Hello all...

I must apologize for not keeping up with my blog lately, since I am actually flying nowadays. I used to have all the time in the world to talk about my latest adventures with the CAAC. Now I have received my official work permit as well as my residence permit. I have my CPL license, although temporary, the official one should be coming soon. I have my aircrew security pass and now I have been checked out on the 737-800 on right seat. I have finally done it!!

It was all very sudden. The minimum requirements to apply for a line check as a First Officer is 25 hours on right seat with at least 5 take-offs and landings. I completed 50 hours before my instructor finally gave the word and asked me to get checked out. I could have asked to get checked out at 25 hours but I just didn't think I was really ready. So I let my instructor determine that for me.

It was pure luck as an Examiner was available to check someone out since he was on his way to Kunming anyways. Since we only have 2 CAAC certified examiners to complete these line checks, the opportunities are slim. So my check was completed on the Tianjin(ZBTJ) to Changsha(ZGHA) to Kunming(ZPPP) flight. The Examiner ended up being the VP of Flight Operations. He was on his way out to Kunming to complete a recurrent training session.

So I was nervous as hell but eventually I got through it. It got easier as I was concentrating on flying rather than on the Examiner. I was PF on both legs and the leg to Kunming was the most interesting one since it is a high elevation airport. Kunming airport elevation is approximately 6217 feet. So the landing technique is unique.

Now I am waiting for the paperwork to go through the proper stages. This might take about a week before it gets officialized and then I can finally get my FO raise. Yeah!

The company is working on 4 planes now. 1 500 and 3 300s. The 500 is a passenger aircraft and currently in Brazil. the 3 300s will be converted to cargo aircraft, which will take about 3 months. So I would say that the cargo operation will be starting up at the beginning of next year. OK Airways are working with FedEx for the cargo operation. So our flight time should be consistently pretty high at about 70-80 hours a month. And as soon as the cargo operation start, our hours should increase to 80-90 hours per month. The flight crew will be required to fly all types of 737 for passenger and cargo operations. Man....it's going to be hard work when the new year comes. But what a great opportunity to gain experience on these aircraft and gain flight time.

The company is now starting to look for foreign experienced Captains to fulfil the pilot requirements for the proposed new aircraft that are coming near the end of the year.

Anyways....good news for OK Airways, as planes are coming and hopefully money will be pouring in, and us pilots will be getting lots of flight time in.

'Til next time...