Cleared for Takeoff: IOE Trip Three - The Holding Pattern Continues
As anticipated, IOE continues to stretch a little longer than planned. After multiple cancellations and weather delays during Trip Two, there were still unchecked items on my curriculum. So here I am, embarking on Trip Three, with fingers crossed that this trip will wrap things up—though given recent events, that might be optimistic!
Today's journey began earlier than usual. My report time was 9:25 AM, but since it involved deadheading to LaGuardia for a 10:00 AM departure, I wanted ample buffer time. Leaving the house at 6 AM meant missing goodbyes with my daughters, which was particularly tough. My wife later told me my older daughter rushed downstairs the first thing when she woke up, only to find I'd already left, leading to some early-morning tears. I'll have to make it up to her with something special after her daycare talent show—dad promises!
After a helpful tip from a former colleague, I decided to try parking in Framingham and taking the Logan Express to the airport instead of using the assigned company garage north of Logan. Though HR initially said they wouldn't directly cover the garage costs, they confirmed I could submit reimbursements, and the new garage plus unlimited shuttle access is well within my monthly allowance. The Google Maps pin took me to a garage under renovation, but directions soon led me two miles down to a temporary Logan Express location at a local mall. Thankfully, sorting out parking and hopping on the shuttle was swift and stress-free, and the comfy shuttle ride gave me a precious 30-minute power nap en route to Logan.
Once at Logan, my random TSA streak continued—I might as well accept this as a fact of life now. Boarding the deadhead flight, I was thanked profusely by the gate agent for willing to give up my seat for a passenger and take the jumpseat. The captain gently but firmly advised me against doing so, explaining the jumpseat should remain available for commuting pilots whose schedules depend on it. Lesson learned, and thankfully no harm done.
Despite the minor mix-up, observing the flight from the jumpseat was educational. Watching the crew handle operations provided valuable insights—always beneficial.
Upon arriving at LaGuardia, I grabbed a quick Wendy's lunch before meeting the new captain. Initially, I felt slightly intimidated; the captain appeared strict, meticulously noting each minor error I made. But that thoroughness was actually exactly what I needed, offering detailed, practical feedback. It quickly became clear he was invested in teaching critical, practical knowledge.
Our first leg to Louisville was mostly smooth until final approach. The autopilot suddenly deviated despite having captured both the localizer and glide slope. Though it only took me two seconds to disengage and take manual control, the captain emphasized it should have been instantaneous—another valuable lesson learned in the training phase rather than during a line check. Despite this hiccup, I nailed one of my best landings yet.
Post-landing, we discovered our next two legs were canceled—prompting a joking accusation from the captain about my "black cloud" of flight cancellations. Instead of the planned three-leg day, I ended up flying just one leg, now spending the night in Louisville.
Tomorrow originally involved four legs out of Boston, but it now looks likely we'll deadhead to Boston and complete just two flights, potentially pushing my IOE completion back again. The captain and I agreed to work diligently tomorrow to wrap up as much of the remaining curriculum as possible, aiming to position me for the line check.
Taking advantage of our unexpected overnight in Louisville, I reached out to a classmate, AO, who lives nearby and is off today. Looks like dinner plans might be in the works—a welcome chance to relax and catch up, turning today's uncertainties into a pleasant reunion.