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The Golden Gate Bridge - Photo by Kath (February 14, 2003) Lots of new pics! Scroll down to check them out! |
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October 22, 2002: I finally got my license! I'm a Private Pilot! September 13, 2002: Believe it or not, I have now actually completed all of my flights/logbook requirements to become a private pilot. I have100 hours, and today was my very last required flight--the long solo cross country. I covered 186 miles in about three hours, making a triangle from Oakland to Watts-Woodland (near Sacramento), then West to Cloverdale (near Santa Rosa), and back to Oakland. It's hard to believe that I thought I was almost done in March, or June, or July. There were always more topics to cover that I wasn't even aware of (hoodwork for basic IFR training, lost procedures, diversions, etc.). In August, I took my first exam, the FAA written knowledge exam, on which I got a 98% (missed one question). As far as requirements go, I am done and ready to checkride ... but because one needs to be extremely confident, even cocky, to take this last step .... we've arranged for two more weeks of oral quizzing and review flights and I will be ready for my checkride with an FAA examiner. This is a two hour oral exam followed by a very extensive practical exam (that continues to function as an oral exam throughout). It is undoubtedly very intimidating, and I have this sinking feeling that my examiner will ask me to take him (or her) to Gnoss field, the infamously turbulent small uncontrolled airstrip that regularly has 90 degree crosswinds at 15 knots. God help me! July 11, 2002: I was perhaps a bit overzealous in stating I was "nearing the end of my training" back in March! But now, in July, I truly am. I have close to 80 hours and have finished up all of my necessary flights with the exception of a long solo cross country and a night cross country flight. I have been preparing for my written exam for a couple of months, and plan on taking that within the next couple of weeks. After that, it's checkride prep, brushing up the skills, preparing for the oral exam. With any luck, I will be done in August. March 31, 2002: On March 27, I did spin training and fell in love. People always ask me, "what are you going to do with your pilot's license?" It's one of those innane questions that people ask .... (when I was younger, the question was "what are you going to do with a BA in Dance?") The difference now is that I have an answer--I'm going to train in aerobatics! It's simpler, I've discovered, than one would think: after getting my pilot's license (we're hoping for me to complete my final checkride by July 1st), I will pursue a tailwheel airplane endorsement (this is another 10-20 hours worth of training), and then I will be qualified to begin aerobatics training. Fun! The only sad news I have to report is the probable retirement of my favorite little airplane, the trusty 6306P with red and yellow stripes. In my mind, it will always be the little airplane that could, as it carried me safely from some of my first flights through the bulk of my training into my first solo and beyond. Zero Six Papa, you will be missed! :-( March 15, 2002: With 49 plus hours, I am nearing the end of my training. I passed a bunch of grueling pre-solo tests in the weeks following the East Bay Dance Festival, and did my "first solo" on February 20, 2002, in my favorite little airplane, N6306P. I have endorsements to fly to Livermore, Concord, Hayward, and of course, Oakland (within certain weather minimums). With a few more ground topics (weather, etc.), a little more training (spin training, night flying, cross country, etc. ) and A LOT of studying, I will be ready for the FAA private pilot tests! |
Landing at Oakland International Airport (as usual I'm left of center ... let's assume I fixed it prior to touch down shall we?) February 14, 2003 |
My passenger Tim, over Lake Merritt (Photo by Kath) |
Preflight on a gorgeous day (Photo by Ash) November, 2003 |
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Kath & Wendy heading out to San Pablo Bay (Photo by Evan Pilchik) January 4, 2002 |
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May 2002