My question is does the syllabus of the published MCC fulfil the objective of teaching a basic piston powered cadet, who was taught to fly very much single crew in a cable controlled a/c, the concept of how to operate and manage a flight in a multi crew environment? The type of a/c is not relevant; it is the multi-crew concept that is relevant. Or am I missing the objective of an MCC course?
Expecting a cadet to handle some of the manoeuvres quoted is quite unrealistic. Therefore expecting a cadet to act as PM & PNF while PF is struggling to control the a/c also seems unrealistic. I'm looking to understand how best to make this a positive training experience when all I see is throwing 2 cadets in the deep end. If the MCCI is expected to 'coach' the PF through some of the handling manoeuvres what role in MCC is the PM cadet playing. It seems the blind trying to lead the blind.
After single crew flying in a piston at 100kts, the idea that 2 cadets can somehow manage a jet at 250kts in non-normal situations while learning the concept of PF & PNF and using a QRH, all within 5 sessions just does not seem realistic in a positive instructional sense. That is why I ask those of experience to share their experiences of doing it. I, too, shall soon be in the deep end. I am an experienced SFI/TRI/TRE, but admit that this syllabus does make me wonder at its ambition.
I understand the concept of operating as a crew and using SOP's & checklists, but trying to teach cadets this philosophy while asking them to control a hydraulically controlled jet is challenging in the extreme.
I remember Richard Hammond, of TG fame - and a highly experienced & accomplished high speed driver - trying to get a Renault F2 round the track. He stalled so many times before he got going. Then he almost lost it numerous times while just trying to drive round a track in 2D. Now we expect very low experienced cadets to try and do the same thing with an a/c in 4D, round a visual circuit, and handle engine failures with the whole new concept of PNF doing checklists.
Is it realistic and positive training? That's my question. It is not pass/fail. It is course completion.