Seminar or test?

[hugh flung_dung]

Renewal time is looming up and I'm wondering whether to opt for the seminar or the test. Previous renewals have all been by test but my inclination is to try a seminar because a weekend away sounds fun and there's an opportunity to discuss a range of topics - but I've heard that some have been disappointing.
Any recent reports of seminars? Any recommendations?

[BEagle]

SEMINAR!! Without a shadow of a doubt as you aren't at the mercy of the UK weather. Plus it's a much less direct test and gives you a chance to catch up on the latest info and techniques.

[pitotheat]

Where are details of these seminars promulgated as I am facing the same decision in the next few months? How much do they cost? Are there good training providers that you recommend and are there ones that you suggest should be avoided?

[RVR800]

I would plumb for the seminar.

A good chance to meet some colleagues in the profession and mull over ones own technique.

I'll take my port and wine over by the fire there's a good chap...

[hugh flung_dung]

It looks like we're all agreed for once.

Having had a look through the dates I've just booked with Examiner Training Agency at Cambridge 3-4/Oct and will try to remember to report back. Has anyone else booked on the same one?

[CaptAirProx]

HFD, does this mean you are bottling out of flying with Groupie?????

I think a renewal flight test must be better. We all show our true colours when under stress - flying. At least our bad habits that we may have developed subconciously can be ironed out. Just as I think this renewal flight thing for you SEP(L) is a good idea. We all develop bad habits and it takes someone else flying with us to pick them up. Better than sitting in a hotel talking bar stories taking coffee and biscuits.
I think that if you are current as an instructor do the flight test as you should know all the latest gossip as that is part of being an instructor. If you our not a current instructor then I say do the Bull.... talk seminar to catch up on legal stuff and the latest methods, AND then do a flight test.
To many people these days think that they know everything there is to know about aviation. We all learn from each other particularly when flying.
So no boasting off to other instructors in the foyet for me. Try and cut the mustard and realise that we all need brushing up by flying with someone else who normally is much better at it than ourselves. It always is in my case!!!!!

[cessnababe]

seminar is a cop out! You can learn far more by doing the test with somebody good and reliable. The seminar could just be a big sleep - coward's way out!

[CaptAirProx]

Cessnababe, well said. Glad someone agrees with me!

They are all cowards.

[squeakyunclean]

Flight test for me. Went to Leeds last Nov and learnt (almost) nothing, although was warned at the start that this would be a refresher. Not good value. Seminar wins on guarantee against wx and failure due to lack of ability.

[hugh flung_dung]

CAProx: Top 'o the mornin' to yer, have you got the accent yet? :D
No, I'm not "bottling out", Beecham said "Try everything once except folk dancing and incest" (unfortunately I've already tried folk dancing!) so I'm being open minded. I've always flown with the boss before but the seminar seems like an opportunity to discuss some different techniques, cover a wider range of topics than a test and to have a couple of evenings socialising with like-minded bods. If it turns out to be duff I'll do the test next time.

[Hudson Bay]

After completing a seminar and with the required instructing hours (100) can anybody advise me how to revalidate my licence? Does it need to be signed or sent to the CAA?---------------- The seminar and hours have been completed in the required time set out by JAR.

[Airprox]

I'll do the test next time.

Seminar was a waste of time. :confused:

[Stan Evil]

Hudson Bay. The seminar provider should have signed an 'Instructor form 3' for you. If you now have the experience bit as well you need to find a tame FIE (or CAA Staff Examiner) to sign it off and make the entry in your licence.

[hugh flung_dung]

'Just back from the seminar so I thought I'd report back.

Overall it was worthwhile and it was good to get the chance to meet some new people but only a few stayed at the hotel so social opportunities were not what they might have been.

Main talks covered: Human aspects, instructional techniques, Duty of care, Enforcement, legal, navigation, PFL, Stalling and the "point 'n' power" technique. Presentation standard was good, nothing new but it was good to be reminded of a couple of things.

I felt that the syndicate work could have been made more useful and have made some suggestions.

There was a feeling that the "no test" renewal may not always be an option and most (I think) thought that alternating test/seminar would be sensible.

The big surprise for me was finding that I had another year to run on my rating: I'd thought that mine was for 2 years and would become 3 years from next renewal - in fact it was good for 3 years (some people had thought that they had 3 years whereas they only had 2!!) Fortunately the rules have changed and the seminar can now be taken any time in the 3 year period (phew).

Was anybody else there? Any other opinions?

[pitotheat]

hfd

Where did you do your seminar and have you got any contact names and numbers?

[hugh flung_dung]

The seminar was run by ETA, have a look at: www.flightexaminers.com. (http://www.flightexaminers.com.)