Mjc269,
You are definately not alone, I was the same when I first started flying, on my ppl (fixed wing) flight test in 1983 I was nervous and told my examiner. The conversation went like this...
Me. "I'm a bit nervous today about this test"
Examiner. "Are you planning flying as a career"
Me. "Yes I want to get my commercial"
Examiner, "Well you might as well stop being nervous about flight tests, if you are going to be a pilot you will be doing them every year for the rest of your life"
That comment always stuck with me and made me realise that nobody was forcing me to do a flight test. It was MY CHOICE to be there in the plane with the examiner. I wanted to be a pilot and nobody was going to stop me!
Then I read another article about flight tests, the author said he saw each one as a personal challenge and an opportunity to improve his flying. He would either blitz the test, or learn something from it. Even a failure would result in a long term benefit (Ie. a lesson learned)
Now an ATPL fixed wing Grade 1 Instructor, 19 Instrument renewals, CPL H with 7000 total hours, I can honestly say that I renewals or any form of check ride is just routine...
So my question to you...
Do you want to be a commercial pilot?....
