Hi VFR800
I am beginning to wonder whether I should do something about this. I also wonder whether the things that happened to me are known among the powers that be at the club. I doubt it. But, I wonder what the reaction would be if they did know… Customer care? That I’d like to see…
Hi Whirlybird:
Thanks. You are right, there cannot be very good communication between the Instructors; and why don’t they ask me, as you say. I don’t think I could change clubs now. I had no idea that the PPL can be such a DIY, as you put it, but it’s a pretty accurate description now I take a hard look at things.
Hi tacpot:
Lol! Yes, I sure know which school to recommend…
Actually, I have to say I had actually been to both airfields before with my Instructor/s. It just happened that, on this occasion, my QXC, I messed up and couldn’t find the second field - more fool me. But I really do think I should have been taught the Nav equipment. It’s sort of pretty obvious, really, isn’t it? And a I read everyone else’s comments, I get a bit more peeved about it all.
Hi MikeeB:
No, this is all on the level, no wind-up. In a way I wish it were a joke.
The tuition you described sounds much more straightforward and logical, the sort of approach I would so have liked to have been given.
Hi Chipmunk2:
You know what? You’re right. The first flight could easily have ended in tragedy, which was precisely what my sisters said to me later that day. I think perhaps I should say something, at least to the CFI. In fact the more I reflect on things as you folks - far more experienced than I - post your comments the more I feel I was placed in an absurd situation at risk and that, at some time in the future, someone else might be in a similar position and there could well be a ghastly mishap.
The problems I have had really emanate from Instructor #2, although it’s true the CFI (my #1) is ultimately responsible for the other tutors. He himself hasn’t sent me on any dodgy navs. So… I think I will say something now.
I see you have had your own share of nasty ones. When you were learning for your PPL, you knew an instructor and so presumably had an idea of what to expect and what not to expect. I did not, and as I have said before I just placed my faith in the people for whose time I was paying. With hindsight - and what a cheap commodity that always is! - of course I should have said more earlier. As for the second tale you relate, well it sounds like a piece of brilliant handling.
I think the QXC does only assess on circuit and landing. I mentioned I got lost en route to the second airfield. But then, no-one knew where I was anyway…
Hi drauk:
Frankly: no. Why should I? I trusted the Instructors and believed they knew what they were doing.
Having said that, I did query the wisdom of going up for the navex at that time but the Instructor said it would be fine and I bowed to what I believed was greater wisdom and experience. And as for the QXC, I knew how to plot a route but not how to use the nav instruments on board. So, again, no; the Instructor said I could and should do it and so I did.
As I said in my reply to Chipmunk2 above, hindsight is a very cheap commodity. Now that I have some, I won’t be accepting what they say quite so readily any more.
TP
Hi High Wing Drifter:
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I've just read the orginal Phoenix post and my jaw is still resting on the desk!
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Yeah well, that story is just unbelievable. Quite rediculous. Nearly as bad is that the replies have run to two pages (note to myself: don't bite!)
I've lost you. Care to elaborate?
TP