Under the hanging blade...

[kippernipper]

...i am a nav in training and currently just 2 trips away from my brevet and the kipper ocu. I however narrowly failed my pre FNT ride and being on an air warning level 2, I am now about to be sent to a review board to decide my future. Have any navs out there been in a similar position and succeeded, and has anyone got any advice for how to approach the future!? :confused:

[Biggus]

First of all you are a WSO under training, not a nav any more!!

I suggest you just take things one day at a time, one trip at a time, and try to remain motivated and positive. When I went through nav school (many years ago) lots of guys failed trips. What happened to them subsequently was largely dependent on what their attitude had been throughout the course. The guys with the right attitude got re-flys or re-courses, the guys with the wrong attitude were civilians quite quickly.

I guess what I am trying to say is that in training your approach can be as important as your ability. Instructors will fight hard to help "tryers", and a good plug from one of your instructors at a review board can make all the difference!

Good luck for the future!!

[flipster]

Look back on your past reports (or ask yr instructor) - be honest with yourself - what is the main thing are you doing/thinking wrong and how can you (and he/she) correct it?
However some simple advice - do the simple things well, think as far ahead of the aircraft as possible and be flexible.

However, Biggus is absolutely right - most of all, don't EVER,EVER give up and BE POSITIVE.

Good Luck
flipster

[The Swinging Monkey]

Couldn't agree more,

Quite frankly the most important thing is ATTITUDE, and NOT ability.
The boys can and will always keep teaching you, and you will get to the required standard. But what the boys cannot teach is your attitude.

Remain positive, motivated and tell them you WILL NOT stop trying.

Hang in there, we've all failed check rides, and most of us came through the other end.

Good luck

The Swinging Monkey
'Caruthers, send Kippernipper a good glass of Grouse old boy'

[wessex19]

I couldn't agree with "biggus" more. Follow his advice and you will be sweet. I was close to being scrubbed early in my flight training but kept showing my instructors how keen I was to meet the grade and they did everything in their power to get me through.

[kippernipper]

...My thanks to Biggus, Flipster, The Swinging Monkey and Wessex19 for your wise words and encouragement - I have had my review and the board's recommendation was that I be given some flex and the chance ton refly the sortie. Needless to say I am very happy and keener than ever!

Thanks again guys!

Kippernipper :ok:

[Huron Topp]

Had a few studes back in the day who had the tendency to choke when rides were imminent. The advice I gave them was simple, and it worked every time: dig into your memory and think of the nicest time you've ever had with a lady(or whatever term you choose to apply:O ). Write a little code word for it and keep it handy on test day. Get nervous, just read that word.

Best of luck:ok:

[SALAD DODGER]

GOOD LUCK
YOU KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, THE RAF HAS RECOGNISED THIS ABILITY AND WOULDNT HAVE INVESTED SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY IN YOU, OR GIVEN YOU ANOTHER CHANCE IF YOU DIDNT DESERVE IT.

You can also create your own luck to a point by 'playing the game' . By now it should have been made very clear to you what is expected. The training system has to be fairly rigid and there are certain hoops that are compulsory for you to jump through on your FNT. You can plan for these on the ground and anticipate them in the air.

My advice to you is be as prepared as you possibly can, dont just get in the books but keep thinking through all aspects of the flight and how YOU fit into it. If you can identify the times that you feel under pressure and find simple ways to combat it, think ahead and be prepared you will soon notice your capacity increasing.

Remember to talk to your coursemates and dont be scared to ask for help, you can bet that they are going through the same pressures and finding different ways of coping with it. Many a good student has ****@d up by trying to take on the system alone and not asking for help.

If you can, find a little bit of time to relax, have a few jars in the mess or get some agression out on the squash court, and let some of that built up stress out. Its very easy to become a wreck when the spotlight is on you. If you can ride this one out and stay relaxed and focused when you walk to the jet you have won half the battle.

It sounds like you have the right attitude.

[kippernipper]

Huron Topp and SALAD DODGER - thanks for taking the time to offer your quality advice. It's amazing what an impact a few wise words from guys who've been there and done it can have on the confidence of someone who's fighting to get there. I feel better equipped already and I'll re-read this before I next fly.

Huron Topp: now all I need to do is think of a code word for 'Swedish blonde, schoolgirl outfit and large tub of Haagen Das ice cream'...!!!:ok:

[Huron Topp]

With a memory like that, who'd need a word!!:ok:

How's about schoolgirl? That should do it if anything does.:} Geez, might have to use it myself now, or go out and get some ice cream.:)

[Runaway Gun]

Kippernipper, and I believed you when you said you had nothing to do with my wife! ;)

[Huron Topp]

The chocolate sauce and whipped cream shoulda been a dead giveaway.:uhoh: