How do you combat leaching of confidence?

[DRJAD]

Just returned from my latest 3 hr. round trip (110 miles) to my training centre for a skills test, which was reasonably not flyable owing to poor weather at the field.

That is the sixth cancellation, five of which have been due to poor weather. The other one, whilst the weather was good, was cancelled when I got there because the other party was unavailable.

The point which arises from this has an insidious effect on me - and I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give me:

The ever-increasing length of time between my last flight, and when the weather (and everything else) is finally suitable and present makes me worry that aspects of my flying may have become not so natural - and that this will show in my skill test.

OK - rant over, thanks for reading!

[FlyingForFun]

Easy answer - go flying with an instructor for an hour or two before your test!

All of us suffer skills degradation when we don't fly for an extended period. There are times when it's not really an issue, and there are other times when it is an issue. I haven't flown for a month due to the weather, I'm supposed to take my sister flying on Sunday (weather permitting), so I'm planning on spending an hour in the circuit on Saturday first - it's not essential, but I'd feel more comfortable with it. Likewise, if you have a flight coming up which you don't feel comfortable with due to lack of practice, then the only answer is to get up there and practice first.

Good luck with the skills test!

FFF
--------------

(PS - I hope you're not wasting your 3-hour round trips! Every airfield is different, but I know if I go to the airfield and don't fly, it's never wasted. I can always find something to do or someone to talk to - either chat to an instructor about something that's bothering you, or talk to other pilots about flying, or just socialise. But don't just go there, look at the TAF and then go home!)

[Whirlybird]

I agree with everything FFF said. It happens every winter in the UK, I'm afraid, so get used to it. I usually go flying with an instructor if I'm the least bit nervous/underconfident; it's money well spent. 110 mile round trip? I know how you feel; mine's about 124 miles. Have a coffee, chat about flying, do whatever you can. Or book for later in the day - hard at this time of year though - and check the TAFs first; might save you a "wasted" trip. Good luck!

[28thJuly2001]

I'm supposed to take my sister flying on Sunday (weather permitting), so I'm planning on spending an hour in the circuit on Saturday first

Bit optimistic wishing for a clear Saturday & Sunday in December :D

Funny thing is before I started flying I never really took much notice of the weather apart from the usual 'Bit parky today Mrs Jones', now I can tell Mrs Jones the wind velocity, cloud level, visibilty and sodding dew point.
Another thing, Why does it always p**s down on my days off...grrrrrr
Think I will give up flying and take up fishing...on second thoughts..zzzzzzz..

28th,,

[QDMQDMQDM]

I'm supposed to take my sister flying on Sunday (weather permitting), so I'm planning on spending an hour in the circuit on Saturday first

Saturday looks better than Sunday right now!

QDM

[nonradio]

3Q: I bet mine is muddier than yours...

[knobbygb]

DRJAD, as you may have read, I was recently in the same boat - got the test done on the 7th attempt having not flown for 5 weeks.

While I can't comment on how long it takes for YOUR skills to 'go rusty', only mine, what I would say is that I was pleasantly surprised by how well I flew. In the early part of my training I found that a lay-off of more than a week would allow my skills to deteriorate, but towards the end I was quite happy after several weeks.

If your school/club currency rules allow it (mine didn't) - just do a few circuits before the test and relax! If you go into it thinking you'll fail, you may well do so.

The three examiners at my club are also instructors there and they were well aware from talking to their colleagues how well I could fly. I get the imperssion that with so few good weather days in winter, they were happy to make allowances for my rustiness rather than waste time doing a couple of extra hours tuition before the test. When I did make mistakes, the examiner was quite happy to let me simply try the manouver again.

Get the test done the first chance you get - you may not get another chance for ages! If you fail, it will probably be a partial pass, and at least you've got 2 or 3 hours more experience and will definatley pass the next time.

[DRJAD]

Thanks all for the good advice. I should have realised that combination of good teaching and consolidation would stand me in good stead.

As was said, Saturday was going to be a possible day (today) and so it turned out to be.

Skills test completed and passed - so I needn't have worried - except that, as a musician, if I'm NOT worried about a performance, then it probably won't be very good, so a certain amount of apprehension and care is probably good in flying, too.

Thanks everyone!

[Andy_R]

CONGRATULATIONS DRJAD

Simply the best Chrimbo pressie!!!!!!!

[LowNSlow]

Congratulations DRJAD :D Welcome to the 100 quid cup of coffee club :eek:

[28thJuly2001]

Well done DRJAD,
Now you can be sure it will rain for forty days and forty nights. :D

28th,,