Pete solos the T-6!

Peter had his initial solo in the T-6 last week. It was quite the big deal. Spouses are encouraged to come out and walk with them through the whole "getting ready" process and to watch their husbands do their solo. So a friend came over to watch Joshua and I met Peter at work. I walked with him to the step desk where he got all of the last minute details like: weather reports, bird alerts, winds, and which plane he would be flying. Then he got all of his gear on in the Life Support room and we took the shuttle bus out to the planes. Two guys from the Madison unit were my escorts and stayed with me and explained everything that Peter was doing as Peter got the plane ready and taxied down the run way. We watched as he did traffic patterns around the run way and his several take offs and landings. My escorts explained what he would be thinking and doing inside the cockpit and what he would be saying on the radio as well. All I can say is, WOW! He has really learned a lot and is a great multi-tasker! We took pictures by the plane once he landed and taxied back. Then, according to tradition, everyone who just did their initial solo got thrown into the dunk tank. (A old, metal tank that is always full of stagnant water!) It was a fun morning and so fun to see Pete in action.