Girl With A Stick - Flight Test

[Biggles78]

How did the Flight Test go? Can you now change your Profile Licence Type?

[girl with a stick]

Oooh, Biggles, didn't mean to mislead anybody - it's "coming up" - as in very soon, perhaps next month. Still have one or two creases to iron out ...

The uniform post (now strangely locked) was about wearing the schooliform in the period running up to the test, to inspire confidence...

Very kind of you to ask, sir. I shall keep you posted.

GWaS

[Checkboard]

As an ex-instructor, a girl wearing an old school uniform might have concentrated your mind - but certainly would have distracted mine!! :E

[AerocatS2A]

GWaS, in that case I retract the advice I gave in that other thread. Dress up for the flight test itself but I wouldn't bother for training. Make sure you wear the shoes a few times though, so you get used to how they feel.

Edit: I'm guessing the other thread was locked due to the suggestive comments. Unfortunate but not surprising. Sometimes you have to know your audience and that isn't possible on a public forum. A sign of the times.

[Biggles78]

DUH, must have misread your post. I need better glasses. :O

As mentioned in the other post, dress so you feel Professional. Look Professional, feel Professional, helps the state of mind to be Professional.

I wore black shoes (polished), business shirt and trousers plus a tie. The examiner turned up jeans, runners and open necked casual shirt. Felt like a complete overdressed **** for a few seconds then remembered why I was there; to get a Commercial Pilot's Licence.

I won't wish you good luck since that should not be a factor. Instead I wish you Good Skill and let us know how it was. :ok:

[Jabawocky]

My dad always said....Better to be the overdressed one in the room the under-dressed one :ooh:

[ZappBrannigan]

The uniform post (now strangely locked) was about wearing the schooliform in the period running up to the test, to inspire confidence...It was probably locked for the usual reason, as soon as a female posts anything on the internet, almost every male in the area turns into a drooling little 16 year old, with replies as such.

On the actual topic, I'd say if you have any interest in flying commercially, yes, go for the uniform. You'll feel pretty damn self-conscious (even a little silly) the first time you put it on - but it has to happen sometime.

And there are a few people around that think wearing epaulettes etc. is a load of garbage, in training or commercial ops - I don't agree. As others have said it puts you in the right professional frame of mind, as as far as pax go when you're actually flying commercially, in their minds, when walking out to the aircraft, your abilities as a pilot come down to one thing, and that's your presentation (both personality-wise, and physically). Later on in the flight, how well you grease it on forms the second part of their opinion.

[Atlas Shrugged]

You'll feel pretty damn self-conscious (even a little silly) the first time you put it on

Not to mention the first time you take (it) off :p

[girl with a stick]

Thanks guys, for your support!

As tempting as it is to wear my school uniform for the test, I've settled for the traditional white shirt, black skirt, nice clean shiny boots and one gold bar (and I do feel a lot less silly taking it off than putting it on ;))

As a regular over at Jet Blast, I was rather foxed by the locking of such an innocent thread. Never mind sixteen year old droolers, some of those guys are global smutters ... I consider it part of the education :ok:

[Wally Mk2]

"GWaS" good choice re the attire. Neat, professional & enuf:-)

As for the locking of yr thread? 4get it it you won't be able to understand the Mods, they remove even good human interest threads yet leave others that ought to be removed. The 'droolers' are everywhere, even in 99% of us males,part of the cave man gene:-)

So are you ready or close to it? It's a huge time in yr life,now, but as time goes by this time will just be another event in yr life:)

cheers


Wmk2

[The Green Goblin]

Please don't wear bars.......if I were the ATO I'd fail you (unless it were required as part of an organizational uniform) :}

[Super Cecil]

Surely your not judged on what you wear? If your just wearing jeans and fly well you will still pass?

[girl with a stick]

Green Goblin,

It's school uniform. It's not required, but recommended and seems to be the go with the other CPL students. Whilst I'm not a follow-the-crowd type of girl, I want to feel comfortable in my new environment, so I can get on with the flying, pass the CPL and begin the instructor's rating.

This is my usual attire, I like to wear my stripes on my stockings rather than my shoulders:

http://i1003.photobucket.com/albums/af160/kreebeedee/flying%20by%20Ash/_DSC0210.jpg

[maui]

Goblin you are a dill.

No where in the criteria for ANY flight test is there a section on personal presentation.

As an ex ATO and FOI, I would suggest you would not have your approvals/delegations very long if you tried to impose your ideas of dress standards.

Personally I would not, present with bars and stars. But that is my choice and should not influence others.

Girl With A Stick. Do what makes you feel comfortable and don't listen to the (B)ankers.

God speed GWAS

Maui

[Jack Ranga]

What is this site? RSVP or PPRuNe?

[Kangaroo Court]

What a mess! The CASA should cancel all ATO approvals and resume flight testing themselves. This has turned itself into a fancy dress ball and a stupid circus.

Unbelievable!!

[AerocatS2A]

I don't see what the fuss is about. You're going for a professional licence so dress like it. No you won't fail if you don't, that's not the point. Wearing bars is silly unless you are required to by your trainer or employer but there's nothing at all wrong with dressing smartly for your test.

[rmcdonal]

I've settled for the traditional white shirt, black skirt, nice clean shiny boots and one gold bar
Not having first hand experience with wearing a skirt, but having having first hand experience watching one being worn air side on a windy day, I would suggest that pants maybe a better option.
1 Gold bar seems appropriate for CPL flight test.

[blacklabel]

when are you ment to start wearing 3 bars ?

[Tankengine]

When your employer tells you to!:cool:

For flying schools it used to be : 1 bar - grade 3
2 bars - grade 2
3bars - grade 1
4bars - [b]anker! :E

In Airlines 4 bars is jet Captain, 3 bars Jet F/O [or turboprop Captain in some]

[john_tullamarine]

In Airlines 4 bars is jet Captain, 3 bars Jet F/O [or turboprop Captain in some

If you were to go back pre-Abeles et al (before he instigated the "lots of bars so the passengers get a feel good feeling about things" ..

initial F/O - 1 bar
F/O after either a year or two years (can't recall now) - 2 bars
initial captain (F27) - 2½ bars
captain after a year - 3 bars (below 60,000lb if I recall correctly)
captain - 4 bars (above 60,000lb)
plus a gold star for management pilots (always raises a chuckle)
plus scrambled egg for senior management pilots/20 years in category

.. now, I gather, it's mucho gold bars once one has gone solo on a C150 at 5 hours total flying time ?

[Wally Mk2]

"JR' that's Gold!:D
Been on RSVP & there ain't no 'spinnerless' gals like that on there!;)
I can't believe the attention this thread is getting re dress code. If any ATO really is concerned then their mind is not on the job !


Wmk2

[Sunfish]

http://static.fancydress.com/resources/ecommerce/images/products/994/167/img167994/product-enlarged.jpg

[b_sta]

Not sure most of us could make that one look good unfortunately ;)

[HercFeend]

No gold bars! This is just getting silly now :E

[PA39]

:\ There's only one bar that i worry about.......and it ain't on my shoulders!!

[The Green Goblin]

Goblin you are a dill.

No where in the criteria for ANY flight test is there a section on personal presentation.

As an ex ATO and FOI, I would suggest you would not have your approvals/delegations very long if you tried to impose your ideas of dress standards.

You've just proved your resume and the prerequisites i.e no sense of humour :p

GWAS,

Keep up the good work :ok:

[help me jebus]

Oh I get it, your wear a nice uniform to put on a good public image...... only to have it destroyed by threads like this that are located in the... public domain!!

[Fantome]

More critical than all this palaver about optional uniform clobber and accoutrements, for most on the job hunt or in training is how to prepare for interviews, formal or informal. Giving thought to getting the grooming right, to dress sense,
to deportment and generally presenting yourself in the best light you can .
Like it or not, if you cannot show that you fit the mould reasonably well your chances are slim. (Actors deficient in the leg department never auditioned well for the role of Tarzan. Likewise, would be commercial pilots, badly dressed, toothless, cross eyed, bandy legged, reeking of BO and paint-stripping halitosis, dusted with dandruff and afflicted with speech impediments have found few openings.)

Herewith an extract of tips from Clark Aviation Consulting's website -


The aviation industry is time driven and performance measures are based on timeliness. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the location, just in case you have any difficulties that morning. Ideally, you want to arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you happen to arrive too early, visit the restroom for a bit of relaxation techniques such as slow, deep breathing.

Manners:
Always be courteous and polite to everyone you meet - you never know who has what influence.

Appearance:
Dress the part of your position. Many pilot employers are deeply conservative bunch. A few points regarding appearance: neatly groom and cut your hair, above the collar for men; press your clothes; shine your shoes; wear conservative colours. Bottom line, ask yourself if you look
neat, relaxed and quietly confident.

Handshake:
A weak handshake is a pet peeve of many people. How do you shake someone’s hand? Are you a limp fish or a solid, firm grip? A weak handshake can imply lack of confidence or even a condescending attitude. Similar to kissing someone’s hand or the Queen’s ring. A firm grip will display self-confidence and respect for the person’s hand that you are shaking. Practice with friends and family – ask them to comment on your grip…. . You need to know what kind of “shaker” you are.

Follow these simple steps to shake someone’s hand properly.



1. Extend your right hand to meet the other person's right hand.


2. Point your thumb upward toward the other person's arm and extend your arm at a slight downward angle.


3. Wrap your hand around the other person's hand when your thumb joints come together.


4. Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently once. Remember that limp handshakes are a big turnoff, as are bone-crushing grasps.


5. Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds.


6. Pump your hand up and down a few times to convey sincerity. (This gesture is optional.)



Note: A two-handed handshake is not for first meetings. It is a sign of real affection, and you should reserve it for friends and intimates.


Excessive touching:
Some folks will actually touch others too much if they are confronted with an uncomfortable situation. You know the type, the person who constantly touches your arm as they shallowly laugh. This is plain and simple an invasion of space. It gives the receiver a sense of falseness about the other person. Obviously, this is not a good tactic in an interview.
*

Attitude:
Be positive. Attitudes show in everything you say and do, even if you think you are hiding it. Stay focused on where you are and what it means to you – this is a vital day for you!
*

Be open and relaxed:
Body language speaks louder than words so stand tall, sit upright (even if your interviewer is not) and face forward, make eye contact and smile. Actively relaxing will bring out your natural confidence.
*
Remember to turn off your phone.

Keep in mind that you only have one chance to create a first impression, a lasting impression that may affect the outcome of your interview. People remember how you make them feel – strive to make them feel relaxed and you will naturally relax yourself.

Lori Clark is the principal of Clark Aviation Consulting. As a former Manager of Pilot Recruiting for many years, she interviewed thousands of pilots and has an extensive knowledge of what pilot boards are looking for. Clark can help pilots understand what an interview board is looking for and how they are perceived. She offers simple but effective techniques that help pilots better present themselves for initial assessment.

[Jober.as.a.Sudge]

Bugger me, what a lot of twaddle & palaver....

Dress comfortably -you need to be concentrating on the task in-hand and the aircraft rather than the chafing collar of your attire.

If you're not comfortable wearing wings & bars -don't. It's bloody simple. Keep in mind though that down the track, an employer may require you to wear wings & bars as a condition (uniform standard) of employment. That's without regard for of the opinion of Richard Cranium's et al on internet forae.

Bottom line: dress comfortably but appropriately. You don't need anyone holding your hand to explain that.

Act professionally. Treat the ATO as SLF in your dealings with him/her in and about the aircraft. If you cock-up, fess-up. As long as it's not a "1 strike, you're out" (FLWP) item, you'll get kudo's & another crack at it. Remember that for the purposes of the test, you ARE PinC. Behave appropriately.

oh yeah... empty your bladder as close as possible to walking out to the aircraft too -trust me, it'll help!

[Dogimed]

Sunfish..

Surely in that uniform you can't wear any bar....ba.....b....bra..bras.. :eek:


I would go Smart Casual