What makes a Legend?

Its a word thats flung about the place particularly often, and many people would argue that it is an integral part of our magnificent language in which we communicate.  In recent weeks however for many people (I say many people I think the actual figure would be far higher than we could ever predict), the word Legend has maybe at last lived up to its true definition.

Since the last defeningly tedious update life has continued to be nothing short of manic, yet at the same time enjoyable whilst making dare I say even progress through the incredibly steep learning curve that is the Line Training.  Its slightly memorizing, perhaps is the correct phrase to see the logbook which has for so long lay stagnant on my desk start to spin through the pages as line under line is logged with another epic adventure in the magnificent 737.  So far destinations include the likes of the Canaries, Cyprus, Norway and Scandinavia, the Baltics as well as Spain and Northern Africa.  I think in one day last week I managed to clock travelling to 5 countries in about 14 hours (the latter as a passenger going home) resulting in an unsurprising 48 hours in bed following on as a result!

Looking out from the window last week, I couldn’t help but to enjoy the stunning panorama on offer out the window and whilst a huge amount of hard work goes into getting there-  there is no doubt that there are people who I couldn’t have got here without, many of whom with such passion and love of aviation have inspired so many to go out and achieve.

If you look hard enough back through this desperate drivel on here, you’d find a quote in one of my first few ground school posts from FTE, where as a young timid newcomer to FTE I see an instructor pondering his way across to the bar and ask what is the easiest way to get into town.  The reply came something along the lines of ‘you lie in the middle of the road, get hit by a car, call and ambulance and that will take you into the town.. that is the easiest way’.  From what I’d heard from Mr Wood I almost guessed that it might have been Vic and even by the quote itself people around the school were quick to agree that it could have been none other than Mr Swanepoel.  Sure enough they were all not mistaken, as a few days later he gracefully walks into our first Principles of Flight Lesson, in silence inspecting each course member before coming to our Norwegian counterpart’s name badge proclaiming ‘SOPHUS……….. WHAT THE F…..!’

Vic, a South African (a veerrrry proud one too) was never too slow to pick up on the fact that globes are the wrong way up.. with that tiny little island at the bottom of the world being totally insignificant in contrast to obviously South Africa at the top of the world…  Being an ex Helicopter pilot, he was never afraid to answer most questions in POF with a simple ‘we’ll I can but you can’t in your fixed wing limited s…’! Vics’ reputation, was largely based by students on the fact he openly criticised one out loud to anyone in a crowd and was always there in lunch to approach (normally me in particular!) and openly humiliate in front of the entire room!

It was ironic last week, as coincidently I was rostered to fly with an old friend from FTE no less than Mr Ackerley himself as my acting safety pilot across to Bratislava and Zaragoza for the day.  During the course of the day, the LTC was explaining bits and pieces about the aircraft but at various points I couldn’t help but smile as I could almost hear Vic in my ear teaching it, as he did those very points to us back at FTE.  Nonetheless the topic in question I think for both Steve and myself was a mild shock to the system!  The only difference with the LTC is that the standard ‘You b. English are useless..’ did not conclude the explanation on the flight deck!

Vic Swanepoel died on Boxing day, following almost a year long battle with cancer in his home country South Africa ending the life of a greatly loved & hugely well-respected gentleman.  His inspiration spoke for itself, when the news came out even from the www, his very own ‘Appreciation society’ became rapidly swamped with tributes and condolences from the many hundreds whom his life had touched.  Much of them, looking back on his life reflecting on the many quotes from hilarius lessons and general sense of humour, which broadly speaking just simply doesn’t exist in the same way!  A passion for quality (Italian Engineering, I never told him but he was right!), Style (The Alfa is a nice car), the finest on Wines and the most marvellous jokes delivered to the utter abyss of political incorrectness yet with the faith of a heart of gold.  Perhaps most of all, the ability to inspire people into this most fantastic career- passing over unbounding knowledge and experience with a smile, whilst always going out of his way to ensure that his Students knew they were wrong! The many hundreds who he taught (potentially thousands?), have almost all gone out into the career now and are flying aeroplanes of varied descriptions right around the world.  One thing they have in common however, is to have known Vics’  great character whilst all at the same time each have been utterly humiliated for certain by Vics most marvellous jokes.

I thought it was fitting to put a little something up here, I am sure I speak for everyone he knew in feeling privileged to have known and be taught by him and as a result of the most evil of illness’s many more people who share that same dream are denied that very chance.

To answer the above question, for one just to wake up each day knowing that at some point during the day one would be laughing out loud, learning about the real world (not the one we just tend to accept and get on with), whilst enjoying the education of a lifelong dream- from someone who (inside!) generally really cared about your success..  Thats how I’ll remember Vic, and thats why I think that he’s a Legend.

I bet I’m not the only one.

Rest In Peace Vic.

100 Reasons for a Happy Christmas.

I guess you could almost describe it as being a bit like a job really.. set the alarm clock, join the traffic, go to work, do your daily bits and pieces, and then when all is finished you drive home again.  If one would refer to it as a  job however, it really is without question the best job in the world..

Since the last update I learnt that my line training base was to be the Charleroi, in the French Speaking area of Belgium about 60miles South of Brussels.  Whilst it wasn’t one of my immediate 3 choices, there was lots of good feedback floating around about the base itself in particular the friendliness of all the crew and pilots.  However, on the downside it is rather a mission to get to from London with no direct flights and thus the most practical option for me was the train, thus I was treated to the pleasure of the Eurostar under the channel- on one of those most famous and glamorous train voyages from London to Brussels.  On arrival I was then treated with more joy in trying to understand and make sense of the Belgian rail network, but thankfully the beauty of having one of these iphone contraptions signifies that to be honest.. you just tell it where you want to go.. and it takes you there- giving train times, platforms.. making things rather easier!

The following morning, I guess was similar to the first day of any job when you wake up..  rather terrifying but at the same time, just the most amazing drill of excitement.  It was pretty daunting walking into the crew room for the first time, especially amidst the buzz of the 5am morning ‘rush hour’ but I must say that everyone was so friendly and welcoming into the base which did make it much easier.  Having done as much of the paperwork as possible, the captain arrived- carried out a brief and then the next minute we were setting up the aircraft while in the corner of my eye.. I could see my first passengers boarding the aircraft.  For my first day, the captain was fantastic, a really nice chap and extremely relaxed on the flight deck making the whole experience much easier & have no doubt that will be flying with him again later on in Line Training.  With the checks complete, pushed back, taxied out to the hold to see the centre line racing away to the horizon and then ‘you have control’.  Throttles to 40%, then to/ga and we were off- the first commercial flight was underway!  With passengers on board the added weight is certainly noticeable when you rotate, but it really is just the most fantastic feeling as you climb away watching the altimeter soar upwards and the houses disappear below.  Being my first flight, the Norwegians were clearly having a good day and decided to kindly change the approach from an ILS to an NDB.. which was just marvellous news signifying that my first approach was to be a non precision.. I guess welcome to the job really- but a fantastic experience.  Its amazing how much easier an NDB is when you have Lnav and Vnav as opposed to flying the seneca!

I think the biggest thing which I’ve taken from my first week here now is simply that I have loved every single minute of it so far. Yes the hours can be anti-social, and it is extremely hard work.. but the view from that window is just priceless..  As well as Olso, I returned to Larnaca for the first time since the Legendary CCF camp to Akrotiri in 2008.. A long flight but with breathtaking scenery out of the window, crossing the Italian Alps, Macedonian Coastline, passing directly over Athens and then towards Turkey over the Greek Islands before getting descent into Larnaca.  It was nice also to be radar vectored in from the South of the Island, allowing the most beautiful view of Akrotiri and all the surrounding area which triggered a lot of the memories from those fantastic 10 days.  On top of Larnaca, I was back in Provence and Marsailles at the end of the week.. Marsailles a being really nice, short trip- yet I had been warned by Mr Wood for a rather complicated approach and again I wasn’t disappointed.. Perhaps the most challenging thing being the 4 Degree glide onto R31 and the runway looks very different when coming down a 4 instead of the standard 3.

There is no doubt it has been the most fantastic week gone by, and I only hope that it continues that way really.  Leading up to christmas I can expect Riga, Krakow, Las Palmas and Tangier..  All of which am really looking forward to which should make for some fantastic flying.

For now though however, two days off has brought with it some welcome time to relax.. Yesterday I trekked across to Brussels and had a look around the fantastic little christmas market over there, as well as to check out the various sights…  All the little ways to get into the xmas spirit but it was such a delight to see all the little stalls and chocolate shops.  A quick mention however also to say a massive congrats to all of my 100′s in FTE now who have just graduated it goes quickly eh?  I was absolutely gutted to have missed the ceremony but was delighted that Captain Tonna could be there to record and share the gossip back in the UK!

So from a Cold, Snowy Belgium I’ll leave it there.. and wish everybody a fantasticly Merry Christmas.  For as long as I can remember, the ambition of flying a jet on commercial operations has driven the persuit of that very cause.  This week has brought with it that very result, and it has been without question the best Christmas Present that perhaps I will ever have.  I will come back with another update before the New Year…

All the Very Best

A

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The Supernumaries

Following the excitement of last weeks extravaganza, the conclusion of the Type Rating brought with it the final step before the operation of the aircraft on the line, in the form of our supernumary jump seats.  These consisted of 12 mandatory sectors sitting behind the FO and Captain on routes travelling around the network getting used to the daily routines and the procedures which will become no doubt become 2nd nature in the next few months.  For the Supernumaries, we were given the opportunity to choose wherever base we wanted, making this much easier and as such for course FR 133x we parted ways and headed off back to our local bases.  For my part however, the nearest is Stansted.. and it really isn’t very near! I therefore selected a city I greatly enjoy and have numerous friends in their final uni years at, thus Bristol became the next best possible option.  As well as being a simple train ride from Reading, the city has a unique charm unlike many in the UK together with extremely friendly people which made the whole week all the more rewarding.  A delightful and extremly welcoming B&B awaited, and I couldn’t reccomend the Laurels in Winford enough to anyone floating in BRS in the future..

During the week, I’d say the whole of the type rating course came together as we all saw the daily operation on the 737 really fit into place.  Whilst we were all just observing, it was an opertunity to put into practice and get used to little things like paperwork, ATC and basic Cabin PA’s- all of which I’ll be honest was slightly daunting at first but is now I think we’re all feeling mildly more comfortable.  Perhaps most amusingly, was to get a phone call from a certain Mr Fahy on Thursday evening, who then applauded me on not cocking up (as much as perhaps he’d expect haha) as he heard some of my first few radio calls on Dublin tower that morning, as he waited for us to land so he in turn could take off!..  It is not uncommon as I understand it,  from FTE we me all be at different airlines but we’re all on the same airwaves..

As well as Dublin this week, its mainly been Eastern Europe with the sny’s taking me to 3 new countries including Slovakia (Bratislava), and Lithuania (Kaunas)..  Even from just viewing from the flight deck with the 25min turnarounds, its evident that these fascinating places are a world apart from the day to day reality of the UK, and have no doubt that in due course in this career these opportunities will become available to experience such places.  What was nice each morning was that almost every departure took us towards Compton and then over central London towards the North Sea.. a rather nostaligic sense perhaps but the most amazing feeling to see your own house from the flight deck of a 737 at 39,000ft.

So with the jumpseats over now I guess the next step awaits.. On friday my roster will come out and the dates and base for my line training will be revealed.. Slightly apprenhensive yes.. but finally at long last I’m going to be doing that very job for real.. which all that pain, stress and work has been all about.

Best and I’ll be back with an update soon.

A

The Base Training

Sleep… If I remember rightly for the most part of the previous post that word was perhaps the most frequent but perhaps also the most important, as recovering from our escapades in the sims really did take a wee while… I think I also briefly commented on it that I required another batch of root canal in my front teeth, which we won’t discuss but after a stinging attack with drills, injections and all these other tools of torture (and £250 out of pocket!) my ordeal was complete.. untill next time arrghhh!

It was pleasing to be able at long last to welcome Captain Kemp and Aviator Adam to East Mids as they begun SEP last week, and it was an absolute pleasure showing them around the beautiful elements of the M1 as we all trekked back up to EMA on sunday evening together..  The familiar sense of excitement and raw terror in evidence on their faces, almost identical to that of my own back on the 4th september.  However whilst they were beginning the course, I guess 2 months ahead our roster was ever so slightly different.

My remaining colleagues arrived the following day, and together we braced ourselves in Ghandi that evening- enjoying the marvellous hospitality of the ever flamboyant Manager in preparation for the following morning.  nervously that night we tried to sleep before the pre-programmed iphone alarms sounded and an unforgettable day was about to begin.

We met in the ever familiar sim building (all in our freshly pressed uniforms i haste to say..) to be greeted with our Captain for the day.. and after a brief introduction we were informed that due to low vis at East Mids we would be heading to Glasgow Prestwick immediately to make use of on paper, near perfect weather conditions.  Walking out to the aircraft and after a quick coffee in the terminal our Captain showed us briefly around the aircraft (in the Cold, Rain, grey etc..) before loading up, closing the doors and taxying out to the hold.  Perhaps the most terrifying aspect-on reaching Prestwick I was just ever so slightly nearving as we mentally prepared ourselves for the day.  The bonus to this however, was that the Captain allowed me onto the jumpseat on the trip over to Prestwick..  It was a bit strange really, as we were in cloud most of the way even up to FL260 but then just crossing Hadrians Wall it suddenly cleared and the most stunning panoramic photograph emerged in the windows.. Visibility stretching almost to the horizon, staging Snow capped mountains and crystal blue bays right out into the Scottish Islands.  It was almost a privilege to look at really, and whilst it was pretty amazing, during the approach to land the clock was winding down to zero hour and for the switchover.  After landing we taxied back to the holding point for Runway 31, and the Captain gave the request to the F/O to swap places with me in the right seat.

‘So then mate how are you feeling?’.. ‘The strongest cocktail of terror and excitement’ I think was the reply, but after the take off checks the call from the twr (still ringing in the ears), I advanced to 40%, and gave the call to set take off thrust.  The emotion was pretty hard to explain, being pressed right back into the seat watching the speed tape roll downwards.. ‘V1, Rotate….’ And we were flying.  Am not really sure what we were all expecting, perhaps the biggest surprise was just how light the aircraft felt, and with all the ‘power steering’ it felt no heavier really than the seneca.. In fact in many ways I’d almost say it was easier than the Twin to fly.. Turning downwind we carried out the checks before turning base and then final back onto R31..  I would say again that landing the aircraft felt no heavier than landing the seneca.. but everything does move a hell of a lot quicker.  The you approach the runway and it gets bigger much faster than the twin, before the American chap calls 50,40,30,20…. 10.  After bringing the thrust lever back and slowly pitching up the sense of satisfaction as you felt the main wheels (A LONG way behind you!) touchdown.. the nose-wheel slowly followed and then the Captain pushed on the power, flaps to 15 and off we went again.  6 Circuits later (and one orbit due to traffic.. dare I say it in a B737-800.. what on earth people on the ground must have thought!) all was over.  Looking back the Captain and F/O were both absolutely outstanding on the day and were fantastic at making us all feel at ease with what was a massive, massive step in our lives- walking out of the flight deck the smiles and feeling of elation on each and every one of our faces was incomprehensible as all five of us one by one completed our circuits.

During day sitting in the cabin, while each of us flew in turn the banter was flowing fabulously as each landing was critically assessed by each of us to give an average from a business class passengers perspective with grades out of 10..  Together we concluded that Adam was the comprehensive winner of the day, scoring an extremely impressive average of 9- with 2 invidual 10′s… one of which his first landing!  We were joined during the day by an RAF Tristar, who joined us in gallivanting around the circuit during the afternoon.. Prestwick is reknown for circuiters and the benefit of having outstanding air traffic controllers means they can handle more than one heavy jet in the circuit at a time.  It did make me reflect on the day that Mr Tonna forced the A340 to Go Around during his circuits in Jerez, as we were also joined by little warriors and Tomahawks trunderling about.

After all was complete, the Capt and F/O returned the aircraft to EMA.. this time the weather very clear and we had fantastic views of the Liverpool Docks and the Mersey.. passing Manchester and then coming in from the East onto Rwy 27 at East Mids.

Exhausted we all returned home (and albeit then out for a celebratory meal…) but with a real smile on a face in the knowledge that all that money, work, stress, fatigue, and Aspiration over not just 2 months but many years had come good, and goes to prove to anyone that if you really want to achieve something nothing is impossible.

The following day we were greeted by Owen, a fantastic SFI with a remarkably dry sense of humour, who basicly ran through a lot of the ops procedures we will have to be familiar with on the line.. before showing us around the crew room and how the day to day ‘job’ is going to be.

So thats it really.. I returned home Via Dublin to pick up my license from the IAA, and the connection at Dublin dare I say the SHOCK as both Pal and myself said bonjour to Captain Durand who happened to be rostered on it for his Sny’s yes that was a surprise haha.  This week I will be doing my own SuperN from Bristol in the West Country, and as I understand it alongside Adam, extremely excited but equally slightly nearvous as next week- I will be flying passengers.

A

LST

Ok.. yes I will now finally take time out of my busy life sleeping at home to update on how things have been going.  Ha- to be honest I almost feel it a privilege after the chaos and stress of the last 2 months to sit down and perform the art of doing nothing.. And to be able to read the most cherished piece of gloried nonsense that is of course the Daily Mail, for the first time since I started yes I also feel honoured.. Most all I think the words to describe how we’re all feeling right now- Satisfaction, and Excitement.

The final week of the Sims concluded on saturday, with the LST taking place at 10am friday morning.  Perhaps the biggest challenge of last week wasn’t so much to learn new material (since most of it was already covered) but more just to keep the wheels turning all the way to the finish line, draining every last drip of energy into the course to get to the end.  The last week we had our final sims, which included running LST profiles as well as the opportunity to practice low visibility operations, flying approaches in full CAT III down to the runway, giving us an idea of what we can expect potentially in real life in just a few weeks time.  Again I won’t go into too much detail but the grilling procedures kept coming and coming with failure after failure, before at long last the big day arrived.

Going into the LST all of us we we’re just completely exhausted, just completely spent on the weeks gone past.. but go in we did with heads held high, and all of us came out with a first time pass.  A huge relief and the satisfaction which one can imagine that resulted from this was just frankly unbelievable, to know that all the stress and dedication had come good a ticket to the best Office Window in the world.  I would love to say that night was spent in Nottingham, or a unique and exclusive night club in London- the reality is that we went no further than the local pub, enjoying a beautiful steak before crashing out early.  To follow at 4am, was not so pleasant as we had to return to EMT for our circuit training in preparation for the Base Training this week.. Again the expressions on all our faces told a 2month old story so I won’t go into it- only to say that walking out the relief that we could all go home and hit the decks was just amazing.

I returned home on Saturday evening, and dwelling on the 2 months gone there is no doubt that it was the hardest have ever worked yet to reach the other side is just the most remarkable satisfaction.. The next step is to Fly the Boeing 737-800 for real.  Crazy eh? Looking at the weather, it is highly likely that the base training will go ahead on Thursday but we all wait for updates with the latest.

So far the homeward comforts have been marvellous, and have never enjoyed so much.. Performing in town equally last night for the first time in months at the piano was great fun and something have much missed.  All was going well today, bar one little thing.. which may make life rather uncomfortable.. Those who have adamantly read this monstrosity throughout FTE may remember that I had to endure a highly enjoyable Root Canal treatment back in Jerez last year.. and I’m pleased to inform that whilst visiting the dentist this morning he  then was delighted to tell me after an Xray the problem hadn’t been fully corrected and I will now require more drilling and electric shocks.. I mean honestly- this is a nightmare.. Knowing the complications with flying and teeth and then enquired as to the best steps, before this chap then told me he was also dentist in the RAF fixing teeth of the many pilots and it would not be a problem to keep flying.  But still though, honestly.. the luck of my life- something goes well and Bam a small little niggle makes this difficult arghh..
Anyway I will leave at that for now- next stop is the real deal and the chances are will put an update up at some point as to how we all get on..

Best

A

The Final Push

Going into the final few days of the type rating, thought it just to update briefly on how things are going.. Between all of us I think the utter dedication of the course is now starting to show with a combination of fatigue, information overload and pressure with the coming exams now begining to take its toll.  With every sim it isn’t so much as a step up each time but more of a giant leap up and every single time you walk into the training centre its something new that you haven’t done before.  Over the last 4 sims we’ve had a different instructor who has taken us through perhaps the most demanding phase of the rating, throughout all just simply one emergency after another.  Faliure after faliure with landing after landing but slowely and surely we’re getting there and with every excercise completed puts a little more confidence and experience into the pocket in preparation for the LST.  Its now sunday evening, the check is Friday morning, followed by our circuit training early on saturday and then finito.  The end, of the beginning and to our understanding if good weather prevails (unlikely in the UK but we can always hope) we could be flying the aircraft as early as the following week for our base training.. Frightning eh?

Not a lot else to report really so will keep it short.. but perhaps I will say this.. The last 2 months have been without question the most demanding 2 months I’ve ever had, and both Chris and myself agreed the other day that it was the biggest challenge we’ve faced thus far.  No question the pressure will continue through line training, as we get used to the operational aspect of the flying jet- but then I guess it isn’t so much working towards a lifelong dream but more of living it as a reality.

A

Training in motion..

And so the Type Rating continues.. Now and quite incredibly its starting to push towards the glimmers of conclusion.  From this week saw the end of our fixed base simulator sessions and the activation of the motion signifying that we are now into our final 8 training flights in preparation for the LST.  So far would I say I’ve enjoyed it- for sure its been a fantastic experience getting to grips with the operation of a 60 tonne commercial airliner but certainly I wouldn’t describe it as calm and relaxed.  To be honest I almost feel as though despite how much work you do in preparation for each sim, your capacity is automatically halved from the minute you walk onto the draw bridge and the gate closes behind you.  It has been extremely hard work and often if one thing goes wrong at the beginning, the domino effect starts and part of the real challenge is to forget about the initial mistake and put yourself back into a positive mindset.

As I think I commented on before, the standard of instruction has been nothing short of Outstanding.  We’ve had instructors from all spectrums from young F/o’s with 3000 hours to commanders who have been in the profession for over 20 years with a bottomless database of experience.  All however share the same enthusiasm and are driven to really get the most out of each cadet in every simulator ride.

Since FB1 (which btw only feels like yesterday), theres no doubt that we all don’t really recognise the people we were back then with the distance we’ve covered in lets face it the best 3 weeks.  Perhaps the best way to describe it all is perhaps a jigsaw puzzle.. just a really big one.. except you have to do it blindfolded, remembering what each piece looks like and how the big picture fits together.  Slowly but surely we’re getting there, with myself and Chris (The Fantastic Crew 4) on the way.. Chris has been awesome so far- a grand help in getting the SOP’s together and ensuring we’re ready for each session.. this coupled with the most superb banter outside of EMT.  The sim sessions again I won’t go into too much detail, but heres a vid of the rapid decompression drill if its any interest.

I would go as far as to comment that life in the present is more or less 100% Type Rating orientated.. but still there is once a week time for break (believe me you NEED some fresh air!) and we’ve made no exception with a visit to Ghandi’s without fail each sunday- and I should imagine that tonight will be no different..  I think for all of us when we come back to EMT (which we all inevitably will at some point) for our recurrency, the buzz and character of that frankly Hilarius Indian manager will always be something to look forward to and is really no surprise the place is always busy.  This afternoon I also managed an essential tick in the box for my stay here in Castle Donnington which was to include a visit to the internationally reknown F1 Collection at Donnington Racing Circuit..  What a superb museum with the most beautiful and iconic racing cars to replica’s and originals from the modern racing which we know today, all looked after and displayed in mint condition.  A sense of nostalgia perhaps? Looking at the old British Racing green and then what it has become today for sure, but a fascinating experience and a hugely worthwhile 2 hours of an afternoon.

I’ll leave it there for now, but perhaps will give you a flavour of a method which one particular instructor commented in one of the EMT corridors us with respect to landing the aircraft..  Imagine the centreline lights on the runway is Sienna Millar.. and let them run up the inside of your leg.  Now I only wish I had remembered that last night as we zigzagged down the R/w (together with the motion on yes all 3 of us were looking rather green afterwards!) but in general, both Chris and my own landings are coming on with the whole picture now.

Next week 4 sims.. followed further by another 2 and then the LST.. and then: The Line.

Take care

A

(ohhh also.. I got the uniform yesterday.. he’re a sneak preview and other highlights thus far)

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‘A learning curve? Its more like a vertical line’.

I thought I’d update briefly a week into the sims, only to give just a small idea as to give an insight into our lives over the last week and moving onwards into the fixed bases and then into full flight.  Like FTE time is flying (again..), and looking into our Rosters the dreaded LST is down for the 11th November well inside a month to go and then by the mercy of god following one more simulator session we will be flying the 189 seater Boeing 737-800 for real… the light at the end of the tunnel.

Having returned up here to East Mids on monday afternoon following some chill time at home, prep continued in the run up to the 1st sim on Wednesday.  Myself and Christophe (the fantastic Crew 4!) are paired up with Nils and Benjamin sharing each sim in turn and thus far I think we can all agree that it has been incredibly useful to watch and learn from everyone’s mistakes (probably most from my part!) to get more out of every session.  I won’t go into details on the details on each sim ride, as I’d rather this blog could be read by everyone and not just the avid followers of airliners.net but thus far we’ve covered two full flights start to finish.  Now though however, the more challenging bits and pieces will be added to the equation as the level is cranked up one notch to every sim.  I will take this chance to comment on the standard of instruction and quality of the SFI’s at Ryanair at least for what we’ve seen so far: The Upper level of excellent.  I have almost been taken back by how chilled they have been whilst at the same time picking up on your mistakes constructively explaining things through and ensuring that despite how silly the question might sound ( the chances are I’ve already made a handful this week!) they will never admit to it saying ‘no question is a stupid question’ ensuring you fully understand before continuing.

Are we enjoying it? For sure yes, but this week and I would imagine right up to the LST has been and will be perhaps the biggest challenge we’ve all ever faced..  Every time we walk into the sim building there is a feeling between all of us that if you really don’t work at this course it will eat you alive and spit you out again..  This morning I was chatting to a certain Mr Fahy who has just started on the line about 2 months in front of myself, and his reply to my comment about it being a learning curve describes perhaps how we’re all feeling it at the moment and thus merits the prestigious place on the title.  The simulator building is operational for the most part of 24/7, signifying genuine planning is required for sleeping patterns and rest periods (and not just relying on Red Bull!) to be on the ball.  So far we’ve had consistent times for each session, briefing at 5pm, Simulator from 1830 to around 2230 and then debrief finishing approx 2345-midnight…  As far as duty hours goes- welcome to the job.  One cataclysmic error last week, having a red bull at 9pm immediately before starting.. 5 hours later whilst wanting to go to sleep- you can see where this is going.

I’ll leave it there.. hope it hasn’t been to tedious, but from here to the LST life will be study and study will be life.  After however- Life will be Amazing.

A

Onwards and Upwards (at least in a simulator anyway)..

Okkkk.. three weeks into the TR and ye I guess there is one thing that all members of the illustrious FR133X can conclude as fact at this stage- it really has not been easy! None of us for sure considered this easy and sure enough we weren’t disappointed as the last 14 days has provided an endless onslaught of information to deal with.  Talking to one of the latest additions to ryanair last night, he did enquire as to just how challenging the work load would be and I think just for the information of all my 100′s at FTE currently.. mathematically the most demanding phases of FTE x110%.  However to now be sitting at the end of the Ground school phase of the type rating is a huge relief looking ahead to our first sessions in the multi (multi) million pound flight simulators here at East Midlands next week.

Theres no doubt its been hard, but it has been interesting and at times even enjoyable! As a course we’re getting on tremendously, but from now it is mainly focused on our individual ‘crews’ whom which we will each be simming together while pushing on to the LST.  The ground school phase itself is devised mainly of computer based study and classroom lessons, covering the main aircraft systems of the 737-800 as well as the Standard Ops procedures and performance.  Towards the end of the course, 3 exams then tested our knowledge of the material covered prior to releasing us for the simulators which are due to start next week.  Together across the board of exams we averaged a commendable figure as a course in the high 90′s which is a considerable achievement considering the volume of work in the course and the time available to study it.  Some people have asked me has the type rating thus far been fun, and to be honest I think that I’d find few who would agree that that would be the right word.  Has it been interesting?  For the most part yes- and after all it is material that we want to be learning about but the stress of the exams and daily schedule for sure has been telling on all of our faces thus for sure it is a huge relief to be through.  Will it be Enjoyable? Judging on the stories and the experiences of those on the line, the chances are it will be better.

There have been various highlights however of the past month, a night out in Nottingham for example a week ago being one of them.. I would comment at this point that whilst I’m not particularly familiar with Nots, I do have numerous friends at the Uni there who all offered good advice on the best places where I could take my European counterparts.. Unfortunately both by getting lost and through confusion I selected a particular bar opposite the famous Oceana, which as those local to Nottingham will understand all too well to be what it is.. As a result an Emergency evacuation drill covered during SEP was required to vacate the area.  Going out in Nots was unsurprisingly very different from Jerez (frankly I much prefer the Spanish nights but there we are), but as a course it was great to get to know everyone that little more in an environment outside of talking shop.  I will comment also of the Fantastic Indian cuisine available at Ghandi.. to which we are now incredibly familiar.. I can’t leave out the rather ‘colourful’ owner who now knows us all by name in particular my sim partner Chris, and leaves nothing to chance in ensuring we enjoy our evening.. including not allowing us to order meals he considers ‘not good!’…

The ground school phase has resulted in a few treats, not the least following the issue of my East Midlands ID pass being able to visit the Air Traffic Control tower.  This was the first large airport tower that I had been up and I must comment that it was a fantastic experience, not least to be able to actually meet the people on the other end of our comms to the ground.  The controllers were terribly friendly (just like everybody i’ve met in the midlands thus far but will comment on that later..) and were kind enough to let us take some pictures of which I have shown below.  Perhaps the most amusing part of the trip was the phone ringing in the radar room, and the resulting conversation being heard as: (ring ring) ‘ Hello Air Traffic… right.. so how many balloons do you want to release.. one thousand.. righttttt!’.

Following our final performance examination on wednesday, I decided that with my FTE uniform and ID pass to have a go at getting a jumpseat ride from East Mids on Thursday morning.  Was I realistically expecting to get one well I had my doubts, but after passing through security and talking to Servisair I was thrilled with the opertunity to fly on the Jumpseat on a rtn service to Palma.  It was the first time that I’d sat in the front of a 737 and what a superb experience it turned out to be, taking off and turning south towards London (flying directly overhead my house at FL390) crossing the channel and then across France towards the Med and island of Mallorca.  I could talk all day about it but I have a funny feeling that theres a fair few more flights to come in the 737 thus all I’ll say at this point is that having seen what the light at the end of the tunnel looks like I really don’t want to mess this TR up!  I must say that the Captain and FO were incredibly kind to allow me to sit on the front and I must thank them so much for the opportunity to do so, in particular for putting up with my never ending selection of questions.  A rather concerning part of the flight however, whilst the passengers where getting off one approached and having seen my uniform enquired if I was the pilot.  When I replied ‘no just an observer today’, his reply of ‘well thank god for that- you need to finish school first!’ was as I understand it a taste of what is to come and according to the likes of Mike Wood and Max Williams something that I will need to get used to!

Otherwise for this weekend am back home again, albeit briefly before returning to EMA on monday morning to prepare for my first simulator ride on weds afternoon.. At present our LST is due on the 13th nov (yes like a month away!) and then it is the real deal.

For now I’ll leave it there, but heres some snapshot highlights of the few weeks just gone.  I will also take this opportunity to thank Martin Johnson and his team of premiership footballers for utterly embarrassing us as a nation, not to mention the fact that on my course there are Welsh and French Members thus I can online imagine the jokes that will be on offer come next week.

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A

New Job, New Aeroplane.. Thus of course a New Look blog.

Ok forgive the title, sitting here mildly anticipating the next few months and the cascading volumes of work ahead… its about time to start off fresh.  I trust all is well.. since my last update back in August, life as I think I mentioned back then continued to twist and turn through various tunnels and open spaces before the start date at East Midlands on the 5th of September.  For the main part it was all positive but again the ever continuing rollercoaster spiralled on,  and I think that the resulting outcome for those that were in touch was more of a reality check and thankfully nothing more, thanks to the professionalism of the Doctors and Nurses at Wexham Park Hospital in Berkshire.  Still though after having waited at my fathers bedside for the best part of a week in hospital the another given decided to play havoc… in hospital that is where sick people are, hence forth that is a prime place for virus’s and germs to hang out and cause chaos to other undeserving individuals= hence forth I spent the following week with flu in bed: Not Impressed.

On Sunday the 4th September my journey was to begin and begin it did from Maidenhead station on a train bound for London and then East Midlands Parkway where the 737-800 Type rating course was to begin.  Two things struck me during that journey: Firstly, the Pride at which we chummy brits can look at St. Pancras station and marvel at those fantastic Olympic Rings and secondly, is it actually possible to build a railway station more in the middle of nowhere that East Midlands Parkway? My first thought as I got off the train was to look around and contemplate what the crew of Apollo 11 would have thought if they had accidentally landed there from the Moon, and figured that the conversation would have likely ended ‘s*** Neil we’ve gone the wrong way’.

My accommodation for the first week was to be at the incredibly comfortable Lady Gate Guest House (link to on here) in Diseworth quite literally 1mile from East Midlands.  With two of the most welcoming owners I couldn’t have felt more at home when I arrived and that continued throughout the week thus if there are any ryanair cadets looking for accommodation at EMA I couldn’t recommend it enough.  Staying across the Corridoor, Carlos, a course mate for FR 133x showed up shortly after I arrived and the banter immediately began.

The following day amidst the nerves and anticipation for a new day of any job, we arrived at the East Midlands training centre where our induction day was to begin.  Our Course, FR 133x (the ‘x’ for Extra- we’re clearly a popular course..) is a fantastically multi national set-up, with people from all over the place including France, Germany, Spain, Holland, Italy, Norway and two lonesome Brits to include myself.  Thanks to the ingenuity of Carlos most us had already met thanks to the thrills that is Facebook but it was great to finally meet each other in person.  It was nice also to meet my crew partner, and coincidently will be sharing a house with him from next week which will be useful no doubt when it comes to the SOP bulk of the course.  All in all though, it seems that we’ve got a fantastic course and we’re all looking forward to the next few months. For the first day, it mainly included paperwork, paperwork and ye pretty much more paperwork and we were introduced to the main files, manuals, and all the other bits and bobs which are going to send us through the rating.  At the end of the day I think we can all safely describe our physical states as exhausted and required the combination of a rather large pint and a good nights sleep as a result.  That combination we all got and the next day began the CRM phase of our induction week.  CRM, a hugely important aspect of operation on the flight deck and I think that for the two days we all can say it was not only hugely informative and eye opening but also presented in a very enjoyable manner to keep us going.  This involved team exercises, presentations and looking through examples of various accidents in the past, why they happened, what went wrong and the error chain which led up to the problem.  For the final three days, we were introduced to safety and emergency procedures which included our most anticipated part of the week which was the practical element.  Learning about the systems and procedures which protect the crew & passengers from potential emergencies was again like the CRM incredibly interesting to understand what is the correct plan of action.  On friday, we were then put into practice the previous days classroom tuition starting at 8am by jumping into the local swimming pool fully clothed, donning lifejackets and singing a song.. yes singing a song-its actually part of the objectives.  Still though with no lack of enthusiasm we triumphantly broadcasted ‘you’ve lost that loving feeling’ to a level which even Tom Cruise would find embarrassing however receiving not so much as a ‘thankyou’ from the fellow swimmers with whom we shared the pool that misty friday morning.  The day continued with practical smoke and fire exercises as well as the operation of the doors and perhaps the bit we we’re most excited about: the slides.  I guess we all expected a towering cavern amidst a burning inferno to which we only we’re to have one chance of escape via an inflatable CO2 pressurised slide.  In reality, no it wasn’t quite like that but still again it was enjoyable and most importantly a opertunity to practice as close as possible to an emergency without actually being in one.

At the end of the week, we we’re treated to our first taste of the type rating in the form of three exams which concluded our induction week.  Thankfully we all got through alright with no problems and that leads the way now for the start of the ground school next week.  What was left for saturday afternoon was to watch highlights of the rugby (which we won’t discuss, only to say that with the hideous All Black kit to which England ran out with was an excuse enough for the South Americans to beat us.. pity really they didn’t cause they probably deserved to…) before racing back to London to join the family & the Nationwide Chorus to sing our great anthems at the Last Night of the Proms in Hyde Park.

Theres no doubt it was a stressful week, but it was a start anyhow and heading back to East Midlands on sunday I think all of us will be a lot more confident about the freight train of SOPs & FCOM’s bearing down on us over the next few weeks.  For now I’ll leave it there, I will try and update this when I can and for those of you especially my 100′s still running through now the last few months of FTE there is hope out there for you and I can assure you guys that things are picking up for when you finish..  Since I’ve started its been great to welcome Damien, Will and ofc Mr Turner to the club and I have no doubt that I’ll be seeing you at EMA at some point before Christmas.

Right… All the best and will be in touch

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