Turbulence

No, not that kind.

The kind of turbulence that affects the course of one's life. Job changes, personal endeavors, and other stressful circumstances.

As in flying, negotiating this sort of turbulence means not fighting the ups and downs. Just maintain control and a level attitude.

In my case, it means doing what I can for CAP, though that experience may come to an end as quickly as it began. It also means dealing with my now-overdue flight review, which means I'm not even current to fly as a PIC.

But it also means finding a balance between being exactly where you want to be at a given moment and being on a long-term course that will deliver you where you want to be at the end of your journey.

Flying is at the junction - the fulcrum if you will - of these two opposing forces. Starting very soon, my work will take me to Canada for a long-term project. Will I get to fly in a foreign country? Not if I don't get my review done. Will it matter? Well, probably not in the long run. But just to know that I could if I wanted to and if the opportunity presented itself, it's worth it to get the review done before I go.

And CAP?

That's a more difficult question. I've enjoyed teaching the cadets - even for such a short time. I've also enjoyed being a part of the exercises and the overall experience. But, it is ultimately a volunteer organization. I feel bad that with the local squadron (indeed, the entire wing) being so small, they will have difficulty keeping things going. But they, like any other similar group, must deal with the real-life concerns of work and family.

I will see if it will be possible to continue contributing, but it will definitely not be easy. If I were in the states, I at least could hook up with another squadron temporarily, but not up in Canada. And it's just too far away to make short trips back down south just for CAP.

So next week I'll be doing my flight review with my original instructor, and back in the DA-20. I'm looking forward to getting back up in the air as a pilot rather than as a passenger. But with so many months away, I have some studying to do. On the plus side, it will be yet another new experience along the path. And it does appear that I am headed in the right direction, bumps or not.