Blinkz - suction was good as it is something I check twice in the checklist. AI was apparently OK (i.e. level), same for turn indicator, but I don't recall checking the turn indicator while taxying. I'll find out what the problem was next Sunday and report here if it was anything significant.
Time for my R/T practical this week. For those who have done it are there any tips or info on what to expect. I've been told that the test takes 2-2.5 hours, during which I'll be tested on: MATZ penetration, LARS, Arrival and departure procedures, VDF approaches, Mayday and Pan calls, frequency and transponder settings and the various differences in talking to ATC, AFIS and A/G.
Now I've also been informed that this is done using two computers with maps and an aircraft tracking along the screen.
Questions:
1. In the simulation does the aircraft fly itself - or if I get a heading instruction do I have to do something on the simulator or simply acknowledge correctly and the simluation moves on?
2. VDF approach - that's new to me, looking in the CAP 413 it shouldn't be too difficult.
3. Is the purpose of the test to check that you respond exactly by the prescribed manner in CAP 413, or that you get the message across in an unambiguous way. E.g. response to pass your message - I'll try to get the correct order, but would it be a failure point to not get everything correct?
4. As a different example to interpretation in (3) I read the CAP 413 and correct responses would be e.g. "Barnsley QNH 1008", in my training my instructor has said that I should simply respond "QNH 1008", or even "1008" as the context of the conversation (e.g. leaving the zone) would indicate that the ASR is known by all parties, and that the pressure setting is QNH. I'm going to try to remember the full "Barnsley QNH 1008" but might sometimes forget...
5. I expect that pencil and paper are available - or should I take my kneeboard?
6. Is the communication direct (face to face) or is it via a head set with the examiner out of view? - I just want to get a feel for what to expect on the day...
Last edited by MyData; 4th July 2005 at 15:50.