So I have not given an update on Nate in a while, but now there is a lot to tell.
To start with Nate is in the "primary" part of flying. This means that he is not in a blackhawk yet, but in a smaller one called the TH 67 or a Bell 206 in the civilian world.
His schedule is crazy. He is up by 3:45 a.m. and has PT, class and flight line until 5 p.m. Then when he gets home, he changes and gets out his study material, eats dinner, then right back to studying. There is not a lot of free time for him, and if you think he has the weekends free, think again. Friday night is his "veg." night then Sat. and Sun. he is studying his little head off with help of myself or two of his buddies Cody and Daniel.
Funny story actually, the four of us were heading down to the beach a couple weekends ago and the entire 1.5 hr. drive was full of the guys quizzing each other. Not to mention, they would go play in the water for about 10 min. then sit on the beach for five to quiz each other again.
If you are wondering why he has to study so much, well it's simple. While he is flying his instructor pilot asks him questions, as well as a written test every week, and daily questions. And yes, he is graded on all of it, including his flying.
Though it is frustrating for him at times, Nate still loves that he gets to fly. Soon he will be done with the starter helicopter and on to the big boy. He passed his check ride today with flying colors. I am so proud of him for all he has accomplished here and can't wait for when he graduates.
P.S. Everyone that is flying any kind of helicopter has to wear a little orange dot on their time piece. The single ladies around Ft. Rucker, or Rucker Rats as they are better known, look for guys wear them to try and get themselves a pilot. It makes me laugh.
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