Aerospace

I got into the (free) Aerospace class this summer. Yay! The University, funded by Tennessee Dept. of Transportation, offers a class every year, with an advanced class every two years. It is a little weird, as there are four of us on the advanced list, but we sit in the same sessions as everybody else. The major difference (as the curriculum is not very different) is that we write a paper and do a different type of project (both easy).

The drawback - the class only lasts 3 weeks, and 3 days of the final week is a trip to Huntsville, home of the Space Museum.

The bonus - flight training. Monday and Tuesday were my days to fly, so I could complete it before having to be out on my pre-arranged trip. Monday was a refresher day - I remembered a lot but still had some brushing up to do. Plus it was super hot and humid, and I got a bit queasy in the back while my partner flew. Tuesday on the other hand was excellent. I knew what to do, checked my instruments, kept on my headings, stabilized the plane (using the trim controls rather than the yoke)...lots of fun and when it is that easy there is tons of time for sightseeing. The owner of the flight school mentioned there are a number of grants that will fund people to get a pilot's license, some with very few catches. It would be fun - I tell people it is no harder than learning to drive a standard transmission car, which is true.

No pictures from this year, though, since the camera is in New York with the family, enjoying sweltering temperatures. On the other hand, they are hobnobbing with NYTimes bestselling authors, enjoying various freshly made New York cuisine (mmmm....bagels) and all that kind of thing. I think they are going to the beach today (Jone's Beach, southern coast of Long Island).