IR Test Failure
Hi All,
Failed my IR test (first attempt) so thoroughly a couple of weeks ago that I didn’t even get to do the G/H section. Got mandatory additional training of 3 hrs sim + 3 hrs a/c. I’ve been really beating myself up about it since but realise I need to get back on my horse and redo the test.
The 3 hrs sim went OK (different instructor) but the first retraining flight in the Seneca (usual instructor) was a disastrous replay of my test with gross over-controlling, level busts and general clumsiness. We went somewhere I’d not been to before although that shouldn’t have made any difference, but my instructor was ranting and raving all the way through. I think my previous monumental failure must have been an embarrassment to him. During the debrief he suggested I cancel my retest which was set for this week and I haven’t flown since.
Having completed the IR training and passed my pre-test 170A, I’m not sure if more (very expensive) flying hours would correct my problems, the main one being a feeling of anxiety of almost suffocating proportions during the one-to-one examination. I then tend to give in to perceived levels of higher authority such as ATC or the examiner when I feel pressured. I know I can fly a complex aeroplane. I know I can fly the instrument procedures. But doing both during an exam just boils my brain.
Has anyone else had these problems? How did you fix them? Any psycho re-programming?
Thanks for any input.