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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