It's been a long time between updates, mainly because not much has happened. I finished the instrument course and we ran into a few delays before scheduling my checkride. Tropical Storm Alberto and the thunderstorms around it left me waiting for good weather. Of course, you might say that good weather defeats the object of learning to fly on instruments, but smoother air makes it easier to pass the test. We were going to go yesterday, but we had a few mechanical difficulties, including one aborted take-off and eventually the examiner decided to give up for the day.

So this morning, at 8am we finally have a plane working and clear blue skies. First up we do a ILS9 approach into Fort Pierce ending at 900ft as there were aircraft landing at the other end. Then he directed me to hold west of the Vero Beach VOR on the 270 Radial. I quickly determoine it will be a parallel entry and as soon as I am established inbound I'm given the full approach to 29L at Vero Beach. I had not done this before and after a moment flying outbound on a 115 degree heading I switch over to the 115 degree course outbound from the VOR, and start the procedure turn. I again went with a parallel turn and while both are acceptable since it's a 180 degree change, the examiner mentioned later that he'd have prefered a teardrop. He also failed an engine on me here, which is allways helpful. On the missed approach point we head back for the NDB-A into Fort Pierce. Job done!

Another student here also passed their checkride this morning, so the gang are all going out tonight to celebrate. The next phase is timebuilding. Basically, 'Heres a plane and all the fuel you want, fly for 100 hours'. So this should make this website more interesting, as I now have the freedom to go places and take photographs. Any suggestions on place to visit?

Key West and The Bahamas are already on the list!