Old Dawg Learns New Tricks (Part 12 of 12)

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Eight weeks ago, my classmates and I embarked on a mission to take the first step to free ourselves of our Earthly bonds and become pilots. The fruits of our labors came to fruition last night as we took our Aviation Ground School Final Exam and walked out of the class with an endorsement in our logbooks, a certificate of completion and the fundamentals to go flying.

 I have to admit it was a tough course.  Especially if you take all the FAA rules and regulations, physics, mechanics, theory  and fundamentals and condense it to just eight weeks.  But I can honestly say, I am so glad I did.  Saturday I take the FAA written exam (the official test) and need to score a 70%. To get my “Learner’s Permit”.   The test we took Thursday night is a version of that same test,  but we were required to score an 80%. (as mandated by the FAA).  My hours of studying yielded a 96% and I couldn’t be happier.  I am taking the information I learned this summer and will carry it into the cockpit real soon.

 I want to thank Eric Stake (pictured with me in the photo above) for instructing our motley crew of intrepid aviators who were like baby birds waiting for a nourishing meal of knowledge. I wish my fellow aviators: Brent, Chris, Josh, Zach, Ashley and Annette (below holding up their signed logbooks) the very best in their aviation endeavors and I’d like to close blog with this the lyrics of a song that I feel is incredibly appropriate. 

There are miracles in life I must achieve,

But first I know it starts inside of me,

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it

I believe I can fly,

I believe I can touch the sky,
I think about it every night and day,
Spread my wings and fly away,
I believe I can soar,
I see me running through that open door,
I believe I can fly

Until next time I wish you clear skies and straight and level flying. 

-Rik Out

 Update: 8/1 5:55 PM:  I scored a 95% on the FAA written exam on Saturday Morning.  Yeah Me!

A salute to my classmates:

 Brent

Josh

Chris

Zach

Ashley

Annette