Alex Graduates! And more...

Alex showed up Tuesday with just five flights left to complete the PPG2 requirements. Conor, Greg, Jeff and Curt were all there too. Alex even brought along his better half, Reba, so he could show off his newly acquired skills.
Conor’s flight count is nearing the halfway point and we are adding skills to his arsenal rapidly. Alex generously offered to let Conor go first. Conor executed four flights then turned the gear over to Alex so he could finish up, they are about the same weight and are therefore using the same setup.
Alex wasted no time cranking out the last few remaining flights. I threw one last challenge at him and that was a touch-and-go, a task that isn’t as easy as you might think. This maneuver requires a near perfect landing and then immediately transitioning into taxiing, a quick glance at the wing to confirm its good to go again, then smoothly back on the throttle. Lots of things need to happen correctly in rapid succession to pull it off successfully. Alex did great! His first attempt was a bit rough but he did it. His second attempt was much better, he made it look pretty easy. Way to go Alex and congratulations on earning your PPG2 rating!!
When Alex was done he gave the rig back to Conor so he could continue training. Conor and I quit flying a few minutes before sunset. Then it was back to the hanger for a couple beers with Curt and Greg. I love this job!