Now that we’ve really gotten the ball rolling and I’ve set up my FMA account, I’m starting my actual flying. I’ve gone flying twice since my discovery flight. It was just as exhilarating as before — taking off. I practiced “simple” straight and level flying as well as some turns and steep turns. I felt like there was always something I had to be doing: multitasking between looking at the different instruments, outside, and making sure that I was doing the correct thing. Unsurprisingly, it reminded me of driving — when you first start learning, you are so overwhelmed at everything going on, but when you get the hang of things, everything becomes automatic and it’s not as hard on your brain.
During the pre-flight inspection of our plane, it felt like there was so much to do to ensure a good and safe flight, but I’m sure that I will get used to it, and the process will become much faster for me. From the pictures, you can see that my first flight was just another normal, blustery Seattle day. There was a good amount of rain and an overcast sky, but that did not stop us from getting out there.
I also recently received a package full of wonderful gifts from FMA and the sponsors. I was so surprised to see it sitting at my doorstep because before that I did not know that anything was coming. I was so excited to open it — it’s like waking up on a birthday that you completely forgot about, to a wrapped present waiting for you at the end of your bed. I am excited to share pictures of how these gifts will help me along the way to get my PPL.
Today I finally got my little slip of paper, certifying me as a student pilot. It is nice to have some sort of tangible way to measure my progress. Right now I would say that there is a lot to learn, but in no way am I deterred. I am just looking forward to the learning and adventure that awaits me.
Congrats Jovie! You’ll get the hang of everything soon, keep us updated on your progress!
Congrats Jovie! The adventure begins. I’m excited for you – keep up the training and have fun!
Congrats Jovie! Yes, it will get smoother and easier to keep track of everything as you progress, consistency is key and trust that the muscle memory will build up with every flight. There is A LOT to absorb at first and some days will feel overwhelming but you’ll get there. I used to practice radio calls in the car on the drive to and from the airport for example and “chair flying” various maneuvers at home is v helpful too: have a picture of the panel in your training airplane at home to study exactly where the instruments are so you know exactly where to look and develop your “scan” right from the start. Hope to fly with you one day, I’m not too far here in SLC 🙂
Once you get a few more flights in your logbook, you will notice how much smoother your checklists are and how much better you can divide your attention to the different instruments and looking outside. Enjoy the journey and the views from above.