Weekly Blog Update 03/03/2013

For any aspiring pilots out there, who similar to me have a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator X but are often bewildered by the choice of doing circuits or actual airline operations, I would highly recommend the book "Microsoft Flight Simulator X
For Pilots: Real World
Training".

Well worth the money, after just a flicker through the pages I know already that I will use it to my advantage for future training. It seems to lure the basics of the real deal into FSX, using a Cub as the beginner aircraft to encourage the student to keep a good look out, a problem synonymous to FSX users when they transition to the cabin of their trainer. I might have only encountered an introductory flight, but I recognise the urge to keep your eyes fixed on the instrument panel like you have been doing with your virtual 737.

I hope it serves you as well as it will serve me!

Weekly blog update 23/02/2013

Avicii feat Nicky Romero - I Could Be the One.

This may seem  completely irrelevant to every AvGeek out there, or anyone reading this blog. But being stranded in school often renders me helpless. Maybe I'll be saying the same thing when I'm free and perhaps it's just an excuse, but why do I feel that I won't make it? Why do my insides tighten when I see someone passing their skills test and think that I'll mess my opportunity up in some way? A good record is imperative to be successful in the airline industry, and what happens if one silly maneuver could possibly mark the spiral descent of my aspirations?

There is no doubt that it's a risky stepping stone, and that being nervous is completely normal and possibly makes the experience all the more exciting. But my strive for perfection is possibly also my greatest weakness.

The reason why I posted the title of this song was to highlight that we are the only ones who can set ourselves free, and the motivation has to be within us to complete a task to the best of our ability. I have the motivation, I have the aspirations, but what next? I guess starting my Private Pilots License would be the answer to that, but (which happens to be my favourite word when it comes to embarking on my aviation career) what's restraining me?

School, money, thoughts of others. There's a culmination of reasons, and I guess just thinking too much about it is probably on the top of the list. The only person who can set you free is yourself, but I don't think that I have found that person yet.

Here's the link to the song and video if anyone would like to take a look!

Weekly blog update 16/02/2013

As ever, the mid-term break has come to a close prematurely and I must return to completing assigned homework tomorrow before I attend school for my second-last term ever on Monday morning. The leaving certificate is looming ominously ahead.

Unfortunately, there were no opportunities to go flying during the mid-term break, as a mixture of bad weather, miscommunication and aircraft unavailability decided the outcome of yet another introductory flight gone down the drain. It has been just under one year since my first flight in a PA28-140 EI-AOB at Ireland West Airport Knock (EIKN), and to be quite honest, far too long.

Nevertheless, flying may have to take the back-burner until June when I finish my leaving certificate and head  on my first international flight of 2013 to Abu Dhabi (AUH) to visit family. After that, I intend to complete a substantial amount of research into surrounding flight schools, their aircraft, and their dreaded prices.

As I am sure you have ascertained, the title of this post is "weekly blog update." Whether or not I will live up to this commitment, I am uncertain, but I certainly will try to fill my faithful followers in whenever I can, maybe even as a break from study.

I have updated my "About Me" section if you would like to take a look!

Thanks guys!

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Usher Aviation Flight Academy Sligo

My visit to the Green side

January has come and gone, and yet will never be forgotten.

On the 12th January, my day had come. I arose early to make the worthwhile trip across the country to Dublin Airport, where I would meet one of my biggest inspirations: Captain Davina Pratt, Aer Lingus chief pilot. As we creeped closer to Dublin and I began to see planes at cruising altitude alter their heading, I wondered if there was also going to be a change in mine.

Greeted by the generous gentleman who was kind enough to organise this visit, we walked towards Hangar 6, me tripping with excitement. "She's expecting you" - the humble secretary of Captain Pratt exclaimed. And so she was. I discussed many things with Captain Pratt, and I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting with her. From advice to a friendly chat, melting point of the ice arrived and both advantages and issues about random aspects of the career were conferred.

Afterwards, I was escorted by Captain Pratt and an Aer Lingus engineer to the Operations Centre where plans are filed and problems from aircraft are transmitted among other functions.

'Iolar'

EI-DEC 'St. Fergal'

From there, I was guided to the main floor of Hangar 6 where the aircraft were undergoing maintenance. Luckily, there was an engine check planned for one of the A320s and I was invited to sit in the jump seat and observe the various systems reacting to this. I took a seat in the main cabin as we taxied to the gate at Dublin airport to deliver the aircraft for its next flight. 

A320 flight deck

EI-EAV 'St. Ronán'

Terminal One

Ryanair EI-DYD taxing

To top the day off, my family and I traveled to the spotting point at the side of runway 28. Overall, a brilliant day was had and I wish to express my thanks to those who organised the visit.

My View on Motivation

There are many different definitions of motivation in dictionaries and on the internet. I have used the word many times in different forms of writing, but not until today have I realised what it really means. There is more to motivation than just being "willing to execute a plan or an aspiration", it's about how you combine that with your correct mentality and feelings.

Most people feel 'motivated' to do things, maybe start a fitness plan or decorate their house one bit at a time. However, I wonder is motivation really included in this or is it just a mere list of goals? I often question do people really understand the meaning of motivation and the immense power that it included in its ten letters.

I didn't, until today. While out pounding the road, I belted the tunes out without thinking or feeling anything I was saying. When the weather took a turn for the worst, I captured a picture both with my eyes and my mind. I stood there in the pouring rain, visualised the road as a runway and bolted down it with the lack of reverse thrust. There was no stopping me.

After today, I have come to the conclusion that motivation is summing up everything you feel, throwing it into the pot for a mix and then bringing the plan to life. We must use motivation from one goal in order to be successful in another.

There will always be obstacles, but I am a firm believer that once you overcome one barrier, you can take the rest in your stride.

"Friday Fabulous Flyer"

Today, I was lucky enough to wake up to a wonderful blog post by Karlene Petitt. It wasn't any blog post, it was one about me. I earned the opportunity to be the "Friday Fabulous Flyer" on Karlene's blog, one of the most coveted achievements anyone can ever have.

If you wish to read the blog post, please pop over to Karlene's blog, accessible from this link: http://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com/2011/12/friday-fabulous-flyer.html


I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karlene sincerely for all the hard work and effort she puts into her blog. It truly is a credit to her. I feel privileged to be featured on such a wonderful blog.

Thanks!