Looking back - What advice would you give new Cadets?

[JEM94]

I'm soon to be starting at L3 (Formerly CTC). Whilst I like to think I'm pretty clued up on what to expect etc, I wanted to ask those at the end of the process a simple question;

- If you could give someone just about to start their training any sort of advice from what you've learnt in your time doing it - What would it be?

[rudestuff]

Go modular and drive to interviews in a Porsche?

[Jwscud]

Don’t waste time in the air learning things you could have learned preparing for the flight on the ground. Know your flows, drills and checklists intimately before you get into the cockpit.

Fly your armchair in real time around the circuit, or on a navex.

Expect to have the odd day where you fly like a drain. Don’t beat yourself up too much about it, just go for a beer and forget about it then work the next day on what you did wrong.

[foliot-pilot]

Whilst rudestuff and Negan make a good point, it's not very helpful. Ex CTC/L3 cadet here, made the mistake of paying a fortune for my training.

Don't get me wrong, the standard of training is superb. Just not worth the money. My advice to you....hit the ground running. Ground school is a slog. Put the time in, don't fail any exams and work hard. It'll all be over in 6 months.

Having said that, take time to yourself. Have Sundays off, go to the pub etc.

Keep your head down. Keep in mind all your instructors (ground school and flight) will contribute to a final report that's written about you which your future airline may read (few of my mates had things in their report they weren't too happy with).

Don't write a blog..no one cares about your 'road to the right hand seat'. Spend that time studying or down the pub.

Be realistic. Leave your current job on the best terms possible. Chances are you'll be back there once you go into the hold pool. You don't know how long you'll be in there. Walking back in to my office job (where I was welcomed with open arms) and earning a reasonable salary has helped me massively.

Finally (cliche, but..) enjoy it. The time I spent in New Zealand was the best of my life. You cannot beat flying a 172 round some of the amazing scenery out there.