Lovin' the Flyin'

Hey, have I mentioned that I love what I'm doing?
It's pretty tough here, but its mostly stuff that I am enjoying. There's a lot of pressure on you all the time. Especially some of the "stand up" scenarios where you'll be at attention in front of the flight and they give you a simulated emergency and you have to talk it through to a safe conclusion. There are lots of ridiculous rules and checks, but if you can do it in that arena then an actual emergency in a plane should be a relative piece of cake.
I went out on my second ride yesterday and it was a blast. I got to do a bunch of stuff out in the area and then came back and did some pattern work, which can be pretty tough since everybody and their mother is talking on the radio and you're doing a million things at once. But hey, I've always hated being bored!

Dollar Ride!

Well, I've now flown in a real military airplane. I just had my first ride of pilot training. It was awesome, the purpose is basically to have fun. So my flight commander and I took the keys to a brand new $5 Million jet and threw it all over the sky. We had a great time. We climbed to 20,000 and started by pulling 4Gs and then he gave me the plane and said,"Alright, see if you can get 5." I did. Pulling G's is pretty nuts, your G-suit starts squeezing your legs and you're straining. Then we did some barrel rolls, a clover leaf, loops, etc. It was a blast, definitely better than the sim (even though that rocks, it's so realistic some guys get sick). Everyday I get up and think (besides how tired I am) how lucky I am to be here. They even call this a job!