The Man Who Almost Passed His Helicopter Checkride But Then Didn’t
[this article originally appeared IN MY MIND on Nov 19 --ed]
I haven’t written about the chopper lately, because it’s been mostly boring solo flight.
I did the two cross-country flights last week, the second almost as slowly as I could bear to fly. The R44 is too fast, and I didn’t want to have to do a third to reach 3.0 XC hours.
I’m leaving on Monday for my winter in Australia, though, so the pressure has been on to finish the rating before I go. I should have plenty of time, unless another hurricane blews through. I need another 2.5 hours of solo time, but I flew with another instructor before the weather arrived and he said he was ready to sign me off.
Unfortunately, we have a bit of a problem with what should be the easiest part — actually finding an examiner. Of the two examiners they normally use, one isn’t current in the R44, and the other was in Florida all week.
He is, however, willing to do a checkride in Sarasota, FL this weekend. If I can get a flight, he’ll get a helicopter.
It looks pretty doable: fly to Tampa Monday morning; rent a car for the hour drive to Sarasota. Get the checkride started by noon, then unwind the travel stack in time to be asleep in Boston Sunday night.
Tuesday and Wednesday came and went with serious winds; much too gusty for my comfort.
Thursday and Friday came and went with low ceilings, rain, and more gusty winds. Thunderstorms nearby, even.
By the time Friday was scratched, there was almost no way that I’d be properly prepared. Not to mention that I still didn’t have the house packed up.
So I didn’t go to Florida.
