Staying current / preparing for sim test

[Clydes]

I completed my CPL-ME-IR and MCC-JOC a few years ago. I'm looking for ways to get my skills up-to-date and keep them current while job searching.


Can anyone suggest what they have found useful to prepare for a sim test?


For example:
1. Computer simulators I can run on my home computer (e.g. A320 or B737)
2. FMC simulators
3. Additional equipment (e.g. rudder pedals, yoke, ...)
4. Anything else that might be useful


I've found a few options online (e.g. PDMG) but some are quite expensive and I'm not sure which ones would be most useful. Advice would be very welcome.

[Turbavykas]

PDMG is not bad. Probably it can help with fast instrument scan and getting used to them. But I don't think it can relapse FFS. If you can afford some sessions in FFS time to time it will help you to keep up to the standards.

Why do you want to train for FMC unless you have TR? It's not to difficult and never asked or tested for non TR pilots. You need raw flying skills in a jet.

If you want to use MFS additional equipment is necessary.

[Clydes]

Thanks for the suggestions Turbavykas. I'd like to do some sim time too but want to be as well prepared as possible so I can make the most of it, since it will be expensive. Re the FMC, I'm thinking that anything I can do to be more prepared (and therefore reduce the workload) would help.

[dn88]

I had 1 year break from flying after my initial IR test and in the run up to my first renewal I spent a few weeks on Microsoft flight simulator (2nd hand copy from Amazon, 5 quid!) just flying SID's and STAR's from random airports using analogue dials in the Cessna 172. Nothing complicated and the renewal went fine.

Soon after I had an interview and sim check - I went back to Microsoft flight sim but this time started flying the Learjet just because everything happens quicker. Practiced the standard call outs and forced myself to brief ILS plates for airports I'd not flown to before. Also did VOR DME approaches hand flown calling out the altitude step downs from the plate. The sim went well and I got the job.

I'm not saying the above method will work for everyone, but with some discipline and a good imagination you can get most of the practice you need from a simple computer game without spending hundreds of pounds!

[Gpro]

You don't need a FFS, any simulator will do and will save you loads of cash if you go fixed base. Down south, theres places like virtual aviation, but if you want a cheap really good sim and can get up to Bacup, go to flight deck experience. check out their trip advisor, I've only heard good things. hope this helps!

[Clydes]

Hi dn88 - those are good tips, thanks!, and well done on the Learjet job

Hi Gpro - Bacup is quite far (4h drive according to google maps) but might be doable. For the people you know who went to flight deck experience, did they do it for professional preparation or just for fun?

[Clydes]

Also seems that PMs aren't available for me yet (not sure why, but have contacted the admins to get it fixed). In the meantime, if anyone has suggestions they'd like to make offline, my email address is [email protected]

Thanks lots for the ideas so far!