like I'm licking my thumb to wipe dirt off his face for goodness sake! Maybe I'll get a shot one of these weekends.

Congrats, Mike, on your solo in the jet! We're proud of you!