Introduction

[MikeN-OR-508]

Todd,

All went really well, I was a little nervous a first, but didn't miss a thing!! short cross-country was a breeze. The most challenging about the un-controlled airports, is OTHER PILOTS!! This guy was landing against the traffic pattern, when I was on downwind, or other words with the wind and was calling intentions exactly the opposite, thank - goodness, everybody caught this. He was really enlightened by others in the pattern and on the ground...Pre-test was 100%, Oral 100%, however he is giving me 1 more pre-test on airspace, and weight/balance. Taking the 4 th off, and spending time with family, glad your getting a break! 3 weeks,,Sweet!! Done with night work for a while. I see OO is hiring a few, good news in this economy. How are the loads holding up in this enviroment?? Any skywest pilot/ furlough talk?? It seems the company is agressive in the take-over possibilities. I'm really excited to get to the Instrument training, It is a lot like engineering, when you look at it from angles, calculations, and many other aspects. I'm planning my other medium/long cross-country trip, pilotage, reckoning, and some VOR radials..for a mix-up....I'm doing some Dozer, and grading work for a guy this weekend, more $$ for FLYING!! Talk at ya soon,,Take care....

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
Glad the cross country went well. The "other pilots" at uncontolled fields are similar to the "other drivers" on the road. Everyone should know the rules but it's anyone's guess if the other guy is going to follow them...
How was your 4th of July? I was flying and had to be at the airport in Nashville at 0455 on the 5th so I didn't see the fireworks or have much entertainment on the night of the 4th.
No talks of furloughs here. No one is invincible but I feel confident in 00's management and the decisions they make. It's really anybody's guess what is going to happen this fall but the writting is on the wall that there will be reduced flying for everyone.
I think we are still hiring into the Brazillia but I'm not sure of the frequency.
How did the pre-test go?
I gotta run, I have a short flight to Hayden, CO here in a few minutes.
Talk to you later,
Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Todd,

Great to hear your 4th was good,,I was supposed to take the test last week, I've passed all the pre-tests, easily..Flying is good, BUT,,Had an immediate family member unexpected death, so I will be out for a few weeks...Things are on hold while I support my family..So I will be out of town....Get back to you later...

sincerely,

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
I'm sorry to hear of your family crisis. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I hope you are all doing okay. I'll be in Portland late Friday night and again on Sunday if you need anything.
Talk to you later,
Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Hey Todd,

Well back in the seat for the first time in weeks!! Thank-you for your prayers with my latest family events. I tell your this, the lesson I learned was to make sure all my estate and LEGAL Will is Bullet proof!! The loss was a tragedy, but the goverment and lawyers were a DISGRACE!! Any-way several thousands later, not kidding, I will be back to flight training this weekend again..trying to schedule my testing for early next week...

How's the flying and airline treating you?? Boy, what a tough market! I'm glad I have decided to train on my own pace, -vs- the 90 Day ...It looks to be a long road , before the airlines are back in hiring stlye again.. I will be ready when the airlines are, in the mean-time I will focus on all the ratings and building time.

Talk at ya soon....Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
That's a tough deal with the estate. Lessons learned I guess.. I have been very busy the past two months. September is looking to be fairly busy, probably a little slower. Ya, it's a tough prediction as to what is going to happen these next few months. I think it will stabilize soon and it won't be long (maybe a year or two) until there is a pilot shortage again.
The self paced may be the best at this time for you. How did your flying go this weekend? Having a good Labor Day?

[MikeN-OR-508]

Todd,


flying went really well. Greased all my landings, and planning the long x-cntry, with some mixture of navigation.. Night flying next weekend as well. This week getting my sign off on all required manuevers, and test sign off. 1 question on the medical; I have passed the alternate color vision eye test through my optomitrist..I sent a certified copy with my student certificate medical to the FAA. I still have not had any response from them. I was told by many others to get the waiver letter from the FAA, before I have my PPL ticket..Any Advice??

Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
Sounds like you're having fun! That's great!! The way I understand the color vision issue, you shouldn't have a problem. If you have your solo / 3rd class medical, your medical is sound and you're ppl will soon follow after you have recieved the training and demonstrated your proficiency. If you have a specific question as to "what the FAA will do", they would be your best source of information. You may want to call the FAA in Oaklahoma City and get it first hand from them. Good luck, Talk to you later, Todd

[MikeN-OR-508]

Hey Todd,

I ran into a sna-fu!! I have my medical, but the AME would not remove the night restriction, until the FAA responds to my alternate color vision test..I passed it no problem, and even stood in front of the local (SLE) tower to get the light gun signals as well. I was able to do the dual night work with my CFI, but no solo until the FAA follows up with the "Letter". I called and spoke with the local regional FAA office, but as luck will have it the individual repsonsible for the sign-off in their words is on vacation until SEP 20, 2008..

I as understand it, once they issue the official letter, I will no longer have to deal with this at any time in the future, regardless of the class of medical. In the mean-time, my CFI and I have an alternate plan around the night flying for now. I'll be getting checked out in he C-182, as we progress at this time. Sure is nice to stretch out!!

How is the airline flying going?? I have always assumed your a line-holder. Things still steady there?? Hope all is well with your family and flying, take care and I'll update you soon....

By the way the networking tip, you mentioned some time ago is IN-VALUABLE!! I have met several PRO's that are willing to let me go with them in right seat , once I have my PPL.. Lot's of Angel-flights out of the local area, and many aircraft owners provide their A/C from singles, twins, turbos, ect.....

Gettin long,,

LTr Mike

[SkyWest Todd]

Hey Mike,
It sounds like you're on top of the medical issue. Hopefully the FAA can get that resolved for you before too long. I'm sure it will all work out.
You'll like the 182, that will be a fun change for you while you wait on the FAA. All is going well here. No, I'm not a line holder right now. I was really close and things slowed down a little bit. I'm on "long call reserve" which means I'm on call for 24 hours per day 4 days per week but have a 12 hour notification. Normally I have a few days notice of a trip but once in a while I get 12-16 hours notice. It works out well, I can be pretty much anywhere and get back to Denver in 12 hours.
The fall flight schedules have come out and things are a little slower but SkyWest still has no plans of furlough.
Let me know what you think of the C182 and what the FAA does on that medical.
Take care, Todd