Friday, May 9

Well, yesterday (thursday) I got to go on my dollar ride, which is my first ride of the program.  The term dollar ride comes from the student giving a dollar (all dressed up and decorated) to the IP for taking you on the flight (or something like that).  We performed just basic maneuvers: takeoff, landings, slow flight, etc, plus I had to do all the radio calls as well.  It's actually a lot of work when you're not used to doing all of it.  It was a great time, and now I finally know what else I need to be studying for for my next flight, which should be on monday.  Today was a "relaxing" day.  I didn't study very much in class and we got off at a pretty decent time.  The guy that ran the formal brief this morning messed up and someone else had to finish the brief.  Our flight commander considered putting us on formal release (we have to be formally released to leave for the day...at least a 12 hour day), but said that since we had worked so hard during the week, he would give us the benefit of the doubt and didn't do it; thank goodness!!

Weekend plans are to go up to Colorado Springs, "the Springs", and check out some sights up there.  No studying tomorrow, but Sunday, it's back to studying and chair flying.  Good times!