Route Check (A fancy way of saying, are you good enough to fly up here?)

Ok, so last post I was doing restandardisation. Now I am in the middle of what is referred to as a ‘route check’.

Basically it involved the same very heavy workload of any other pilot but you have the chief pilot (big boss) sitting beside you pulling apart every action you do and every decision you make. But not only that he is firing questions at you all the time that you have to come up with a half intelligent sounding answer for. And to top it all off at any unexpected moment (usually when I’m thinking about how good that coffee is going to be at the end of the day) he pulls the power and simulates an engine failure which can and does happen at any time, after takeoff, in cruise, on climb etc.



Landing at Bremer Island

Not that I am at all complaining, the boss is one of the real nice guys and I’m having an absolute ball but oh boy what a steep learning curve it is.

The local language is slowly coming back to me. Yolngu Matha, which is translated as Yolngu speak. (Yolngu being the local aboriginal people) I have surprised not a few Yolngu when I turn up. They see me as the ‘newbie’ but can speak Yolnu matha better than some of the older pilots that are here. It always brings a big smile to their face when I ask a question like, “Nhamana Yolngu wawa?”, which means, "how many people are going on this flight my brother?". I’m really enjoying it to say the least.

Until next time.

Re-Standardisation (a fancy way to say, getting back on the horse)

Had it after a long day of flying

So I've just finished 2 full days of flying, trying to remember how to throw the C206 around the sky.

It's been so wonderful to get back into the air in an aircraft I've known so well in the past and am really enjoying reintroducing myself and renewing a very fulfilling relationship.

At first she wanted to get away from me and I was frustrated with her but we both remembered each other and before long we were enjoying each others company and reliving old joyous times.

Cessna 206

Plenty of circuits of all types, low level flight, every emergency imaginable, navigation and fighting weather had made the last couple of days a long, tiring and thoroughly satisfying experience.

Now onto the real work.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Well, I'm finally off.
After weeks of study, stress and all sorts of medical procedures I'm finally on my way back to MAF for a bit over a month of flying after 7 years away from full time flying.

Up early on the train for the trip to the airport and then airborne to cairns for the first stop. I was stuck in the middle seat with people on either side that both felt they had exclusive rights to the arm rest. I ended up sitting with both arms tucked in so close to my side I felt like I was having Christmas dinner with the Brady bunch at a table meant for six.

Cairns Airport

After two and a half very cramped hours I made it to cairns airport. I could really have used a bit of what is displayed in the photo. Unfortunately I don't feel like handing over 20 of my hard earned dollars so some large, hairy male can rub me all over!

A six hour layover now gives me the chance to read some MAF operation manuals and have a coffee (and maybe some Hungry Jacks)

I found a seat next to a power point. I don't care if it's meant for the vacuum cleaner, I'm plugging in my laptop.

Ok, back to reading. Next stop, Nhulunbuy.

Finally, I'm back

So, after 8 years away from full time flying, I'm back baby. Even if it is only for 5 weeks. I have been asked by MAF to return to Arnhem Land for a few weeks to fill in as they are a bit short of pilots.

Africa 2004

I have been madly trying to get my Class 1 medical up to date ($600 later) and eagerly awaiting some ops manuals and aircraft information to be sent to me so that i can swat up on the all the important bits i'll need to know, e.g. aircraft speeds etc.

I will be trying to post as much as I can on my time up there and will hopefully have some great photos to go along with it.