Jeff and I talked about it on the way back from the airport. Whether we’re meant to be pilots or mechanics out in the field. <\/p>\n
After days like today I start wondering. My instructor and I did some Private License test prep, essentially going through every single maneuver and determining what to focus on between now and the test. The short answer for me today was almost everything<\/i>. Some days, not often, but some days I feel like my body doesn’t remember how to do anything. Like I’ve just been treading water for the past six months. It’s discouraging to say the least, and the inevitable questions pop into my head about my natural ability to be a good pilot.<\/p>\n
I didn’t get the coordination in the family, at least not the bulk of it. Paul and David, especially Paul, have always been much naturally gifted when it comes to activities involving hand-eye coordination (video games and such) and full-body manipulation (sports, etc). Which isn’t to say I’ve no ability whatsoever; I do, but their ascent of the learning curve always looked comparatively effortless. Aaron too–the speed with which they would all be able to hold their own at new and unfamiliar sports was amazing. Just as an example, I had been taking sporadic tennis lessons for well-on seven years when Aaron and I started playing regularly, and he, with no formal instruction and little prior experience, played at my level nearly from day one. They definitely have the gift.<\/p>\n
And I wonder about the things I feel I am<\/i> good at, that I enjoy. Like mechanical work. I can’t wait for Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) school in the fall–the prospect of focusing on the operation and maintenance of mechanical things in an academic setting is truly a win-win situation for me. I love tinkering and feel I’m good at it; I love flying too, but after days like today seeds of doubt that I have the level of talent it takes start to creep in.<\/p>\n