I join your ranks at last!! Past my test yesterday
 

Hi all, just an introduction really. I started my FIC(H) 8th Jan and passed my test yesterday!! Yeah! A tough month, and I cant begin to tell you the new things I've learnt about the aircraft.

A trip down to Gatwick this week, and then to find a school that will have me. Fairly encouraging so far though, I have had positve replies from a number of schools so I imagine that its just a matter of getting round and seeing if anyone wants me. I dont know the state of the fixed wing market but there are a number of vancancies for FI(H) at the minute.

Well done mate, you will enjoy it, its a very rewarding job. :D

Congratulations and remember to learn from your students!

To be honest I feel so underprepared for the role, I know I have so much more to learn yet. Cant wait to get my first student though.

One of the last things my FIC instructor said to me as I packed up after my test (and there was no examiner around!) : " Remember, your students will at some point try and kill you!"

Not bad advice that, I can only recall 2 occasions in 2 years that his prophecy came true, but I kept those words with me!

Congratulations, it is one of the best feelings ever taking a student from 0 to first solo, or as far as a skills test! so you have that to look forward to. Enjoy it! :ok:

That must be one of the most important points in aviation training. It isn't deliberate, but at some point or other a student will do something that left unchecked would be the end of it. I've had two such encounters in less than a week and I've only been an FI for 6 months...

One involved low level graveyard spiral dive in darkness. The poor old PA28 was doing 140 knots indicated! The other was a scarier cross control turn to final at 400 feet after "engine failure" and close to stall speed. They should weld the rudder pedals to the floor.... This particular individual didn't realize the danger and would likely have killed himself if alone...

Well knowing when to block the controls just in case looks to be a lesson I will need to learn quickly!

I am off the Gatwick tonight, so I can be on their doorstep at 0830 to get my rating added. I have organised a meet with a couple of schools so hopefully some good things will come out of them.