Stage Check

I've been really busy lately which is why I haven't been blogging. The reason I've been so busy is because I had my first stage check today. The stage check is a mock test that another instructor gives me so I can prove that I am proficient enough to fly the helicopter solo. It's also a good check to make sure my training is going as it should be and to evaluate any further topics I may need refreshing on.

The ground portion went pretty well. It's all a learning process so there were some things that I was unclear about and some things that I just simply forgot. It's nice that you do the stage check with a different instructor so that you get some tips and tricks from another vantage point. Same goes for the flight, although it's pretty straight forward. I have certain maneuvers I have to perform and standards they must be within. The flight was a little more hectic as it was the windiest day I've ever flown in and I haven't had a lot of practice in windy conditions. Even straight and level flight was all over the place so it only got harder as I performed some emergency procedures.

I'll spare you the details but the instructor said I did well and that he didn't see any reason I shouldn't pass. His notes get reviewed by the Chief Flight Instructor who then determines whether or not I can progress to the next stage. The plan for now, unless I find out otherwise is to move on to the next ground stage tomorrow and a flight in the afternoon.

I've arranged to go to the Heliexpo in Anaheim, CA in a couple of weeks with another student. We're going to drive out there and stay for a few days. Simply put, the heliexpo is basically a giant helicopter convention. It's a great opportunity to network(not that it will help much now but it's never too early) and also a great way to see pretty much every different helicopter on the market today. If nothing else, it will be a fun road trip...I hope.

As far as PHX goes, well I still love it and I have some news that will make you northerners feel a little better. I actually had to pull out my sleeping bag and use it for additional heat at night! I guess the three other blankets weren't enough. Don't get me wrong, the nights are still beautiful here, I just tend to be on the colder side. I've also managed to check out my hot tub for the first time and boy is it hot. I think they could save the complex hundreds of dollars if they just turned the heat down to a comfortable level! I shouldn't complain, after all it is a "hot tub" right?

I almost forgot....The Super Bowl was quite a let down for Arizona. Although it was a great game, myself and thousands of others wished the Cardinals could have brought the title home. The football scene has died considerably since the loss. The weeks leading up to the big game were pretty intense. People here had plans for the big day immediately after they beat the Eagles. There's always another season...Go Bills! Oh and Nascar starts up real soon so that should be exciting.