It's Funny How One's Mind Changes

Things have been quite quiet. Well, on the aviation side of things at least. I’ve done very little flying, but last week Wednesday I wrote Radio Aids, and yesterday I decided to take a flight up to Malmesbury. I had the whole of the GFA (General Flying Area) to myself, so that was enjoyable. I've also hit the 90-hour mark (finally!).

My Matric final exams have started, but of course every time I sit down to try study, I get bored and end up thinking about flying, naturally. And that resulted in me pondering about the human mind...

It’s weird how one’s thoughts, opinions and ideas change over time. A few years ago I was positive that I’d fly for the RAF. Then I decided no, I’m going to be the second female fighter pilot in the SAAF. Every time someone asked me what I was going to do after school, my answer was always “Fly for the SAAF!”, and they’d ooh and aah.

But then last year I started to wonder if I should fly for the SAAF; 16 years is a long time, and what are my chances of actually making fighter line? I decided that I would apply anyway; that way I could say that I tried, and move on with my life.

It’s been about a year since I applied, and I haven’t heard from them, so I think it’s safe to say that I didn’t make it. But that doesn’t really concern me too much. Yes, it would’ve been nice to get a letter or something (I didn’t even apply to the Royal Navy yet they sent me a letter and a whole lot of info explaining why I wasn’t eligible to join), but I guess that this IS South Africa.

But I’m an indecisive person, and I’m forever changing my mind. So now I’m thinking “Maybe I should apply again. Who knows, I might make it this time.” But still, 16 years. Yes, someone told me that as you get older, 16 years doesn’t seem like all that long. But I mean, 16 years!

Yes, I could finish my CPL, get my Instructor’s and then go fly in the Bush for a year or two, then give the SAAF another go. But I don’t know. I’m definitely going to get my CPL and my Instructor’s rating (hopefully before the end of 2011).

Maybe I’m worrying about nothing. If my marks aren’t good enough (right now I seriously doubt my maths marks will be good enough), then there’s no point in applying. Maybe then I’ll stop chopping and changing my mind every other day.

Hmmm...