[Steve and Rae]

Waking up again for a 07:00 flying slot was a bit difficult, but luckily doable and worth it. The morning was colder than yesterday. Me and Daniel took off and started to practice circuits. In a crosswind, flying forwards at askew angles, looking out of side windows to see what direction we are going in is really cool.

After the flight I headed to Daniel's office for the debrief. Stik Stinghle, director of training, was speaking to someone outside of the office next door. He told me that I had a flying assessment later in the day with a CAA instructor in order to get my SPL, as I was the one who had gotten through the medical board. It was like music to my ears, absolute relief if anything. This has without doubt been the most stressful time of my life.

Then about two minutes into conversation of fine-details, he asked what my surname is again. After I told him he then informed me that it was in fact Steve who had gotten his medical. From hero to zero in a matter of seconds. No PPL, not even a solo without an SPL. My heart fell out of my backside. Of course he apologised profusely for the slip up.

On the way back to my room, I'd passed Neale and told him the news. Then I went to GS, which had nearly lost all meaning or purpose as I was absolutely outraged and livid. Neale had told the rest that I knew, but they didn't press me too much - after all we were sure of a briefing on it from Stik and George Stewart during GS anyway.

Soon enough Stik pokes his head round the door and the rest of the class is temporarily evacuated. He and George Stewart seemed genuinely sorry for the SACAA medical board's decision, but their hands were tied. Paul didn't seem to mind too much, Ben was far more impacted - he had already delayed his flight and vowed to pay for an extra week to ensure his gaining of a PPL.

I got Stik to show me the email that Wendy had sent Sue Whitby, detailing the reports required for a re-assessment. Curiously enough I found the sent date/time to be yesterday morning, and that George Stewart had received a copy; contrary to his flat denial of having any information.

Anyway, the CAA find me unfit and won't review the situation until they receive the following:
-Neurologist Report.
-Cardiologist Report.
-Orthopedic Report.
-Occupational Therapist Report.
It takes a month to see a specialist here, and the medical board only meet once a month. I have absolutely no chance. There can be no doubt that if this were all done before we even came out here then maybe we'd have a fairer shot.

After a short rally of questions, they left and the rest of the class came back in. Some colleagues seemed quite sympathetic, of course they can relate to how they'd feel with their wings clipped. Du Toit could see I was burning and said I'm free to leave if I want, I stayed. His humour and the class' banter was better than sitting in silence and seething.

When GS was finished we went to the canteen and had some tea/coffee, accompanied by bitching and moaning about the sorry situation. Then as evening rolled around, the Solo Party took place in the bar. Instructors and students congratulated those who had flown solo in the past month, it was very bittersweet for me. I was so happy for Rae who out and out has been the leader of the class in terms of ability and success, but then there was also the stark reminder that I'd not go solo and share in the success.

Anyway soon enough we all hit town and forgot about, or rather ignored the massive blow dealt today.