Another week of flying done and dusted. This one included five early shifts, with one well-timed standby in the middle, much needed to recharge between long work days and trying to come up with fun things to do with Alice at home.
The week started with my 3-month line check after passing command. It really got me reflecting on how often we get checked in this job, at least three times a year! We’re graded on nine core competencies, and even a tiny mistake (the kind you’d never usually make, but do when your nervous system is in high-alert mode) can shift a 2 to a 3. I’m realising more and more how tough this industry can be on your ego, there aren’t many jobs where you’re formally assessed so often. I had mostly 1s and 2s but on two competencies I was graded a 3 ’Good’ ’just good’ my Ego says and I try to shift my mindset to motivate study and improvement to either a 2 ’Very Good’ or hopefully 1 ’Excellent’ on next check in three months.
Back to flying, which is probably why most of you are here 😉
It was a busy week with four-sector days: base to destination, back to base, then off again to a second destination and home. I actually love those days, short sectors keep me active and engaged. Funny how on long sectors, like my Rhodes trip (almost 4 hours each way), we tend to relax more, sip coffee, chat, delay briefings just a little 😂 Meanwhile, on the short ones, everything kicks in like muscle memory… some might say like on autopilot!
Flying into Rhodes is stunning. You pass over the Greek islands and that endlessly blue sea, such a beautiful part of Europe. Hopefully I can return soon, this time not in uniform.
Lots of love 🫶 see you next Monday for the next blog post!
