What was your line training like?

[JetMouse]

Just wondering what it was like when you first stepped into that cockpit knowing you were going to fly the thing - nervous? excited? can you remember that far back?!? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

[fireflybob]

I can remember vividly converting onto the Boeing 707 from a Beechcraft Baron - I have never worked so hard in all my life despite the fact that the previous training I had had was first rate.. .. .Yes, it's a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation but these days you do a lot more in the simulator and the degree of simulation is that much better so you are better prepared for the real thing. Once you have flown the a/c round the circuit for a couple of times you begin to realise that it flies just like any other aeroplane. However, if it's your first jet conversion you have to work at getting the sort of accuracy you want.. .. .The line training is much more "random" since it all depends where you go and what the weather is like etc. I found the workload for the first few months very high and began to wonder whether I would ever catch up with a/c and make it look as easy as some of the hardened professionals I was flying with! There is a lot of confidence involved and it makes a huge difference if you have got a good instructor pilot with you who has empathy with the new pilot's situation.