Astraeus cadets - out of the closet!

[pjdj777]

Well, we've all agreed it's time to stick our heads above the parapet - following on from our meeting at Astraeus yesterday, we're due to start type conversion either next week or the week after.. .. .We're going to be in here regularly and we thought we'd start a thread to answer any questions you may have about the selection from our side of things. Some of us will also be at the Pprune Wannabe seminars to answer your questions or just have a beer.. .. .To get the usual stuff out of the way - I'm Paul, 34 years of age, 320 hours CAA CPL/IR and MCC, flown with Cardiff Aero, Cardiff Wales, Britannia in Florida, Aeros in Glos and OATS Modular at Glos. I got the IR in December 2000 and since then have been concentrating on "quality" flying - multi/IR stuff, less hours but good practice.. .. .I have had other interviews, failed one sim ride and was going through the CTC/ATP scheme when I applied to Astraeus. . .. .I kept the answers on the application form short and punchy, and I have to say the interviews and sim ride were a lot of fun. Thanks to Danny, Hamrah, 10W, £6, IFR and the others who arranged the selection. I must say the people I met were great, not just the four others that got through, but everyone who was there for the selection.. .. .We aren't going to be able to answer any questions you may have on feedback, and we aren't here to gloat, part of the deal is that we give something back to the Pprune fund and to the wannabes here, so we're going to start the ball rolling. I'll be feeding back how the training is going from time to time and feel free to email me if you need to know anything specific, or just join in here, we hope to generate a discussion in this forum.. .. .Okay that's it from me, the other four will be here in time too, I'm gonna nurse my hangover for a bit, phew I'm one lucky bloke!!

[calypso]

Another head pops from behind the parapet.... .. . Calypso, 34, 600 hrs, CPL IR ME MCC frzn ATPL. I have done banner towing, a long trip around the USA mostly doing IFR and a very useful MCC in an Airbus 300 sim. . .. .I am absolutely elated to be starting the type rating on Monday (4 days...) I think that all of us have kept out of the way mostly because we where waiting for a more solid start date, which we now have. I also found the other candidates in the selection process a really nice bunch and I would have been very pleased to work with any of them. It was very frustrating knowing that not all of us will make it. With that in mind, and knowing that many where gutted not having got through, it seemed insensitive to just come out with how happy I was that I got through. Enough of excuses, "never explain!, never apologize!" was the motto of an industry that I have now happily left behind.. .. .Looking back through the selection process one thing that did really help me was the Gatbash wannabes seminar that I attended last Xmas. Before the seminars my approach to job hunting could be described as a polite request for employment. At the seminars I clearly saw that, given the sheer number of applicants, this did not work. I entered the media driven 21st century and realized that job hunting is about advertising. You have ten seconds, grab them and don't pull any punches. Explain in the application, letter, interview... why you make a great pilot, a great employee. Do not just describe what you have done but sell your wares in a concise and focused manner. I strongly recommend the seminars to anybody; they are a good laugh, you meet some great people and can get some good feedback.. .. .We have all agreed to post our experiences through the next few months so I will let you all know how we get on trough the rating and specially: how does it feel sitting at the controls and hearing "Astraeus 2341 clear for T/O". .Set thrust...... .. .Can't wait. .. .Cal

[TeeS]

Nice to see some good news. . .Best of luck to you all.. . . . <small>[ 20 March 2002, 14:16: Message edited by: TeeS ]</small>

[tailscrape]

Paul dearest,. .. .Do give me a call. I miss your ramblings.....I suppose you will have to grow up now you are in a big jet!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .I think I may have just been saved from the chop as well today, so I am feeling chipper! Fancy a race into LGW or MAN sometime this summer!!!

[pjdj777]

That's very good news Tailscrape.. .. .I'll call later, hmmm a race against a 757, think I've got a chance? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[Ali Ronn]

Nicely put PJ. Dont think I need add anything to that save to say I'm the oldest of the bunch at the ripe old age of 37. If I had one point to make it would be to say I'm just another wannabee with a frozen ATPL and just less then 300 hours total - which I hope proves that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE so long as you KEEP TRYING and dont let go of the dream! Remember why you set out to climb this particular mountain in the first place... That's it for now but always happy to answer questions and as PJ said we'll keep posting the useful stuff!

[HARRY GREYHOUND]

Congratulations to all of you who made it through the rigorous selection process for 'Pilot Idol'. Will you now be releasing a number 1 single?!

[The Boy Lard]

I would like to add my congratulations to those above.. .. .Its very heartening to see that the dream does actually come true if you work hard enough.. .. .Best of luck to you all.. .. .TBL

[featherman]

Ok here we go….. .. .Matt, 34, 1400hrs, frozen ATPL FI/IRI/Night, MCC, FAA CPL ME/IR. I initially trained and flew in the USA building time on twins (PA34’s) and singles before studying in the UK. I leave Stapleford Flight Centre where I have been employed as a flying instructor for the last year to join Astraeus.. .. .If anything has helped along the way it is without doubt working as a Flying Instructor. Anyone out there thinking of the same, my advice is go for it! At SFC I was surrounded by the boundless enthusiasm and drive that is crucial in getting you through the real tough moments. I decided to become an instructor after a year and a half of job hunting.. .. .With regard to the selection process I guess I just tried to be myself and keep it simple. My approach to the application form and interview questions was to kind of put myself in their shoes and think, “What would I be looking for.” I kept the answers positive and tried to show a bit of understanding of the airlines vision. . .. .The sim. assessment couldn’t have been more fun even if it was a bit nerve racking! I’d be happy to offer any advice on how I prepared, needles to say a good scan goes a long way!. .. .Like the others I’d be glad to answer any questions along the way and share experiences.

[LAVDUMP]

Congrats to all of the newhires! Quite an exciting opportunity - and very lucky in a time when so many pilots are newly unemployed with families to support.... .. .I have read some of the previous Astraeus threads, but I am still a little unclear about some of the startup details. Perhaps you guys can tell me what you know thusfar:. .. .1. How much time expected from start of training until actual line flying?. .. .2. Do you get a full 737 type rating?. .. .3. How many flight hours do you expect per month - do you know what the tentative schedules will look like in terms of days on/off per week?. .. .4. Do you have a choice of LGW or MAN or are you assigned a base?. .. .I look forward to reading about your training process. I have a brother who is currently training on the 737-800 for Delta in the States having flown the 757/767 and the 737-200 and he finds it to be somewhat challenging - he said the 757/767 was much easier (he has 6000 hours) to learn and fly.. .. .Cheers

[pjdj777]

Well Lavdump, I hope I can answer some of your questions:. .. .1. How much time expected from start of training until actual line flying?. .. .a: Usual timescale - we train up at Craneback for 6 weeks or so and then onto base training. From yesterday's meeting it seems they want us on line fairly quickly.. .. .2. Do you get a full 737 type rating?. .. .Yes.. .. .3. How many flight hours do you expect per month - do you know what the tentative schedules will look like in terms of days on/off per week?. .. .CAP371. Dunno about monthly hours yet.. .. .4. Do you have a choice of LGW or MAN or are you assigned a base?. .. .We've been asked where we'd prefer. One is definately going to Manchester, some of the rest of us might go there for a week or so at a time.. .. .Cheers

[clear prop!!!]

Well done chaps,. .. .Is being over 30 a prerequisite then? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

[BRL]

Brilliant stuff....Very well done indeed. If any of you lot are at Gatwick at anytime and fancy a night out in Brighton, just get in touch. . .Once again, Well done.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

[Ellion]

HARRY GREYHOUND . .. .It does seem that way doesn't it.. .. .Good luck anyway lads all the best, it's a tough slog requiring many hours of study. But once your there It'll be all worth it.. .. .Well done and good luck! A unique oportunity for you.

[F3]

Well done to all of you. Enjoy!

[QNH1013]

Well Done all of you. Welcome to the Boeing Club too! Type training and line training isn't gonna be a walk in the park, just bear that in mind and keep on the ball and you're set. But I can say the worst is over. All the best and we'll all look forward to hearing how you get on with the training and line flying.

[featherman]

Thanks everyone,. .. .Well, we are not all over thirty and I am sure you can appreciate, judging from the range of experience we have, that it came down to personality and how we handled the sim. Like myself there may be others of you thinking that being over thirty is a liability. I hope this adds a little hope where that's concerned. Remember, not every airline has the same philosophy.. .. .Big Red 'L' ....thanks for the offer, definitely hold you to that!

[Jonty]

Well done to everyone, as someone else said the worst is over!!! Get you heads in the books for that type rating though, and keep us informed of progress.. .. .Tailscrape, I think you will beat him into manch any time. 310Kts below 10,000ft is SOP now isnt it? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[jasonjdr]

Many thanks for the feedback, congrats and good luck to you all for the future.. .. .You've given new hope to another over 30, and an insight into where I'm going wrong on the application front. Should have stuck more to the 'KISS' principle! (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

[GROBIT]

Featherman,. . well done in getting the job. I remember you well from the NG sim LHR when I was working there. Just got a 737 job myself with another carrier. Planning a little celebration tomorrow. Good luck and i'll see you around.

[tailscrape]

Jonty my old son,. .. .You obviously haven't seen me flying recently then!!. .. .But the speed brake full out at 6 miles...that is slick!!!. .. .Of course you didn't hear it from me.......

[G SXTY]

Well done to you all!. .. .PJ. .Mrs SXTY still vividly remembers her chat with Mrs PJ at the Gatbash, and her description of what you’ve had to go through to get that right hand seat – she’s chuffed for you both as well. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

[Fat Dog]

There seems to be conflicting information about the cadets' start date. Can one of them confirm they have a 100% definite date yet?

[pjdj777]

Thanks G SXTY. .. .I hope Mrs PJ didn't natter to your missus too much (what am I saying? Of course she did!!).. .. .Fat Dog - 8th April is the start date.

[Ali Ronn]

Hi Fat Dog. Sure you'll appreciate that with everything happening so fast and the vagaries of obtaining all the relevant bits of paper nothing can be set in stone. The current start date for the type rating is definitely the 8th April - maybe! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[Murray_NN]

My special congrats goes out to the main man pjdj777 and the rest who got through!!!. .. .Pj, having listened to your speech at the last seminar near LHR, I am glad that you have landed a great job with a well-upcoming and a well-managed company.. .. .Your talk at the seminar was a very informative one, as it showed me the most realistic way of getting through the modular route.. .. .Good luck to you all, and a warm welcome to your new careers!!!. .. .(pj What was it like being married and at the same time training to become a pilot?) That was me at the seminar. Remember? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />. . . . <small>[ 22 March 2002, 19:06: Message edited by: Murray_NN ]</small>

[Snigs]

I wish you all well, especially PJ and Mrs PJ. I hope my future mirrors yours, as my past has done!. .. .Am I a little bit envious, why yes, naturally!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

[flygirly24]

Hiya folks,. .Finally she makes herself known I hear you all chuckle, well as the rest of the lads can vouch it's not because I'm shy. For some reason I've had great trouble logging on to the site, PPRuNe is very popular.. .. .Well Clear Prop!!! just to prove the theory wrong I am under thirty, 24 in April actually, so I'm the baby of the bunch.. .. .About my flying, I really do have the basics, I did all my training with SFT in Bournemouth (and contrary to what most people thought at the start of JAR) I thought the training there was superb. I did nothing but keep my head in the books throughout groundschool and most of the flying. So to anyone reading this thinking about starting a course - be prepared to give up everything until you finish it. I did my MCC last September and since I couldn't get a job doing what I loved, I ended up working for the NHS (sadly paying bills was essential).. .. .A friend of mine (Frank I am forever in your debt!) told me to check out PPRuNe because there was mention of a 737 type rating on it for people with low hours. So I did. Like the others I kept most of my answers short and sweet cos' I certainly wouldn't want to read a pile of essays no matter how good they were. The interview - I was just myself, ok a slightly nervous version of myself. I had no idea what I expected, but figured if I was honest and they didn't like me then I probably wouldn't feel comfortable in the company anyway. The Sim ride, well I decided if I wasn't going to get through then I was gonna make sure I really enjoyed myself so I had a great day to remember. So I went in relaxed and tried my best and tried to imagine no one else in there with me, which actually began to work as the EFIS (only seen them in books before) had me utterly fascinated. I went home and kept my fingers crossed. The whole process was really enjoyable but I don't think it would have been with a larger company, then again I might be wrong, that's just my personal opinion.. .. .Well that's my view on the whole situation, I'm still in shock and feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Any questions anyone wants to ask feel free and if I can answer them I will. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . . . .Amanda. x

[Rowley]

married? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[flygirly24]

Ok I'm answering this question because I said any questions, if I can answer them I will. I don't like to go back on what I say so..... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> No I'm not married, neither do I have any intention of becoming married for an incredibly long time. Right a quick add on to my previous message...... .. .Any questions on the training, interview process etc feel free to ask. Anything else, like marriage, underwear, what time I get up in the morning, how often I clean my teeth etc you'll have to wait till the next wannabes bash to ask <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[ILS27R]

How many hours have you got Flygirl and when did you start your training for your PPL etc? So What type of uniform did you wear in the NHS? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

[Flyingspaniard]

Congratulations once again flygirl although I've said it to you already, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif"> . I bet if feels great to be the only girl in the flystars!. .. .I've got a question - are you gonna have time in your busy schedule to come and see a lowly instructor down at Biggin Hill? And another, will you be getting any more of those tickets?. .. .C ya

[pilottom10]

WELL DONE FLY GIRL.. .. .LIKE YOU I TOO WENT TO SFT AND RIGHT UP TO WHEN THEY WENT BUST I THOUGHT THERE WAS NO BETTER PLACE TO BE.. .I TRAINED HARD AND STUDIED LIKE A TROJAN(DID TROJANS STUDY?). .GOOD LUCK, I KNOW ALL US EX=SFT PEOPLE ARE ROUTING FOR YOU. IM SURE YOUR WONDERING WHO I AM BUT ASK YOUR FLAT MATE FROM WIMBLEDON AND SHE WILL REMEMBER ME AS I PASSED MY CPL THE DAY BEFORE HER AT SFT. THE CANNY SCOTSMAN WHO PASSED ALL THINGS 1ST TIME( I TELL YOU SOMEONE ONE UP THERE MUST BE LOOKING AFTER ME). .WELL IM SURE YOUR A BUSY GIRL NOW SO GET BACK INTO THOSE BOOKS AND LOOK OUT BECAUSE IM NOT FAR BEHIND YOU IF MY AMBITION HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT.. .. .GREAT TO HEAR YOUR DOING WELL. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />. . . . <small>[ 28 March 2002, 19:11: Message edited by: waitingforclearance ]</small>

[flygirly24]

Thanks for the messages guys, to answer the questions: about 220 hours, I started the course in April 2000 and no.... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> I did not wear any dodgy uniform in the NHS. . .. .I will always make time to go see you, you flyingspaniard! As I said I am forever in your debt mister. Tickets not sure but will let you know.. .. .To my sft fellow, congrats on passing everything first time and from that I know who you are. I'll double with check with M anyway. Good luck and let me know how it goes. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

[aztruck]

ILS 27R. Send us your frock size and I'll arrange for the man with the rubber gloves and the stirrup pump.The only uniform Fly Girl will be wearing is ours!

[QNH1013]

Hey there flygirly24, . .So you're 24 this April....Same As Me! End of April, kidd you not. Anyway, don't worry about being the baby of the course. Seeing how well you applied yourself to your training course, that same dedication will surely get you through the next step of your training. You are really all on a level playing field. Age and from what I've seen even experience (debatable as always) doesn't matter. You are all one team and you'll help each other through and just like mugging for the ATPL's that's very important and makes things easier. One tip, the real aircraft is actually easier to fly than the Sim's! You'll love it, you all will. . .. .Sounds like a great Airline that's been set up with a great environment. Hmmm, later on once you get settled will you be the first Airline in history that DOESN'T have it's Pilots moan about managwement! ha ha ha.. .. .Jokes aside, Well done all of you again. Will definitely make sure to say Hi to the Astraeus Crew if we ever cross paths in the future.

[Flypuppy]

Congratulations to all of the successful candidates! Now that you have come out of the closet PJ will you be wearing a skirt? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . .. .Best of luck with the 737 Type Rating course. Will there be a class photo?

[kbf1]

Aztruck..I saw the 'Jim Jams you were wearing at the last Gatbash mate. I hope John isn't letting you design the new crew uniform!

[Trident Sim]

pjdj777. .. .Many congratulations on the job with Astraeus, I'm very pleased for you. If you can fly a three-engined jet, then two-engined is easy! <img border="0" title="" alt="" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .Congratulations also to the other four starting with you. I'm around Braincrank later this month, so I'll try to drop in on the light twin training carrels. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> . .. .I see some other familiar names from simulator days on this thread. Good luck to [b]Snigs and Flypuppy, sounds like aztruck may have landed a proper job - (say hi to your Uncle for me) - but has anyone heard from Nearly Man recently?. .. .Best regards. .. .Trident Sim

[aztruck]

ahh those jim jams are essential survival kit, and part of my home made Africa Radio aids tutorial project. Rumour control was growing a 767 in the back garden, so by putting one's head in a metal bucket and growling "Dakar Dakar" it was easy to simulate hacking through dense HF and impenetrable pidgeon French ATC.. .Trident Sim, you are dead right, it's a proper job,(but so was the last one until Dec 14th!!). .Did you fly with Chris when he was at the World's favourite, or do you go back to the Bea days?

[kbf1]

Aztruck....proper job.....words you would never have expected to hear in the same sentence. I always thought it was the metal plate in your head that attracted the dodgy HF and transmissions from the Mother Ship, at least according to £6 anyway. Hope the bucket is lead lined to stop the chatter <img src="http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/face.gif" alt="" />

[Sick Squid]

Sshhh, KBF, don't tell them about the Mothership, or you'll not get on it. All airline pilots have had the implant, you know, so we can be told when to activate the Chemtrail dispersal system...by the Aliens, though some conspiracy theorists actually think it's the US Government, and not the Aliens. Fools!

....and as a good moderator should when posting off-topic, to get it back on track a wee bit, very well done to the Famous Five; extremely strong field of candidates, and a very close decision at the end of the day. I'm sure the next few weeks will be fun and hard work for you, and I just hope Astraeus/PPRuNe will be in the position to offer another few places next year. Fingers crossed on that one.

[pjdj777]

Thanks again everyone, glad to see Flygirl finally made an appearance ;)

Been busy sorting stuff out ready for the move next week - gawd it's a nightmare, but a nice one to have.

Looking forward to feeding back all of the stuff that happens to us - now the hard work starts.

Ummm - I don't have to wear yellow jimmyjams do I?

[redsnail]

Yeah PJDJ, you do. They are an air side safety item.
ie High Vis pj's. :D
Wear these :cool:

[flygirly24]

Just a little update, most of us went on the proving flight yesterday, it was great :D . The airline is up and running, they were granted their AOC today and the first passenger flight is tomorrow. Check out the Reporting Points section there's more info about it there. We all start our training on Monday and I think I speak for everyone when I say, we can't wait! We'll keep you informed.

[Trident Sim]

aztruck

I have many happy memories of flying with your Uncle during the 80's & 90's on the B747-136/236 with BA, and I also instructed with him in the Sim.

When asked for advice, Flight Engineers, especially Aussie ones, could often give a whole new meaning to the words "frank" and "direct". :D

Best regards

Trident Sim

[flygirly24]

Hi folks well we've completed day 3 of the ground school,wow! There's erm........ a lot to take in shall we say. The electrics section today was quite, well...., honestly....., tough! We were cracking up with laughter, as one part of the CBT (computer based training) on electrics managed to say "battery bus" or "hot battery bus" so many times in one sentence it sounded like a tongue twister :confused:. We got it sorted in the end though :D .
It's hard work but we've got a great team spirit and we all seem to be helping each other out with the tough bits. So any questions on FMS, warning systems, APU and electrics on the 737 feel free to ask as we're meant to know all that by now ;) .
We'll keep you posted.

[hasell]

Hi,
Interesting stuff. So excuse my ignorance but as you study each system on the aircraft do you have to take a written exam eg. electrics or is there one BIG exam at the end?

Thanks,
H.

[featherman]

hassel>
We do have to take progress tests (first on Monday) but not confined to one particular system or subject. There will be a final exam at the end of the ground based training.

What is great fun is that the theory behind each of the systems is being backed up by practice in the sim. This also helps to get to grips with the expanded check lists and S.O.P.'s.

Although the course is intense the instructors are always there to help and of course amongst ourselves we are constantly discussing each system.

[hasell]

featherman,

Thanks for the info.
Good luck with the tests!

Keep us posted :)

Regards,
H.

[pjdj777]

:eek:

The first test is on Monday.

(Open books, study)

ermmm.....now is it Transfer bus one or main bus two?

[Tinstaafl]

PJ, that depends!

Do ya' want to pass or fail!?? :D

Well done on getting through, BTW.

T.

[featherman]

Now I know why they call it Braincrank.....

pj...was that the " DC switched hot battery standby bus"
...or the " DC standby hot stickly bubbly lovely jubbly fun bus" (?)

(sorry Hasell for spelling your name wrong!)
:p

[GROBIT]

Hi Featherman, hope things are going well. I have a progress test myself soon. Feels like my brain leaks at the end of day. It's a lot of hard work. The academic side is no worse than the ATPL's, but the volume as you can appreciate is pretty heavy. That said, i'm having a great time and can't wait to start the sims. I'll give you a call during the week.

[featherman]

Hope your doing well Grobit,

Despite the quantity of work it is very interesting. Like you I can't wait for the sim.

[hasell]

Hey Featherman,
No worries about the incorrect name spelling.

Let us know how you all got on *fingers crossed*.

:)

Regards H.

[featherman]

.......and just when you thought they'd dissapeared the Happy Five fell out of Cranebank waving their little bits of paper.......

Phew!!!! All finally passed the gound exam!....Simulator training to start on Monday....again at Cranebank.

Well done everyone!!!!


..Now where is that switch to the no.2 coffe maker?

[pjdj777]

Depends how many Gen busses are running dunnit?

Having a well earned break at home before heading back for the sim stuff, relieved at the end of part one, looking forward to the challenges of part two.

Now, remind me again, recall items for a rapid decompression?

[flygirly24]

Wow! That was tough! Very glad it's over and greatly looking forward to the Sim training. Although I anticipate writing the same thing and swopping the word Sim for Base when we've finished this section too.

Pj (and in fact to all the rest of you on the course), enjoy the relaxing, this is probably the last time we'll get to do nothing for quite a while. :p (Sorry Brenton had to be done, it's now my trade mark)

[hasell]

Well done -one and all. :)

[calypso]

It has been a lot of hard work but great fun all the same. I really enjoyed the fixbase sim, going trough all the faults and seeing it all work.

Coming from a cloth and tube taildragger the 737 seems a fantastic bit of kit. The hard part about getting ahead of the a/c is that there is so much redundancy and self testing going on. By the time you realize that something has gone wrong some system or another has already kicked in and tried to sort the problem out, so you have to get several steps ahead. Cramming all those systems and how they interact with each other in two weeks it seems at times that you cannot absorb anymore. Every night I get home and go to bed exhausted only to wake up with a grin in the morning ready to go again. Studying some of the systems all I could think was ' wow, does it really do that?, brilliant!'

They say the sim part is the hardest we will let you know, bring it on!

Cal

[wickerman]

Congratulations everyone, u done good!

[Ali Ronn]

Many people will have a clear memory of all the studying that went into passing the JARS. Well the type rating is the same and different. The same because at first it looks impossible to absorb all that info. Different because it turns into a joy every moment you remember - this is actually going to get you into an aircraft! Best moment? Passing the exam!
Worst moment? Being sick as a parrot today after an arm full of jabs!

Tomorrow's reality is yesterdays dream. Anything is possible...:p

[skysailor]

Hi FlyGirly24

Late post but....Congratulations!!

Glad to hear one of my fellow SFT students got a paid flying job. I hope it all works well for you. Guess there was no assymetric hold at Exeter on the sim check?! Passed my IRT finally... on the 5 November, last SFT student to pass.


Have fun up there

Skysailor


PS Got any copies of pics from Alderney? Got an excellent one of Sim05 looking sheepish with the laden duty-free trolley...

[Snigs]

Congrats to all of you, I look forward to hearing your training anecdotes at the summer bash (I'm cultivating a suitable shade of facial green, I should have got it down by then!!) ;)

[flygirly24]

Hiya Skysailor,

Cheers for the message, luckily no asym holds at Exeter for the sim check - thank heavens. I take it that's what you had to endure on your IRT? Weren't those examiners lovely?!;)

Got some great pics from Alderney, send me an email address I can forward them to and I'll get them scanned in for you. :D Hopefully chat to you soon.

[featherman]

Well three days of sim. training and a break for a few days. All the theory and ground schooling being put into practice. Each sim. detail lasts 4 hours. 2 hours as pilot flying and 2 as pilot non-flying. We have a tight syllabus to follow and although intense it is exciting and fascinating at the same time. The 737 is a smart aircraft that can leave you way behind if you don't keep up. On the other hand it's great getting into the swing of things and working with your crew mate as a team. We have been running through general flying characteristics, stalls, engine failiures, windsheer recoveries and RTO's to name but a few; as well as all the basic IR stuff you thought you'd never need!

More updates to follow as they happens hot of the press!!

[pjdj777]

I'm happy to inform you that all of us passed the License Skills Test this weekend - another hurdle gone and base training on it's way.

It's been tough going these past few weeks, the course is intensive and the sim flying demanding but I have to say it's also been great fun. I'm gonna have some beer and a few days off now.

Cheers

[redsnail]

Onya guys and gals. :D

[MJR]

Well done PJDJ,

Perhaps you could describe a little more of what you have been up to.

cheers


MJR

[flygirly24]

Well I'm not posting the message I thought I might. It was very tough but there is no sense of relief it's over because I loved every second of being in the sim. Each four hour detail whizzed by and although frustrating when you knew there was an exercise you could have done better, every minute you learn something new about the aircraft which is a thrill in itself. We all got through our final proficiency checks and renewing our instrument ratings :D and have our base training scheduled for Thursday (all dependent on weather and aircraft availability of course).

Well there's the update and no doubt we'll keep you posted.

Hey Brenton, :p - just for you! Decided against pulling faces at you just before your exam, thought it might be a tad harsh and didn't think I ought to mess with yours and PJ's concentration.

[Wee Weasley Welshman]

Where are you going for base training?

I am in the air in the UK on Thursday and want to listen out for you.

WWW

[tailscrape]

pjdj777,

congrats on the LST.

Got your message the other day, i am hoop jumping for air2000 now. I am simming this week before flying my jmc secondment with them.

Will call you.

Well done.

[St Hilary]

good on ya MR DJ !!! :)

[pjdj777]

WWW - let's just say if the wx is good enough we'll be playing at my home ground

;)

From some of the emails, well a few really, that I've received it seems that some people out there don't know about the Astraeus cadets and what the scheme is so here are the basics:

at the start of the year Astraeus and Pprune got together to give five wannabes the chance of six months exprience with an airline, qualifying criteria was a frozen ATPL (CAA/JAA), current instrument rating and no previous multi crew experience. Five of us were selected from about 180 applicants and we started training at BA Cranebank on 08.04.02.

The course with BA works this way - 12 days ground school (inc 10 fixed base sim sessions), three prog tests and a final exam on the 737-436 followed by 300/500 differences and an exam.

After a break of a week or so we went into the full motion sim, 8 sessions the last of which was the LST. During those 8 sessions you see a helluva load of failures, it's very intensive and tiring but all good fun.

The LST itself was 4 hours, 2 as Pilot Flying and two as Pilot Not Flying, and mine included engine failures, engine failure after take off, single engine ILS, go around and NDB, flight director failure, system A hydraulic failure (manual gear extension), rapid decompression and emergency decent, raw data ILS, Captain incapacitation, rejected take off and evacuation.

We've just finished differences for the -700, and will hopefully be base training tomorrow and then SEPs next week.

It's all go, I'm off to bed, night night.

[Wee Weasley Welshman]

Ah, fingers crossed for decent weather then.

I'll be using their zone that day... will be sure to keep an extra good lookout for errant Boeings ;)

I'd love to be able to go do some Boeing touch and go's now - on your base check you are a little overwhelmed to enjoy the experience!

Its definitely up their with first solo in your career - enjoy.

WWW

[Snigs]

Congrats to you all, another step closer. :D

I shall try to get into a tall building and listen out for you on a hand radio for your base training, and the call sign?

[calypso]

Hello all, here comes another update:

We did our base training last Thursday at Cardiff airport. The weather was quite blustery with the occasional shower in the morning. We had a moderate crosswind that made things more interesting, especially with the bit of turbulence generated by the cliff on short final.

I have often wondered what would I feel sitting at the controls of a big jet for the first time. Now I know the answer; initially I did not have much time to reflect as I was concentrating pretty hard not to screw up, after a couple of circuits though I began to relax a bit and started to really enjoy myself. I have to agree that it was a sensation very similar to your first solo... apprehension, concentration, elation, big grin...

Mario, our training captain, offered a very effective mix of encouragement and toughness. "181kts is too fast and 179 kts is too slow" I remember him saying at one point followed by "excellent that looks good" and then "you are a bit high, sort it out".

The hardest part was judging when to roll out on finals to get lined up exactly and how much drift to apply for the xwind. The more surprising part how the aircraft just goes where you point it, almost like a dart. The flare was quite similar to the sim and the hardest part is to resist the temptation to try to hold it off the deck, if you do you will be floating past the middle point of the runway in no time.

Well it was a superb day that made the last few years of sweat, hard work and endless offerings to the insatiable gods of Wannaland worthwhile. The best of all is that I get to do this for a living now. Brilliant!

Cal

[Lil'KiwiPaddy]

Onya folks!!

Delighted for you all.

Is it straight to the line now or is there more training to do?

All the best
LKP
:D

[featherman]

Thanks Lil'KiwiPaddy,

We have a week of SEP's....Survival and Emerg. training before they let us lose on the line...nevertheless the elation of completing the base training is tremendous. I am still walking around with the smile on my face. The 737 is a truly remarkable airplane to fly and really does "fly the numbers" as we have been taught all along. Despite the challenging conditions at Cardiff everyone did extremely well and my gratitude goes out to Mario for suburb instruction......(at least I now know how the coffee machine works!).

Well done to the rest of the gang!