Every time I sat down to try and describe what my career track has become this year, it changed. Whether it was the start and stop of instrument training, aircraft availability, instructor availability, or poor weather, the gyrations of my career goal has been quite the moving target. With the gutting of the airlines, it became apparent that my aviation career track will not be a straight line.
In mid May, I was able to resume training with a 3rd instructor who expanded upon my previous training. He added some additional organizational tips for the check ride prep that helped to solidify the steps for each approach. However, because it was over the 60 day limit for a discontinuance, I had to reschedule an entire check ride. With double the training time and associated costs, I finished the check ride on July 3rd. A full 6 months past my original target. What I hoped would feel like a major accomplishment was more of an end to a frustrating and expensive chain of events. See my Training Tips page for information on how to avoid similar situations.
All work and no play makes Jay a dull boy, so I made time for gardening, visiting friends and family, and what I call ‘Sharpening the Saw’. That’s my term for maintaining the tools I have been using both mental and physical. It really helps when you have a long stretch of work coming.
