Jimisola.com - keepin’ on

Yesterday I passed three ATPL tests for the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority and today I passed another one. So, this semesteris over and Christmas break is finally up…

After a few days “off” since the Mandatory School ATPL tests time is now up. This week I have the tests for the same four subjects but this time for the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartsstyrelsen). It’s been really hard to motivate myself after 2-3 weeks of intense studying. I am somewhat already on a Christmas break, so I really hope that I will be able to focus for another couple of days before I can enjoy some time off.

I’ll start with “Aircraft General Knowledge - Airframes & Systems, Electrics & Powerplant” and “Mass & Balance” tomorrow and then “Radio Navigation” and Operational Procedures on Thursday.

During the few days off I most likely decide what my thesis will be about. I’ll get back to that later once it is 100% sure and I know more about the subject.

The last month have been really hectic and I honestly don’t know how many times I’ve though “Man, I need to write on my blog.”.

Anyway, hopefully later is better than never so here I go.

Since the last post I’ve more or less completed all IFR exercises in the Beech 200 FNPT2 (aka “the Simulator) and in the Cirrus SR20. We’ve been flying different both non-precision (NDB, LLZ, VOR/DME etc) and precision (ILS) approaches, enroute etc. Usually we fly the exercise in the simulator first and then try it in real life in the SR20. Flying IFR has it perks - the most important one is that we aren’t as weather-dependent anymore (although the SR20 is not the be flown in icing condition). I was quite comfortable flying VFR when we started IFR, but it was not much of use. Flying IFR is a challenge as it is totally different from VFR - in my opinion - and it literally felt like being back at square one flying-wise. My last flight was Nov 25th and from there on I’ve been studying for our Mandatory and Civil Aviation Authory (CAA) Tests which we have in six different subjects (4 +4 tests though). I passed Mandatory Tests today and now have a few days “off” before CAA tests are up Tuesday and Thursday next week. After that I’m going to enjoy a well-needed 2,5 week long Christmas break!

When we get back after the break we have a technical course on the two-engined Piper PA31 and just a few weeks after that we start flying it! From what my pilot friends have told me this is going to be the biggest challenge and possibly one of the hardest thing that I do - flying a twin-engined aircraft as a single pilot.

It quite amazing how fast time passes by and what has happend during that time. I’ve learned a lot since we started in February and after the break we have done half of the education. In less than a year from now - if everything goes as planned - I’ll be able to apply for First Officer jobs. Incredible!