The sun is setting, another day is over and my thoughts (as ever) turn to "why did I ever join!!!!" - Tales from a lonely (slightly psycho) flight instructor.
Step 1: Decide you want to become a pilot (like those guys with 2 girls on each arm as they swagger through the airport lounge on their way to the 5-star hotel/knocking shop).
Step 2: Decide upon some God-forsaken location to undertake your flight training (minus 25 degrees and having to walk to the airport BEFORE you get to dig your plane out).
Step 3: Have second thoughts about the whole pilot thing - but decide to carry on anyway (see Step 1).
Step 4: Obtain PPL (Well done me!) on my way to getting my CPL (how many hours to go? - holy F#@K!!).
Step 5: Money running out so I start to sell my guitars and all I own to pay for training. Girlfriend running out because she can. I re-consider Step 3 but Step 1 still wins - just.
Step 6: Obtain CPL (Shouldn't I be feeling happier?).
Step 7: Reach point of no return - I couldn't go back even if I wanted to. Logic is screwed, finances are screwed, everything is screwed except me (see Step 5 - "Girlfriend running out etc.").
Step 8: Buddies send me an "inflatable girlfriend" for Christmas - thanks guys. (PS - thought new girlfriend was whispering in my ear but discovered it was a leak. Still managed 2 hrs on type).
Step 9: Obtain Instructor rating - "hello Transport Canada".
Step 10: Now I can earn my living (hurray) - show me the students!!
Step 11: Discover students plough fields with tractors during the day and insist on trying to do the same with Cessnas.
Step 12: Start yelling "retire you bastard" at high flying aircraft. QED - Room at top = vacancy at bottom.
Step 13: Discover I can live without food for 48hrs at a time. Start asking the homeless to spare a little change.
Step 14: Discover AvCanada - footprints in the sand - "I AM NOT ALONE!!"
Step 15: Will work for food but I've forgotten how to eat.
Step 16: I'll still be back for more tomorrow - NEVER EVER GIVE UP!! - smell the jet fuel & keep the dream alive.
Clubzed
