Thursday, October 04, 2007

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!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats Mike!!! We can't wait to see you guys in a couple of weekends!

Marge and Brent said...

Casey after you are done getting the dirt off his face maybe you can spit on your hand and slick down his hair, ha ha. Congrats Mike! Be safe up there.

Lori said...

Congratulations to Mike. AK looks adorable in her new girly seat! I am glad that you are enjoying things in your new home and community.

The Adventures of Maverick & the Mrs. said...

Hey there! It's me-Ellen's friend-again. Congrats to you both on the first solo! Form flights are my favorite to watch! My husband, Patrick is currently flying Prowlers in VAQ 142, and is deployed right now. He went through Meridian also. Do y'all have any idea when they expect Mike to get his wings? Have a blast and enjoy every minute! It's a small community in Naval Aviation, so perhaps we'll see each other someday!

Chad and Sommer Tucker said...

Way to go, Mike!