Training behind me and on to the Reserve life!

Well, last month I finished up my 757/767 training. It was fast, but got me where I needed to be. After 2 weeks off, I started flying domestic with a great instructor. After a 4 day trip I was signed off, and ready to try international on the 767. The actual plane (757) is beautiful to fly and easy to land compared to the DC9. The 767 flies even nicer, and the next week I had my first ever 400,000 + lb. takeoff out of Stuttgart. This instructor was "very thorough" which in aviation terms means "pretty anal"! The following week was to Zurich, which totally rocked. My instructor was awesome and polished off the last few edges I needed to be confident and qualified to cross the pond on my own. Total hours for August: 86+..... Total sweet landings: all of them!

And then reality sets in.... sitting on call, waiting for a trip on reserve. After my first 3 days, I managed to get some painting done, spent some time at the shooting range, and worked on my pilot ball caps stuff. Then I get a 3 day trip to Phoenix (twice) and got to fly with an excellent first officer, who I knew from flying the DC9. Had a great trip, even though it was 108 degrees for my layover. That was my last trip though. Since then I've had a little bit of vacation, got to see Charlie for 2 weekends, and generally decompressed from the hectic Summer. This morning I got off of my 2 hour on-call "leash" and go on long call. Long call is nice because you have a minimum of 12 hours notice before your next assignment. From my notification to my flight will be at least 13 hours, but usually more. That means I can have a beer with my burger at the Rusty Nail today.

Sitting around on-call isn't so bad after all. I get stuff done, and get to fly once in awhile. The only drawback is that I have to be on long-call or off duty to pick up Charlie. It may work out next month, with my schedule and his.... but I haven't been able to get more than 3 weekends off yet, and holidays will be sketchy at best.

You can check out my aviation pictures at : http://pilotballcaps.com and look for "Random Flying pics!

Until next time, fly the airplane - do not hurry - silence the bell - read the checklist!