FAR was pretty difficult. It could have been considerably worse, however. I feel pretty good about the 90 MCQs. One of the simulations was pretty rough. I didn’t expect the format or the content. However, the second simulation was fairly straight forward.
All in all, I believe I passed it. Many people walk out thinking that they failed. I am not one of them. However, it could happen. I didn’t feel as good about this test as I did coming out of REG (on which I scored a 97). However, “apples to apples”, I am still in the ballpark. Considering I’d still have passed REG had I scored 22 points less, that extra buffer might come in handy on this one.
Eitherway, I will not know my score until about November 23rd. Consdering it is only Oct 11th at present, I’ve got quite the waiting game ahead. I can either sit here and worry about it, or I can move on with life under the assumption that I passed and deal with potentially bad bews, if it comes, at the time.
I’m already spooled up for beginning test prep for BEC. That section is already paid for and scheduled for November 30th. I’ve got roughly 7 weeks to get this one under my belt. I have targeted out a reasonable timeline to get it all done. There are no simulations in BEC, so that is one less thing to worry about. My timeline is fairly steep, but I am going to make it happen. One FINAL push for this year!!! I’ll begin the AUD section before the year is out, but most of my prep will take place immediately after the new year. I do not have AUD scheduled yet, but will likely sit for it late January or early February.
My very last class required for the 5th year is coming up on 50% complete. The light at the end of this tunnel is getting pretty bright about now.
I must admit, as much as I love many things about this particular chapter of my life, I will be ready for something new when I am through with this particular game. I am ready to make money again.
I am expecting a stale job market upon wrapping up this CPA. As to what exactly happens, I am not sure. As of this moment, I am giving heavy weight to the idea of reentering professional aviation when the right oppertunity avails itself. However, I’ve worked so hard on this CPA, I am going to use the skills to create a little side business and specialize in aviation/pilot taxes. This way, in the likely event of a future furlough, I will have a hedge against the cycle.
Then again, I might not. The professional flying door will stay shut for at least 2-3 more years, so I have time to experience life outside in all its glory before deciding to pursue it again.
I am satisfactorily involved in aviation right now. I’ve got two students going and still have keys to a Cessna 150 I can fly whenever I want. Also, I got invited to a staff meeting at the flight school this upcoming week, which is flattering.
I’ve decided to get back in radio controlled airplanes and finish building a Piper Cub .25 airplane I started a while back. R/C flying is admittedly, sort of boring in many ways (flying in circles, etc). I’d rather be up there myself than just standing on the ground and staring up there. However, I do enjoy building the models, installing all the electronics, etc. I don’t think R/C will be a huge part of my life, but I would like to get more involved than I am at present.