Day 8 - Situational Awareness

I'm currently flying with two student pilots. One of them is brand new to the program this fall. The other started flying spring semester last year and is finishing up the private pilot course

For my more experienced student, it's been an interesting thing to begin working with him after he's already completed three quarters of the course. It doesn't give one the opportunity to use the learning principle of primacy, as in many ways, he's already established patterns and methods of procedures. It's more a lesson in recency. And, given that he's preparing to take his check ride, it's my duty to make sure he's ready and that everything is in order.

The penultimate flight in the syllabus is final opportunity for the instructor to ensure the student is ready for the End of Course (EOC) oral and flight exam. That check ride covers many things.  Along with checking the applicant's knowledge of systems, weather, airspace, numerous areas of emphasis, performance of standard maneuvers, traffic pattern work, takeoffs and landings, and emergency procedures.  Ultimately, the question is, "Can the applicant safely and successfully command the aircraft from preflight to post-flight?

One of the things a check airman or designated pilot examiner (DPE) reviews on the check ride is a student's ability to plan a cross-country flight, using those navigation systems available in the aircraft and the all-important skills of pilotage and dead reckoning (eyeballs, a map, a plotter and computations). Not only does the DPE review the plan, but they start out the exam flight as though they're heading on said trip.

As I have not have the ability to fly a cross country with this student, I asked him to plan a flight so that I could review it with him. We did so on the ground, and although the student's mileage, ground speed, and fuel burn calculations looked good, his course numbers didn't appear to match the course he had drawn out on the map. Thinking he'd backed up his plan with radio navigation (seeing the course plotted along a Victor airway), I wanted to see how the student would react when his flight wasn't going to according to plan. And, given that we were pushing into the hours after sunset, I also wanted to see how he did with the added difficulty of changing conditions (losing daylight and a solid broken layer).

The student did the preflight inspection and had prepared the cabin well, a reflection of good single pilot resource management (SRM) which we had discussed after a couple of previous flights. It gave me some hope.  Except, during the Before Takeoff checklist task of setting COM/NAV (entering the proper frequencies and identifying nav stations to be used), he didn't set his nav course.  Hmm. 

Not too long after departure, when we flew over the radio navigation station that also began the airway and the heading selected didn't match, it became evident to this instructor that the flight wasn't going to go according to plan.

After reaching the top of climb (an important checkpoint for fuel consumption calculations and flight planning), I asked the student where his check point for such was on the map.  He had chosen a town to be used for such, and noted it would be off his left wing, which it was, although at a greater distance than he realized. As the student changed heading for his next checkpoint, it became more evident that he was getting farther off course.  This will of course happen sometimes when the actual winds aloft are different than the forecast.  So, I let it go on for about 20 minutes before I asked the student to identify where he was on the map and in relation to his plan course.  After fumbling around numerous times in the dark cockpit for his map and his plotter, he came to the realization that he was well off course (over five miles).

I asked the student how he thought the fight was going. He answered, rather sullenly, "Not very well." I concurred, but I wanted to help him realize what he could use to rectify the situation.  While he knew he was not flying his plan, we discussed what tools could be used to help with situational awareness.  We then tackled one of the other tough topics of aircraft navigation, diverting to an unplanned location.

For those with good spatial orientation, using a map to divert isn't an overly difficult thing to do. However, if the student isn't sure of his location, situational awareness can be a big factor.  I, and a few instructors before me, noticed situational awareness to be an issue with this student.  As such, I have been working intently on helping the student to use all resources available to him to determine and maintain situational awareness.

After asking the student to divert to a certain airport, I watched him try and figure out where that airport was and how he was going to get there.  Again, darkness masked some of the landmarks he would've normally use. However, the lights of towns and cars on the interstate set against the dark backdrop of the ground helped him out.  Although initially he correctly identified the town, he then doubted his spacial orientation, which led him to start to head towards another town in the opposite direction.

Once again, as an instructor, one wants to use teaching moments when possible and give the student tools to be successful.  So, I asked him what other tools he could use to verify his location and new destination.  He made use of the multiple navigation systems in the aircraft to pinpoint our location and head towards our new, alternate destination.  We did a flyover an the non-towered airport, then a touch and go before heading back to our home airport.  (We subsequently did a follow-up flight where the plan was subsequently executed satisfactorily).

As with flying, situational awareness is very important in numerous circumstances. I try and stress that when I'm teaching my children how to drive.  Whether it's a trip across town or across the country, you need to have a plan, know where you're at and how to handle detours when they arise.  I've tried to set an example for them when we go on a road trips, telling them (when they're interested) our planned route, or having them navigate while I drive.  It's hard to figure out where you're going if you don't know where you are currently.

When life happens, one has to maintain situational awareness in order to navigate those events. Without using all available resources, it is easy to become lost, especially when detour are required. As pilots, we sometimes want to avoid the fact that we have made a mistake, and especially admit when we are lost. However, there are "5 Cs" that we do to help remedy that situation.  Confess,  Climb, Conserve, Communicate and Comply. (Circle is sometimes added as a sixth). 

• Confess--admit you are lost
• Climb--altitude helps you get the big picture (literally), keeps you out of terrain and gives you more options should you have an engine failure
• Conserve--reduce power, which slows your airspeed and fuel consumption
• Communicate--contact ATC or FSS to confess and give your last known location
• Comply--Follow the instructions given by ATC, FSS and/or your navigation systems to get back on course, or head to safety.

We need to do the same thing when unusual circumstances arise in life.  Often times, we can turn to a spouse, other family, or friends.  Sometimes, we need to turn to professionals: subject matter experts, therapists, doctors.  However, every time, we need to turn to God.  I think he patiently waits for us to perform the "5 Cs" when we are in dire straits.  He wants to help, if we remember to involve him.  If we listen for the Holy Spirit's voice, he's there prompting us, reminding us to use our resources.

More importantly, we need to remember that God provides us with the tools needed to maintain situational awareness in life, so that we don't keep getting lost. If we don't use them, who's fault is it but our own?

Day 7 - "God knows."

Jesus has authority, all authority in heaven and on Earth, that was given to him by God the Father.  He came to Earth to live out that authority while in the frail, temporal form that is our human body.  He became flesh and dwelt among us. He grew in wisdom and stature, learning what it was like to be human.  He was tempted in all points like we are, yet he was without sin.

We know that Jesus' words--even as a boy--amazed those who heard them, especially since he didn't come from a prestigious background. He always took responsibility for his words and his actions.  And, Jesus took responsibility for his emotions. 

Even being tempted in the desert, or while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus could have used his trump card to get out of what had been planned for him since the foundation of the worlds.  But, he took responsibility for his authority, fulfilling his mission by remaining in control of himself.  

I was reminded at church this morning that God knows where we are. He knows what we are going through.  Jesus reminded us in the Sermon on the Mount that we shouldn't worry about what we eat, drink, wear, even the hairs on our head or the number of minutes in our lives. Rather, we should seek God's kingdom and his righteousness first. Then, these things will be added unto us.  Why?  Because God knows who we are and where we are? Yes, but, I'm reminded tonight that God knows the how and why of who, what, where and when we are.

God knows what it's like to hurt as a human. He knows what it's like to be shamed, guilted, invalidated, neglected, abused, abandoned. He knows what it's like to be framed for things, to be accused of capital crimes. Yet, he didn't sin.  Not once. He was responsible for his feelings and acted appropriately. He was responsible for his words and acted as such. He was responsible for his authority given to him.  And so, he asks for us to do the same, having provided both the perfect example in Jesus, and the Counselor/Comforter in the Holy Spirit to reminded us that he knows what it's like where we are and what's happening. 

I am not responsible for other people's actions (unless I somehow manipulated or exerted authority over them).  I am not responsible for other people's words.  I am not responsible for other people's emotions.

I am responsible for my actions.  I am responsible for my tongue.  I am responsible for my emotions. I am responsible for those over whom I've been given some sort of authority.  And, I follow Christ's example to do such, because God knows. 

Days 3 & 4 - done

I did write on both days 3 and 4, but I'm not posting them in their entirety.  The keys from them:

• Day 3 
• I've had numerous reminders that God is in control of my life, and that I need to remember to turn to him.  I've known that.  I've seen that.  I need to continue to trust that he is directing my steps.
• Day 4
• I need to be emotionally intelligent (PMIMT seminar last Saturday was a timely reminder)
• When I'm emotionally hijacked, I'm not thinking clearly. I've had no tigers jump out at me to  cause the fight response that wells up.  I will be in control my emotions.
• James says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)
• Perhaps emotional intelligence isn't such a "new" idea

Day 2 - Kyle's 8 Fs

Just over a month ago, I was reading an e-mail from All Pro Dad with the subject "Are Your Priorities Reflected in Your Day to Day Life?"  The author was talking about sharing in a small group about what five things do you consider are most important in your life. And then, the follow up: What, in turn, takes up the majority of your time throughout the week?

It caused me to ponder.  Can I narrow down my goals list down to the most important things in a few words?  After rattling off the usual suspects, "Faith, family, friends..." I went to one of the big, empty whiteboards in my office to write them down. In doing so,  I also went down the alliteration rabbit hole, as all good points/illustrations/mnemonics should be catchy, right?

"Fitness, finances, flying."  That was six, but I put flying on there as it relates to a career goal, and I couldn't come up with a synonym for career or job that started with the letter "F."

In all of these things, I thought there should be elements of freedom and fun. And so, I ended up with my 8 Fs.  While it seem clever, at least memorable, it also made me think that on a traditional grading scale, Fs are not a good thing to see.  And, when I grade myself on prioritization of these items, I find myself noting various seasons where I've assigned that grade to my lack of prioritization...sometimes in multiple areas.

There have definitely been times where the order has been switched, and not in the healthiest of listings.  While always trying to keep the first two at the top, as the primary provider for my family, for me, finances have often fell right under family in the list.  That too often wiped out friends and fitness.

The goal, especially for the last ten years after going through FPU (there's a lot of "Fs" here), has been to free us from debt, so that we can have freedom and fun, both in the short and long term.  After financing my instrumental rating and commercial certificate prior to that course, it meant to me that I needed to put flying aside until I could pay for the CFI out of pocket; that came three years later.  That, to me, was worth delaying the pursuit to get my family closer to freedom.

Alas, the extra work required to try and meet those financial goals--which were delayed as life happens with a family of six--robbed one of my most important resources, time.  It not only robbed me of it, it robbed my family of it.  How does that grade out? 

And, when you try to work through frustration with multiple goals by working 90-100 hours a week, you get more Fs, the grade type, and less of the prioritized list for which you were working in the first place.  That's failure.

So, I have the current order above.  My goal is the keep the first three at the top, in the order listed.  The bottom three will switch around, but they cannot come above the top two, which are most dearest to me, faith and family.

Who am I?

After reading my wife's encouragement to others on Facebook to join her in a similar endeavor to her 100-day journaling project at jillriley.blogspot.com--one that I think is must-read material--I've been debating about doing just that.  I'm not sure that I'll make it entirely public.  In fact, I'm certain that I will not make it all public, perhaps certain days that might resonate with others.  And, being as how I've never been one to consistently journal, it will be a challenge to make it seven days, let alone a hundred.  However, I think introspection in written form would be very beneficial to me.  So, here's Day 1.

It's two weeks until my forty-fourth birthday (if I finish this in the next fifty-three minutes and thirty seconds).  That seems strange to write.  I've yet to feel like I'm a middle-aged man. I don't think I fit the complete caricature of Mike Myers' SNL skit, save some of his "super" powers and the gut (I'm working on it).  Oh, and when I have an injury, sports-related or otherwise, I've noticed it doesn't heal very quickly.  Nevertheless, time keeps on slippin'... (you're welcome for the Steve Miller Band ear worm).

But, the question that I've been pondering a lot over the past few years remains.  Who am I?

I can go with what I've listed for my Twitter profile: Pastor's husband to @ejillriley, proud father of a US airman & 3 teens, Montanan, CFI, play-by-play, project mgr, Mariners & Vikings fan. Working on patience.

That list is accurate, albeit incomplete, as far as describing me.  But, does it describe who I am?

I can list other descriptors/roles:  son, brother, friend, musician, extrovert, teacher, former board member, former coach.  But, does that say who I am?

"What do your friends say about you?"  Friendly, fun-loving, corny, kind, caring, romantic (read sappy), trustworthy, loyal, good work ethic, provides for his family, someone with a good memory, annoying game winner.  At least, I think that's what they say.

Oh, sure, I can go the Biblical route and proclaim that I am a child of God, a sinner saved by grace thanks to a salvific faith in Christ.  But, there are millions of others who can make that claim.  And, while I know I've been uniquely made, and given certain gifts and skills that I've used with varying degrees of success, I still question, "Who am I?"

I just opened up my list of goals that I first created on my 34th birthday.  Of the 21 that are currently listed, only one is crossed off, and that one came at great price.  I have one that definitely has been carried out over six of the past seven years, but I don't feel I can cross it off yet; I don't want it to be complete.  There are four or five others that are in process, but the rest? Well, I've got a long ways to go.  But, do my goals answer the question of who I am?

In light of recent history, I have been trying to determine the answer to this question.  I need to be able to answer this question.  I want to be able to readily share that answer and be able to say it confidently, as though the answer means something.

It's my current mission.

My 2015 State C Boys' All-Tournament Team

Well,

After calling all 12 games at the MHSA 2015 State C Boys' Basketball tournament for the NFHS Network, I had the privilege in voting all-tournament team.  For anyone who may be curious, here are my picks:

1.  MVP - Parker McCafferty, Belt
2.  Koltin Hagrouse, Belt
3.  Monte Cayko, Fairview
3.  Ben Hardy, Fairview
4.  Cooper Olson, Westby/Grenora
5.  Daulton Holecek, Westby/Grenora
6.  James Ramirez, Manhattan Christian 
7.  Luke Davison, Highwood
8.  Patrick Big Sam, Arlee 
9.  Tyler Tanner, Arlee
10.  Josh Smith, Northern Cheyenne

Honorable Mention: Paxton Maki, Belt; Pat Hardy, Fairview; David Keena, Manhattan Christian; Kevin Blanksma, Manhattan Christian; Jordan LaFontaine, Highwood; Taylor Bienvenue, Broadview/Lavina.

This weekend also wraps up my basketball broadcasts for the 2014-15 season.  Some interesting tidbits (well, at least to me):

• Tonight's championship game between Belt, who finished with a perfect 26-0 season after defeating Fairview 61-39, is the 435th documented basketball broadcast of my career.  This was the seventh Class C tilt (Boys-2001, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015; Girls-2005) I have had the privilege to call.  It's my twelfth basketball championship (three in AA (one color) and two in A), and 27th MHSA championship event: nine football (including one doing color), four volleyball and two wrestling finals.
• Tonight's consolation game, a great one between Westby/Grenora and Manhattan Christian that saw the Thunder beat the Eagles 60-57, was the 13th State consolation game I've broadcast.
• 26 of the 29 basketball games I called this year have been in the past three weeks (2/21-3/14).
• I added a 68th station and new state to my station list after calling first round GNAC Tournament action between Western Washington and Central Washington for AM1160 KPUG, Bellingham, WA.  I think I have two additional stations, one in ND and one in SD, but that's solely from memory, which is starting to fade.

Restart...?

<Sarcasm>Because I will have copious amounts of spare time this summer following broadcasting pursuits </Sarcasm>, I'm thinking of restarting posts on said blog.  Blogging is something I've never done with regularity, and from the number of posts listed to date, it's been infrequent at best.  Nevertheless, in a continuation of my personal exploration of various outlets for my thoughts, I've been pondering such.  This would be more for my amusement than for anyone else, but I'm always a sucker for feedback.  Thoughts?

That's all for now.