May I have a Diet Coke, PLEASE?

It's been a while since the last post and there has been much happening. Where do I start?

I spent a week in May looking for a home. After a lot of searching, found the perfect home in a nice neighborhood with great schools. I was surprised to find out how much more is spent per child on education in Kentucky vs. Arizona, too. Nice.

The rest of May, I spent doing out and back trips while dealing with the new home. I spent nearly 3 weeks in KY without going home. This left my poor wife to do a majority of the packing. She did a great job and I'm proud of the way she handled all of the stresses of preparing for a cross-country move.

The kids got out of school the Thursday before Memorial Day and we left on the 29th. Without getting in to too much boring detail, it was the move from hell. We had two moving trucks, plus a tow trailer for my wife's car. The main 26 foot truck was the problem. We ended up getting a replacement truck twice. That's right, our belongings had to be swapped two times. Once in Payson, AZ and once in Albuquerque, NM. There were nightmare customer service issues that went along with it. I won't name the company, but the trucks are big and yellow and it rhymes with Pense Key. Never again. I learned that a moving truck with a nice paint job doesn't necessarily run well. Something like a fleet of polished turds comes to mind.

We finally made it to Northern Kentucky 3 days late. I had to miss a day of work which, was of course, without pay. Two and a half weeks in and it's finally beginning to feel like home.

Things I like: cooler weather, grass, trees, friendly neighbors, 15 minutes from the airport, rural feel, proximity to parks and recreation for the kids, much lower utility bills and fireflies.

Things I'm not thrilled about: lack of good Mexican food, lack of family, tornado warnings (thank goodness for basements), the chili (just don't get the Cincinnati chili thing) and the phrase "please?". Apparently, "please?" means "what" here. I was at a restaurant. The waitress said, "Can I get you something to drink?". I said, "Yes, I'll have a Diet Coke." She said, "Please?" I said, "Ok, I'll have a Diet Coke PLEASE." She said, "No silly, I meant what?" Why didn't she just say, "What?" Oh well, it's a regional thing to get used to. At least she didn't think I was being rude.

---

The Monday following the move, differences training for the CRJ700/900 started. The first week was ground school. One day of recurrent training, 3 days of systems and 1 day of differences between the CRJ700 & 900 (not very many other than gross weights and a few limitations). On Thursday, we had our final exams which consisted of systems, memory items and limitations. Everyone in the class did better than 93%.

Thursday night was hangar night, where we do emergency drills and a walk around. Not that the CRJ-900 is a big aircraft, but it's very striking how much larger it is than a CRJ-200. You can walk under the wings, the tail section is much taller and the landing gear is much more robust. The CRJ's all carry the same type rating, it just surprised me how much larger the -900 is.

We finished systems class ahead of schedule and had Friday off. With my simulator bid complete, I had six days off to study, work around the house and relax. It was nice. We celebrated Father's Day and my birthday in one day with a trip to Big Bone Lick State Park, just 10 minutes from our house. It's a very nice park with a lot to see and do. We plan on returning before summer ends for a weekend of camping.

Last Thursday, after an enjoyable six days off, it was time for the sims. Unlike many, our class had both captains and first officers. I am fortunate to have been paired with a senior captain. He's a great pilot and a wealth of information. I couldn't have asked for a better sim partner. The differences training only calls for 5 sim sessions total, including two checking events. Day One and Two were straight training events where we practiced Cat 1 & 2 ILS, non-precision CANPA and single engine approaches, V1 cuts, rejected takeoffs, in-flight emergencies etc.

Today was day three and the maneuvers validation. An MVis conducted by an FAA designated examiner and is a maneuvers check ride.

My portion started with a low visibility, crosswind takeoff, then a standard Cat I ILS to minimums and landing. Then with 600' visibility was given a V1 cut and left engine fire. After completing the takeoff, memory items and Quick Reference Handbook items returned to the airport for a hand-flown single engine ILS to a crosswind landing. Next, it was a normal takeoff with standard instrument departure and a CANPA (constant-angle, non-precision approach). I had wind-shear at 300' and went missed and did the wind-shear escape maneuver. Once clear of the shear, the DE failed the flaps/slats and I did a no-flap visual crosswind landing. Last but not least was a rejected takeoff due to cargo smoke followed by a passenger evacuation.

The captain had the same maneuvers as me, other than a CAT II ILS for him (a captain's only maneuver). I usually get sim-itis and today was no exception. However both the captain and I both passed without one bit of criticism. Today was one of those rare days where everything just goes right. A good day.

Tomorrow is a day off, then back to the sims Monday for a LOFT (line oriented flight training) day and a mock oral. Tuesday is the big day, the oral exam and LOE (line oriented evaluation). After the LOE, I will be released to OE (operating experience) on line with a check airman. This is usually only 4-6 legs and can be done in 2 days.

More soon.