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Hey gang.
Well, it’s been a busy second quarter with all the new procedures
I had to learn on the "new"
equipment. Having been “volunteered” right out of the 767ER
International Flying last quarter, I had a month long “transition”
training stint back in Atlanta in May to learn the nuances of the
McDonnell Douglass MD-88 aircraft; aka the “MADDOG!”
Well the saying goes, “Boeing builds aircraft, Douglass builds
character!” Not sure what type of character they are trying to build
but - there so many switches to throw and
flows to learn, it’s not hard to feel like a “one-arm wallpaper” hanger
at times! However, not to be beaten by the
machine, yours truly threw levers like nobody’s business and was
certified and signed off on June 7th as yet a newly milled
cog in the ever changing widget machine!
With my IOE (Initial
Oper. Experience) scheduled almost immediately following
training, I was placed right into the mix as I had to verify that all
those procedures they threw at me in the simulator did indeed “stick.”
So, after a 3 day trip with one of our finest Line Check Airmen (LCA), I
was officially done with my “transition” training. However, two days
later, Dawn experienced an “unscheduled” medical emergency which
required that I take the remainder of June off!... Yikes!
So with Dawn all better (mostly) and a solid 3 week break since
IOE, I was thrown again into the airplane as a full-fledged “Line Pilot”
now and had to try and remember all those flows and procedures – the
term “one arm wallpaper hanger” entered my thoughts often times.
However, with a patient Captain, I persevered. That was just over a
month ago and I almost feel like a seasoned veteran now!... almost! ;o)
In addition to the training, I took the opportunity to “revise”
my dietary habits now with the change in the work environment. At the
start of training, I gave up Diet Coke and Lattes and began an exercise
regimen along with a change to my eating habits. So, working out almost
daily and eating about five 300-400 calorie meals/day instead of three
large meals and snacks, I’ve been able to lose almost 15 pounds in about
9 weeks – Sweet! (Transitioning from 176lbs -158lbs.) I’ll keep you
posted how well this all works out!? :o)
Despite the "health" kick I (along with Cheeky my trusty
sidekick!?) was
able to visit a few more Hooter's and top the now infamous list of
restaurants to over 150! My latest two were Atlanta, GA
(Douglasville) - (#150) and Raleigh, NC (#151)
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| Hooters #150!!! |
Hooters #151
w/ Megan, Natasha, Cheeky, Chris & Emily! |
So, that being said there hasn’t been much else to report.
Training pretty much dominated the entire second quarter. While Dawn
was coping with her dilemma, Mum came to help out with the kids and I
enlisted the help of a friend, engaging in planned home repairs,
remodeling, and taking care of the kids for the remainder of June.
Since then it’s been pretty much flying, home, chores, flying,
sitting in the crash pad, working out, flying, home, repeat!?...
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