As forecasted the sun has been tucked away for a few days rest while momma earth waters her little dessert garden. I had two flights scheduled today, one was canceled because the weather has been increasing in intensity as the day goes on. Flying this morning was nice, although wet. Today I had a mock oral exam with the cheif flight instructor. Although I didn't "pass with flying colors," I did as expected in this course of the game. They scare the shit out of you so you go home, study, and then pass the real deal with flying colors. So, that is what I am going to do. I feel I know the information, but spouting it out to someone you don't know is slightly more than intimidating, and it doesn't take much for the 'ol brain to play dumb and run.

Despite my frustration with my performance today, or lack thereof, I am confident. Reveiwing is always a good thing. Tomorrow I have two flights scheduled and another ground session planned with my instructor to go over some final details. Friday, as they say, is D-day. And so the stomach turns... Of course, momma E. will still be watering her desert garden tomorrow, and maybe even Friday, so that could change things.

One of my less than popular moves lately... I have volunteered to staff flights from the U.S. carrying military personel to foreign locations in preparation for war with Iraq.
CRAF, or Civil Reserve Air Fleet, is the U.S. Military's way of getting a bunch of people to a specific area in a short amount of time. Huh? The government enlists the nations airlines to help transport troops all around the world. It could be from Reno to Las Vegas or Las Vegas to Brussels. You never know. This being a time of war, last weekend the government enacted phase I of the CRAF. That involves American. And it could involve me flying anywhere. But before you go and get all hyped up, I won't be flying into Baghdad or Kandahar, rather military bases in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. And even in places like Saudi, I wouldn't be staying but long enough to drop them off, refuel and jam. And although I could be activated at any time, I cannot and will not know the specifics of the assignment until I report for duty and am not permitted to discuss them with anyone, not even other crew members. Sounds scary, huh? I actually look forward to it. The flying actually goes very senior and I may not staff a CRAF flight ever. It seems like an experience that I would enjoy... something adventurous.