Initial OPC did not go well
Hello everyone, i am a fresh a320 cadet/FO and just had my initial OPC having only finished base training/TR half a year ago and had no flying since. Suffice to say, it did not go well, particularly the emergency LOFT exercise/handling. I prepared as much as i could with regards to SOPs, memory items, approach guidances, ECAM handling procedures etc.. However, what i struggled horribly with was my ability to explain the application of systems knowledge regarding the system failures in the exercise (why did this system react/happened this way? what other system does this affect?). I was asked several technical questions related to the associated system failure and could not provide an adequate answer (i froze in a couple of instances) and that, in turn, increased my workload severely and affected the overall flight particularly with decision making. Despite the OPC itself being extremely fruitful and I've been exposed to several new aspects that are now drilled in me, nevertheless, I am concerned with my lack of system knowledge and ability to explain, with confidence, regarding system related matters which normally go hand-in-hand with failure management. I guess the purpose of this post is to enquire from experienced veterans/TREs/Captains, if initial OPCs are supposed to be stressful/difficult for a new cadet and not a cake walk? Is someone at my level expected to have better knowledge of the systems having only had the bare minimum hours on the real aircraft. Your opinion/advice is highly appreciated.