[A CityGolf - everyone drives around in these. Basically a Golf Mk1, which is considered a "classic" in the UK!]

There were definitely a few highs and lows today. We didn't do GS because Du Toit was off celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife. Instead Buck Buchanan, Chief of Flying Operations, gave a safety and awareness briefing, which was surprisingly enjoyable.

After this I went to Wendy and asked if she had any good news about the SPLs. She didn't. Instead she had bad news; only one of us four FSD/RIAT students is being granted an SPL, but the SA CAA will not tell us who until their minutes are published on Friday. I was absolutely shocked, speechless. The bureaucrats strike again.

Rob Armitage came and spoke to me and Ben, getting a feel for how many hours we have so far and how long that we have left. He seemed very concerned and again assured us that he is doing all he can. He's a straight up guy and I appreciate his efforts, even in the face of difficult circumstances. I collared Daniel as he arrived and enquired as to why I had no flying slot that day and if one could be made available. Unfortunately he was fully booked, but then Rob found another instructor, Ross, who's student wasn't flying.

Echo-Echo-Golf was already occupied, so instead we took up Echo-Echo-Bravo. The sodding standard seat rails again completely stopped me from operating the rudder properly, I'm going to ask the guys at the AMO if any other aircraft has extra notches like Echo-Echo-Golf. Anyway, today we were practicing circuits. Unfortunately the air was very turbulent and things weren't as smooth and precise as I'd have liked. The crosswind was intense, even though I shouldn't be doing, and haven't been trained in crosswind landings, there I was fighting hard to get it down in one piece. It did push me beyond my ability and I started getting riled up in frustration, Ross was very patient and helpful. We battled on and did about 4 circuits with touch and go's before calling it a day, the last landing being the best one in terms of correctness and smoothness.

Lunch came around and after my meal of hot, yes you guessed it, chicken, my mouth was pounding with pain. Cold drink helped ease the pain temporarily. Finally I gave in and asked for an appointment, especially as I had no further flights in the afternoon. Got to the dentist about an hour later and had an X-Ray while fearing an ab sis or something equally nasty. The dentist said that my previous filling was a rubbish job, which has been causing the problem with trapped air - explaining the hot/cold problem/solution. Drilling, drilling and more drilling took place before he set a new filling. He said that it'd need a route canal, but best off doing it in the UK, as it is recommended to leave time in between. Just after going back to the reception I started getting all faint and losing hearing/sight, the last time I did that was when in hospital with a broken bone - so I reckon I have some sort of allergy/reaction to Anaesthetic. Anyway, after all of those fun and games, it was such a relief to be pain free with a full set still intact.

In the afternoon Neale, Rae, Waldo and I went into town for various bits and pieces, before heading on up to a farm nearby 43 which had vacancies for their two person bungalows. Neale and Waldo fancy moving away from 43 "cuisine" and accommodation for the rest of their course. I don't blame them, after all they are going to be here for over a year.

Back to 43 for dinner, before having a very quiet session in the bar with a few games of blackjack. Managed to get in contact with Mum and Dad again tonight, so at least today ended on a high note.