It is that time of year again; time to review the resolutions from
last year. So how did I do?
1)
I’m going to stop procrastinating over the written exam. Did it
finally, forced myself to take a days vacation from work and bit the bullet. I
put this off for far too long and the simple reason why is that I was afraid of
failing it. Therefore if I didn’t try, I couldn’t fail. To be fair it also took
me a long time to find a study method that worked for me. There was too much
material to make massively comprehensive notes and I don’t retain info just by
reading it. Eventually the app for my phone proved to be the key. Handling 10
questions at a time made it seem manageable and my commute is pretty much dead
time anyways. I also think that delaying it a bit helped as I had practical context
for a lot of the questions, some of the answers I knew just through my
experience in the air.
2) I’m
going to get my PPL. Well yeah, I managed this one alright! Biggest achievement
of my life, I think. Never to be matched. It’s funny how I remember some parts
of the flight test with utmost clarity and other parts I have no recollection
of at all. According to the flight test report, I did an obstacle takeoff. I
normally don’t like those because of the nose up attitude. I have no memory of
doing one at all! On the other hand I recall distinctly my thought processes as
I entered the control zone around city and realised that all the hard stuff was
behind me and all that stood between me and success was a couple of simple
circuits.
3) I’m going to pay it back. I’m working on this; I have some plans
for Women of Aviation Week at work. I’ve been helping a student at school who
is writing a paper on “the Practical Applications of Vectors in Aviation”.
Showing her how to use an E6b was a hoot and the look on her face when I gave
her one of my old charts and a copy of the CFS to keep was priceless. I’m also making a conscious effort to reach
out to other student pilots on the internet. There are certain stages that we
all go through; it helps to know that you’ll make it through the other side.
4) I’m going to start on my book. I have actually made a start on
this. I’ve written some fresh material, even an introductory section. I also
have a very good friend who has agreed to act an an editor. Now I just need to
write more.
5) I’m going to learn some stuff about video production and editing. This
is the one that I really let slide. I really struggle with creative ideas for
my video footage, so at the moment I’m just leaving it as it is. Maybe inspiration will strike me at some
point, until then I think I’m just going to leave this one.
6) I’m going to become a better passenger
when RTH is flying. Tough one this, RTH hasn’t really been doing much in
the way of recreational flying. He’s done a few flights towards his night
rating. I’ve been staying out of those as he needs an environment that is
conducive to learning. Hopefully in the New Year some of the “flying money” can
go to him rather than my training. I’m counting this one as a success though,
as I’ve been a passenger with D and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
So overall I’m giving myself an A+ for the year, I mean what else
could I give myself in the year I achieved the impossible? The flea climbed
Mount Everest and firmly planted her flag there. Now it’s time to enjoy the
view.
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