Transition from indoc to SIM and then IOE

BTpilot

BTpilot

Living the...dream?
So, I am finishing indoc this week and then systems for 2 weeks. Then, I will be doing the sim after a short break. I've really enjoyed indoc so far and am excited to keep going with my training.

Basically, I come from an airline family and have learned a lot of things to do on the line, etc etc. But a lot of you guys are in the regionals, whereas my family member is legacy and never flew regional type flying.

Basically, any backdoor strategies, advice, "way of doing things", etc that ya'll have would be appreciated. I will be living IN base so no commuting at this time.

Also advice on the sim would be nice. I will be flying the CRJ. I was an ATP instructor and did the RJ course and have been really digging into the systems review. I have some sort of exposure but not a lot. Anyone else have this kind of experience when they went to sim and have any words to offer?

Thanks in advance fellas! :beer:
 
From a former sim instructor:

- Take cockpit procedures training very seriously. Your preparation will pay huge dividends once you get in the sim. It will sometimes be boring, tedious, and unfulfilling. Just know that the better you perform, the quicker you'll be able to start the sim up and focus on flying.

- Don't "data dump" all that you learned from previous weeks once you get to sim. If the instructor gives you an ATIS containing an 11-knot tailwind, he/she is expecting you to catch it. Be able to apply the RJ and company's limitations in real life. Know how many feet are between runway edge lights and how many you/your CA needs to depart. Which brings me to my next point: in my teaching experience 10-9s are the most overlooked Jepp page.

- You are only as strong as your partner (to a certain extent). No, you're not going to wash out if your partner is completely unprepared. However, if you view your partner's shortcomings as a nuisance to your career and don't help him/her, I guarantee the sim instructor will pick up on it. I also guarantee that you have shortcomings that you might not be aware of. We all do!

- TAKE NOTES in the pre/post brief.

- Write down your questions.

- Behave, but take a breather and get to know your classmates. They will be your closest friends in the company.
 
In difficult points, think of it as a big video game and you're about to beat "the boss" at the end, instead of worrying about practical test standards, maximum deviations during maneuvers, and so on.

Even during a V1 cut the situation should still feel fairly relaxed. The instructors are there to train you, not watch over you and see if you already know how to do everything (although you should of course show up knowing the flows, profiles, and the agenda for that particular sim session inside and out).
 
I don't think you really need any special strategy. Just make friends and study every day. Take breaks on the weekends for fun. Personally, I use a lot of flashcards, that's what works for me. I probably have well over a 1000 of them, adding more every year. They consist of limitations, systems, oral type questions, operational rules/req's and I use them every year for recurrent. They are great for going through with a study group also.

As far as the sim; I came to the airlines without ever flying a sim before in my life other than microsoft flight sim a couple times (which I couldn't fly worth a damn). The instructors make it easy, Just do what they say and you will be fine. Know your profiles, flows and limitations cold at this point.
 
Thanks so far guys. I appreciate it.

No it is not TSA or Compass... c150 is on the right track though.
 
RPM said:
I don't think you really need any special strategy. Just make friends and study every day. Take breaks on the weekends for fun. Personally, I use a lot of flashcards, that's what works for me. I probably have well over a 1000 of them, adding more every year. They consist of limitations, systems, oral type questions, operational rules/req's and I use them every year for recurrent. They are great for going through with a study group also.

As far as the sim; I came to the airlines without ever flying a sim before in my life other than microsoft flight sim a couple times (which I couldn't fly worth a damn). The instructors make it easy, Just do what they say and you will be fine. Know your profiles, flows and limitations cold at this point.
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I agree in taking breaks but do it responsibly. One individual in my class started using her benefits to jumpseat to Europe on her breaks and needless to say she didn't make it through. use this time to study and knock it out so later you can relax and enjoy your travel benefits.
 
I wouldn't worry too much, there really aren't any tricks or easy ways to get through training. Just good old fashioned hard work, good attitude and persistence should suffice.

As far as the sim sessions go, sometimes you get a good instructor, sometimes not so good. It should be a relaxed environment. Remember to take your time, be deliberate in your actions and don't haphazardly hit buttons and pull handles. Discuss abnormals and maintain open communication, "self announce" the actions that you're taking. "Hey I'm going to talk to the people in the back and call company..........Ok...I'm back with you..." etc...

As far as the sim itself, you'll make errors both procedurally and with the flight parameters. As a former instructor in a very disciplined training system I can tell you the best critiques focused on only a few items. No laundry lists or errors. Focus on perhaps 3 items that occurred during the sim, what happened, why'd it go wrong, and how can you improve for next time. Hopefully the instructor has a similar process and just isn't throwing out laundry lists of, "you missed this call out.....you were ref+11 etc."

As far as how to do things on the line....I wouldn't focus on your family, how they did things and it being a regional vs major. We all have ways of doing things, each airline is it's own entity with it's habits and customs. You'll see when you get there.

Good luck .
 
Some great info in this thread. If I might add: Remember to take some time for yourself while you're in training. The best advice I ever received about initial training was from our Chief Pilot: "Eat three meals a day, have two beers with dinner, study no more than 3 hours a night, and SLEEP."

Do that, pace yourself, relax, and get through. You'll be fine.
 
Great advice so far, I have to agree with the rest. Hit the books hard but don't overdo it and be sure and take time for yourself. Our whole class usually went out Friday nights after class and took part of Saturday to relax, then we got right back to studying. Taking time off helped keep us sane and blow off steam. My classmates are some of my best friends in and outside the company now.
 
crazyjaydawg said:
Really?

I agree with all the advice here, but if you're a big fan of indoc then I think you need to drink more.
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Haha never said I was a big fan, but yea I'm having a good time because my instructor is awesome and I like my classmates.. As for drinking, I'm only 20. Drinking is illegal for me ;)
 
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