Originally Posted by
Centaurus
........... The most comprensive pre-flight briefing can never replace a demonstration in the simulator. ..........
But it can help!
I was struggling converting to one a/c (no sim) so it was all on the aircraft. Much of the briefing was in the air ahead of the next task. All was fine apart from the flare so, after several goes, we gave up. Upper air work was fine...... I was frustrated and the Instructor was irritated. As an Instructor myself I simply couldn't work out what was up - I used to teach people to land .... not have problems landing myself!!
He arranged a further cct slot. That was the same disaster so we gave up. I can't recall who said it, but in an air of resignation, one of us suggested "Fancy a beer?" so off to the pub we went. I explained what I was worried about and the Instructor said "No, no, just do what I've said. You are right, in a small plane that would be a real issue - but you have a lot more weight now so that won't happen!". He arranged a "final" trip for the next day.....
After the first touch-down, which seemed fine to me, rather than re-configuring for the "touch-and-go", he took over and rolled out. I looked over quite worried only to see he had a broad grin on his face. "There you go! That was perfect. I don't even need to see another - you've got it now!". We both laughed and I said, "Shame we didn't have that beer first - we could have charged it to the Company. After all, it would have cost the Company £10 not the £1000's it did to get me signed off!"!
Happy daze!!!!!!!!! Sadly long gone now!