After lunch we had a class on entry guidance, i.e. what the software is doing during a landing. I know it seems like we have had several classes on this subject (and we have), but each one deals with a different segment of the entry profile. This one took up where our last class left off and dealt with how the software gets you all the way to the ground. Like the other entry phases, the software is constantly evaluating the Shuttle's energy state. The software is also looking at whether or not you are headed towards the runway and whether or not it thinks you will make it. You have to know what the software is up to to know whether or not you are getting appropriate responses if you are flying in an automatic mode or what information you need to evaluate if you are flying manually. In this class we had the first introduction to understanding the displays on the Shuttle during entry. Before, they always just looked like a bunch of random lines to me. Well, they still look like a bunch of lines to me, but at least now I know what the lines mean. Sort of. . .

My Tuesday morning was free so I spent time studying for my test next week. In the afternoon a subset of our class had another encounter with entry guidance. In this class we had to evaluate those mysterious entry displays and manually determine what adjustments needed to make to how the Shuttle was flying. Let's just say there was lots "public" math; a lot of math that must be done quickly. A lot of math that involves a formula that that can get you all "goobered" up (that is a technical term) with respect to negative numbers and subtraction. And, then, once you have the math answer, you have to translate that into how much you roll the Shuttle right or left. My brain definitely got a workout during this class.

Wednesday morning we had a review session with the instructors for our test next week. Our test is going to cover computer failures and a lot of the entry software topics. In the afternoon I had a one-on-one class on maneuvering the Shuttle in orbit. This class covered the basics of how the jets cross couple in directional control. Or, in other words, you quite often do not only go in one direction if you make an input on a hand controller in one direction. After this class I went flying. We went to an airport in northwest Arkansas and back. We had dinner while they were refueling the plane - darn tasty barbeque sandwiches.

Thursday I had to deal with another part of my annual physical. Because I am turning 40 this year, I have the distinct pleasure of having a mammogram. I have to have one yearly from here on out. I think I will refrain from commenting on the joys of this procedure. In the afternoon I had an evaluated lesson in one of the single systems trainers. This class was on the procedures dealing with the malfunctions in the maneuvering engines used on-orbit.

I did not go to any classes on Friday. I could not rustle up any T-38 flights, so I used the time to study and do home chores. The way I figured was that I was going to spend most of my Sunday studying for the test, so I might as well do my Sunday chores today.