CAT3C AUTOLAND
20th Aug 2007, 09:23
Hi Ladies and Gents,
I have had a few requests from PPRUNERS through the private messaging service to give some details of post line training, in response to my post in April regarding my first line flight.
Well, it has been nearly 3 months since I did my final line check, and it is all now becoming a little more second nature, even though there is still a lot to learn. After completeing my final line check I think my words to the captain, were 'are you sure you are going to let me loose with regular line captains' ? It felt that I had only just finished my PPL.
The last few months have been absolutely fantastic. Going to work every day has been an absolute pleasure, even when we are delayed :-). Sitting there up the front sipping tea waiting for a call from clearance delivery for engine start surely beats working for a living .
The summer, if we can call it that, with the recent weather patterns has been great. As well as the scheduled services we have had to oppotunity to get involved with charter flying which has added a bit of variety. Flying on down to Rhodes and places alike has been great fun, especially when the captain says 'come on take the automatics out and fly it like a cessna'. Some of the views we have had from the cockpit have been quite something. Totally clear flying around the greek islands has been breath taking, not to mention flying over the UK at night. I had my first experience of flying back into Manchester at midnight, with a completely clear night over London, where you could see for 150 miles, the view was incrediable. Once again, all the hardwork slogging your way through the ATPL's certainly becomes worth it. Why did I have to remember that a piezto crystal dither motor prevents laser lock? It was for this view I am having right now .
As well as airline flying, I have been keeping my hand in with flying light aircraft. I really have missed full time instructing, which is why I have made a point of teaching at least twice a month. I have even found myself on days off, wanting to blast a C152 around the circuit for 30 minutes. So on week days with my girlfriend at work, off I went for some crash and goes .
As the 6 month point approaches I must admit in the back of my mind is the first proficiency check. I can only hope that I am not picking up my P45 at the end of it. I am sure all pilots go through this, or I hope I am not the only the one!
Anyway, I hope that satisfies what fellow PPRUNERS have requested. Again, for all those guys who are passionate about aviation and are striving towards the job of an airline pilot, whether you be training or finished and waiting to get your first job, its all worth it believe me. Every time I open up the taps at LHR for that flexiable thrust take off, I have to pinch myself.
All the best guy/gals.
I have had a few requests from PPRUNERS through the private messaging service to give some details of post line training, in response to my post in April regarding my first line flight.
Well, it has been nearly 3 months since I did my final line check, and it is all now becoming a little more second nature, even though there is still a lot to learn. After completeing my final line check I think my words to the captain, were 'are you sure you are going to let me loose with regular line captains' ? It felt that I had only just finished my PPL.
The last few months have been absolutely fantastic. Going to work every day has been an absolute pleasure, even when we are delayed :-). Sitting there up the front sipping tea waiting for a call from clearance delivery for engine start surely beats working for a living .
The summer, if we can call it that, with the recent weather patterns has been great. As well as the scheduled services we have had to oppotunity to get involved with charter flying which has added a bit of variety. Flying on down to Rhodes and places alike has been great fun, especially when the captain says 'come on take the automatics out and fly it like a cessna'. Some of the views we have had from the cockpit have been quite something. Totally clear flying around the greek islands has been breath taking, not to mention flying over the UK at night. I had my first experience of flying back into Manchester at midnight, with a completely clear night over London, where you could see for 150 miles, the view was incrediable. Once again, all the hardwork slogging your way through the ATPL's certainly becomes worth it. Why did I have to remember that a piezto crystal dither motor prevents laser lock? It was for this view I am having right now .
As well as airline flying, I have been keeping my hand in with flying light aircraft. I really have missed full time instructing, which is why I have made a point of teaching at least twice a month. I have even found myself on days off, wanting to blast a C152 around the circuit for 30 minutes. So on week days with my girlfriend at work, off I went for some crash and goes .
As the 6 month point approaches I must admit in the back of my mind is the first proficiency check. I can only hope that I am not picking up my P45 at the end of it. I am sure all pilots go through this, or I hope I am not the only the one!
Anyway, I hope that satisfies what fellow PPRUNERS have requested. Again, for all those guys who are passionate about aviation and are striving towards the job of an airline pilot, whether you be training or finished and waiting to get your first job, its all worth it believe me. Every time I open up the taps at LHR for that flexiable thrust take off, I have to pinch myself.
All the best guy/gals.