Travel Note 9 March 2008

The training is going well here in Hualien dispite the down days for the accident. They haven't found the aircraft or the pilot and I thing that they probably never will. The pilots are anxious to learn and learning well by making all the common mistakes. The instructors are especially eager since they will be doing the instructing soon. Another week here for me before I head back next weekend.

I spent the better part of yesterday touring Taroko Gorge. It was pretty cool! Lots of tunnels and marble everywhere. And the weather cooperated so it was a nice outing. The driver would drop us off at places where we would walk for a couple of kilometers and meet him again. It would be nice to do a more extensive hike through more of the park. Maybe another time.

It looks like my job situation is a little less tenuous as the new contractor has finally made a job offer which pretty much matches my current numbers. If nothing else I have learned that regardless of your job situation, your job search should be a continuous endeavor. We shall see what our team looks like after the dust settles.

Travel Note 5 March 2008

The last few days have been quite busy and rather long. We actually brief half the mission as opposed to sitting in the briefing to answer questions and correct misspeaks. With two missions to brief, monitor and debrief it makes for a long day. There is usually a simulator in there, too. But the pilots are eager to learn which is good.

Last night we got to feel the earth move! Just a little tremor which the locals probably didn't even notice but I could feel it in my room up on the 10th floor.

Today wasn't such a good day as we learned in the morning that the base lost an airplane last night. The initial guess is spacial disorientation as the the jet just fell off the radar scope. No news on the pilot but as of this morning they had not located him so I think they expect the worst. Bummer! Since it was one of the modified jets it leaves us with one less to train with. No flying due to the accident but we did get a sim out of the way. No flying tomorrow but some ground training with some of the instructors.

The food is not too bad. Perhaps I won't be shedding any pounds after all. You kind of have to try a little of everything and find the stuff you like. There's also enough American style food at breakfast (eggs, cereal, bacon, etc.) to get you through till dinner.

The job search continues in earnest! Resumes out, working on applications, making connections, buying lottery tickets!