After the weekend of relaxation and a confused sleeping pattern (thanks Jet-lag), Monday morning saw us back to work with our induction at CTC's primary flight training facility, Hamilton. For starters, as would be expected from a big FTO (Flight training organisation), the facility itself is very impressive, and it's quite a sight when the apron is covered with CTC aircraft. We had a very gentle introduction to Hamilton, a tour of the facility (including the DA42 simulators which I will start in), met the head of base ops (our go-to for all things pastoral), and finished with a quick look around some of the aircraft which were not in use. After that we were lucky to get an early go, which meant we could pop down to the Waikato river for a swim in the 26 degree heat; and this is meant to be Autumn! 
There are worse views from a bedroom!
The rest of the week our group were back in ground school (apparently I didn't escape) going through the differences syllabus as well as Air law, both required before a cadet is allowed to perform solo cross country. Unfortunately, the New Zealand authorities feel there are enough differences between the syllabus in Europe and here, so we need to be examined to ensure compliance with the rules. On the plus side I got 100%, but the exams aren't over yet as we have the New Zealand Air Law exam on Friday. Just too lucky!
Given that by next weekend we will all be on roster and therefore unlikely to be off together for the rest of our stay, we decided to go to the beach at Raglan. It's one of the better surf spots over here, and even if you don't want to attempt to stand on a plank the scenery is immense and the volcanic sand feels incredible between the toes! I did have a go at surfing, but the waves were pretty small so it wasn't long before my arms were fried from all the paddling! 
And finally, on the way home we went to a spot called the Bridal Veil falls. It's not an especially large river, but the falls drop 55 metres into an ancient volcanic crater, so the view is like something our of a story book! So for those of you in ground school, or those thinking of applying I can honestly say the most beautiful country in the world is waiting for you........and specifically for those in ground school just get through it, it's worth the effort!
Tomorrow I have the first of my 'mass briefs', which are whole course briefings on the upcoming flying programme. Hopefully we'll get into the simulator on either Wednesday or Thursday, and ill feel like the flight training has begun! Have a good week!
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