I can't comment on the Swiss Aviation School exam routine as I sat my CPL and ATPL tests in the UK.
I can however reveal just what the new entrant pilot faced when he graduated to join Swissair:
1/ Type rating conversion to the MD80/F100/A320. 3weeks computer based/simulator training with progress questions to check system understanding. At the end of each system module a progress test, consisting of the same questions but randomly generated.
2/ 12-15 3:30 simulator sessions with 1:30 briefing and 0:30 debriefings. The last three with a Training Captain. NOWHERE TO HIDE OR CHEAT.
3/ 3-5 days base training with the same Captain as above. Several briefings, NOWHERE TO HIDE OR CHEAT.
4/ 10-12 5 day line trips (called 'rotations' in Swissair). The first with a Training Captain, 2nd-5th with instuctors, 1st to 4th also with an instructor F/O. 5th alone as a check to be released as copilot in a 2 man crew. 6th-9th alone with a normal line Captain. 10th final check with instructor. Each rotation typically consisted of 15 legs and 3 nightstops, so plenty of time for extended briefings with NOWHERE TO HIDE OR CHEAT.
Last edited by 694c; 24th Feb 2004 at 13:47.