I DID IT!

 It has been a while since I last blogged my progress with my flight training. I did a lot of training in the month of July including simulated instrument training and finishing up my cross country flight requirements. Also, my CFI and I did PTS prep for about three hours.

The checkride was set for July 29, 2009. I felt very ready for it. However, I will say that I was nervous about the oral portion.  As a result, the oral portion of the PTS was the most difficult part, but I managed to prove my knowledge of the flight rules according to the FAR. The in-flight portion of my checkride was easy because I knew my skill level was higher than average for a student pilot. As soon as the examiner and I landed for completion of the checkride, the examiner immediately wrote a note as I parked the airplane in big letters, “YOU PASSED!” 

 Thus, I am proud to announce that I earned my Private Pilot Certificate! It was a challenge overcomer and dream come true for me that day. It will be a day I will never forget. I have always wanted to be at the controls of an aircraft; ever since I was little when I watched airplanes take off and land at airports.  A day after I passed the checkride, I took my girlfriend up in the air for the first time. It was such a good flight to Chehalem Airpark (0S5). We went there for a dinner picnic at the airport where it was surrounded with trees and picnic tables. It was very nice and a good experience for both of us. I am excited to be able to fly in the Northwest with my family and friends. In fact, my dad and a couple of friends let me fly them around in the 172 last month. It sure feels good to have people trust me as I am the pilot in command. Not just pilot in command, but also because I am Deaf. I do not care if I can hear or not, all I care is that I can prove to people and the FAA that I can do anything and be safe. The next step for my flying endeavors will be IFR training and tailwheel training. I want to get as many ratings and certifications as possible, so I am taking it one step at a time. Instrument rating is next. Also, I met a CFI who knows sign language and is willing to train and sign me off for tailwheel flying. I am looking forward to it as I start soon. This is all for now. I will keep you updated on my progress and accomplishments. Thank you!

The picture above was after the checkride. Tom, the examiner, on the left and Wayne, my CFI, on the right.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 7:26 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.