Today is 080808! These last two days have been pretty stressful because I’ve had to take three pretty tough tests. The first one was a systems test over the 747. Systems tests are over the mechanics of the airplane, like how the hydraulic, fuel, pneumatic, and other systems work, and how they integrate together. This is the type of stuff a pilot needs to know to have a working knowledge of what’s going on inside the plane he is flying.

I also had to take a second systems tests covering the differences between the different types of 747s that Cathay flies. Finally, I took a math/performance calculation test to see if I could work the numbers manually. There are four different ways to calculate our performance numbers automatically, but, in that one rare time that all fail, I can dig out my calculator and save the day, I guess. 

I passed all three tests and am proud and relieved to have that all behind me. It’s a much needed hair cut for me this afternoon, and then a short weekend before I have to kick it into high gear again, as we start learning about the emergency equipment on Monday. That part sounds like fun — in the pool working with life rafts, sliding down emergency slides from the cabin door, and more. After that, it is into the simulator — both fun and terrorizing.

The sim could be the biggest challenge while here in Hong Kong, because it’s the toughest part of the learning process. But with challenge comes great reward, and if I keep it up and study hard, that too, will be hurdle passed.