ABC: Pilot Recency
Speaking personally having just returned to the coal face after eight months' furlough.........
I'm being afforded 7 sim sessions and a few less flights under the supervision of the company's training department. After sim session number 4 I still feel ... rusty, uncurrent and procedurally slow. The actual manipulation of the aircraft doesn't feel too bad, subjectively, but getting back up to speed with the SOP knowledge is taking a while. In reality my manual handling probably peaked about twenty years ago and has been on a downward slide ever since.
Just plain forgetting stuff is always an issue even for guys who remain current, now add the usual number of changes to the operation our lot seem to like introducing routinely, and a break from operating of over 8 months, whilst in my mid 50's, and it's blatantly obvious how lack of currency affects one's competence. And to some degree confidence.
Some of the trainers get it, some don't. That's ok though, always take the rough with the smooth. At this stage of my career I'm not out for brownie points, just happy to still be employed when so many colleagues have been let go forever. Hopefully looking forward to feeling sharp again (well, moderately!) and hoping to deliver a sufficient level of professionalism to keep going.
Best wishes to all.
I'm being afforded 7 sim sessions and a few less flights under the supervision of the company's training department. After sim session number 4 I still feel ... rusty, uncurrent and procedurally slow. The actual manipulation of the aircraft doesn't feel too bad, subjectively, but getting back up to speed with the SOP knowledge is taking a while. In reality my manual handling probably peaked about twenty years ago and has been on a downward slide ever since.
Just plain forgetting stuff is always an issue even for guys who remain current, now add the usual number of changes to the operation our lot seem to like introducing routinely, and a break from operating of over 8 months, whilst in my mid 50's, and it's blatantly obvious how lack of currency affects one's competence. And to some degree confidence.
Some of the trainers get it, some don't. That's ok though, always take the rough with the smooth. At this stage of my career I'm not out for brownie points, just happy to still be employed when so many colleagues have been let go forever. Hopefully looking forward to feeling sharp again (well, moderately!) and hoping to deliver a sufficient level of professionalism to keep going.
Best wishes to all.
It’s going to be “interesting” when the A380 crew are called back after a year or two away, given that all captains, most FOs and a few SOs are north of 50.
It’s going to be “interesting” when the A380 crew are called back after a year or two away, given that all captains, most FOs and a few SOs are north of 50.
Perhaps he will offer discounted copies of his book to all uncurrent pilots, so as to inspire them to greatness upon their return.
He’s gone...
Question on recency
I used to fly the smaller turbo props like King airs.
If I return after a few years I believe I have to do an IFR rating check etc but not an endorsement
For all those pilots flying light or even heavy jets, and let’s say you took a redundancy at age 55, and haven’t flown for a few years, is it just a short amount of sims or the whole type rating again if you want to return?
I'm and hearing different things.
And will an airline pay for that if you have time on type. Thanks
If I return after a few years I believe I have to do an IFR rating check etc but not an endorsement
For all those pilots flying light or even heavy jets, and let’s say you took a redundancy at age 55, and haven’t flown for a few years, is it just a short amount of sims or the whole type rating again if you want to return?
I'm and hearing different things.
And will an airline pay for that if you have time on type. Thanks
I done a similar thing 12 months ago, however that ended up being a total waste of time thanks to COVID - 19.
The operator would need to put you though a refresher training course, that should include a ground school (or part there of) and a few additional sim sessions. If you can get through that part, the line training and subsequent check to line shouldn’t require anymore additional training outside of the normal if you’re experienced on the type.
In the EASA environment, I think you would be required to do a full type rating after a certain period of time as you loose it.
Good luck getting anything if you’re experienced, currently not employed as a pilot and over 45.
You will notice that most of the jobs for type rated pilots coming up now are requiring recency on type, that’s to avoid the additional training requirements. I think if you go beyond 12 months of a sim OPC or IPC on the type you fall outside the window, although CASA loosened up the sim requirements due to COVID - 19 which has probably been repealed due to the borders operating up and easing of social distancing requirements.
Airline should pay for all the training if they hire you, if not don’t go there!
The operator would need to put you though a refresher training course, that should include a ground school (or part there of) and a few additional sim sessions. If you can get through that part, the line training and subsequent check to line shouldn’t require anymore additional training outside of the normal if you’re experienced on the type.
In the EASA environment, I think you would be required to do a full type rating after a certain period of time as you loose it.
Good luck getting anything if you’re experienced, currently not employed as a pilot and over 45.
You will notice that most of the jobs for type rated pilots coming up now are requiring recency on type, that’s to avoid the additional training requirements. I think if you go beyond 12 months of a sim OPC or IPC on the type you fall outside the window, although CASA loosened up the sim requirements due to COVID - 19 which has probably been repealed due to the borders operating up and easing of social distancing requirements.
Airline should pay for all the training if they hire you, if not don’t go there!
Last edited by Duck Pilot; 15th Dec 2020 at 22:42.
If COVID has taught us anything, it’s how many people don’t know the difference between border and boarder. 
Retiring from an Asian airline, on returning home I gained a job flying a 737. Having not flown one within five years I had to do the complete type rating again. I still remember 'FFS1' with the instructor demonstrating the effect of speed brakes. Riveting stuff. The other problem with homecoming, is the old CAR5 Licence is no longer considered a valid licence despite having 'Permanently Valid' stamped across it.
As far as local recency, I have seen pilots returning from 12 months sick leave just do a couple of Sims and ten line sectors. No big deal. It all depends on an individuals circumstances and the Airlines approved training exposition. Moving in and out of the Country I have managed do the type rating of one of my endorsements four times. That is the complete program from start to finish. There is so much bull-**** in aviation the only answer is to just grin and bear it.
As far as local recency, I have seen pilots returning from 12 months sick leave just do a couple of Sims and ten line sectors. No big deal. It all depends on an individuals circumstances and the Airlines approved training exposition. Moving in and out of the Country I have managed do the type rating of one of my endorsements four times. That is the complete program from start to finish. There is so much bull-**** in aviation the only answer is to just grin and bear it.
