I'm Coming Home

Well, the project here in California has finally come to an end. Over the weekend, we did a few long survey flights over the Los Angeles coastline at night! It was an amazing experience of dazzling lights and brilliant cityscapes! We finished our survey flights for the year and have since moved the base down to San Diego. This is where I've been for the past few days cleaning the plane and helping the tech. guys remove the survey equipment. It's been a long month, but one full of good experiences, new sites and a lot of learning as I've become fluent in the King air cockpit. Tomorrow morning, my Captain Wes and I will take off on a trek across the US. It will take us about 10hrs of air time to reposition the plane from California to Virginia. Baring weather or any other unforeseen delays, we should get back to Dynamic just in time for the Christmas party Friday night! Exciting!
Peace. -nate.

Rainbow

The Lord blessed us with our own angle on a rainbow in Monterey, CA. We moved base from Oxnard to Monterey yesterday. Only a week left, and then back to the 'wintery' Northeast!

COOKIE'S PRGRESS: Season of Life

The final paper newsletter I'll be sending out is on the way. If you have an email address or snail mail address and wish to receive a copy, email me at kialpha@hotmail.com. Blessings and

Happy Thanksgiving!

First Project Abroad

Oxnard, California

Sun rise on the West Coast.

On the 12th of Nov., Dynamic flew me out to Oxnard, CA for a three week coastal survey project. It's my first project so there are many things to learn from daily record keeping requirements to cockpit checklists. Not to mention learning how to live out of a carry-on suitcase for three weeks.

Out the left side you can see Santa Barbara, CA.

The type of flying we do here in CA is very unique. The plane is modified to carry very powerful cameras and lasers used to gather topographical/ bathymetric information. Basically, we're mapping the sea floor just off shore. It's mounted on the belly to give unrestricted views and an operator sits in the back to monitor the data and point us where to go. There's a lot of flying to be done and the project scope covers almost the entire US western shore. That is to say, I just might find myself here again before long on another rotation.

Lijen (Josh's wife), Josh and Myself watching the sunset over the harbor.

Each rotation abroad can range anywhere from a few days to four weeks. In some cases, longer. I've been here for a week now and have been blessed to meet up with some old friends from school who now live in the LA, CA area. Lijen, Josh and I spent the evening hours having dinner and catching up last week.

Low and fast over the coast!

Here we are gathering data close to shore. We fly in this phase of flight at 1,300 feet, which is quite low, and at about 200mph. As we work our way up the coast, the captain flies while I talk to ATC and vice-versa.

Mom and I in the Virginia hills.

Mom and Dad came down to visit just before I left for California. We enjoyed a fall weekend of driving through the painted hills with Pumpkin Spice Lattes in hand.

First Week of Work

My New Office in the Sky

(me, Mike, CJ)

These are some of the new friends I've made in the shop. At Dynamic Aviation, I'll be functioning as both a pilot and a mechanic. When I'm not flying, I'll be helping with inspections or fixing squawks. Though it's not a Christian environment, there are many fellow believers mixed in the crews around the hangar. I've been pleasantly surprised each day with the people I get to work with here.

The stress of moving to a new place, not to mention the sadness of leaving such great friends in Spokane, has made this season unique. God is in control and He is good! It has not been easy but it has been full of unexpected blessings. The Lord brought me here and I am ready to embrace this whole new stage of my journey through life. Thank you for your prayers.

One of my tasks has been actively seeking out a new church. I'm really excited to get involved and serve where I can here with the Believers in Harrisonburg, VA.

...for now, nate.

From Spokane to Buffalo

...our trip East started kinda' chilly**

We blasted off around noon (10/9) and found ourselves in a series of snowstorms through the Rocky Mountains. This was our first welcome to the East- white stuff ;)

After a day of driving, we reached Minniapolis where the Fleischers took us in (below). They are the parents of my flight instructor and great friend, Ryan. They welcomed us into their home for a warm meal and shower! Wow!...those two simple things never felt so great!

We made it home by Sunday the 11th after 42hrs of cruise control-cracker surfing^

I'm a Certified Flight Instructor- Yeah!

On the 8th of October, after a healthy 6-hour comprehensive examination,

I received my CFI License! Praise God! There were some very

alive nerves leading up to that day, but the Lord got me through.

Thank you for all your prayers!

I said my goodbyes to Moody instructors and friends,

and hit the road the very next day.

(my FAA examiner congradulates me above)

Dynamic Aviation

Thanks to all those who prayed me through the interview I had with Dynamic Aviation a few weeks ago. They called and offered me a position as a full time pilot/ mechanic! I accepted their offer and I am so excited to start Oct. 5! This is a picture of a King Air -200. It's slightly bigger than the kind I'll be flying but basically the same. I'm still planning to go through Moody's Flight Instructor Course, set to finish by late September. I'll drive from Spokane to Harrisonburg Virginia, where I'll be living with a good friend who also works for Dynamic. This is a happy update to write but at the same time a sad one. I will miss all my friends in Spokane VERY much!

New York City Excursion Aug.1 '09

This portion of Broadway was blocked off for a street fair. The aroma of fair food, the echoes of taxi horns and all the loud soliciting of street vendors painted an unforgettable scene to remember!

Walking down Broadway, on our way to Little Italy, we stopped to gaze at the atmosphere of bustling people at the bottom of this sky scrapper canyon. Thumbs up in Time Square!

We started the day with a venture through the green jungle of NYC's Central Park.This is the street corner at the entrance.

Tuesday morning at 9:30 I take off to Pennsylvania for a month!
Here I'll be spending most of my time with Jessica. When she's at work I'll be studying in preparation for the instructor's classes (CFI) which start in August, after I get back.