Backseating Sim Checks
 

I work on the ground for an airline and was thinking about asking the training department if I could backseat the sim checks (or any other sim training)

To those of you who do these sim checks, firstly is there any space to 'backseat' (i know most Full Motion Sims have a few observer positions, but are all the seats taken).

Secondly is it allowed and thirdly would you object to a non-flying colleague (albeit fATPL holder) sitting in and watching as you're put through your paces?

There is space in the sim for people to backseat. However you would have to ask the crew and the TRE/SFI on the day if they would mind you sitting in.

I suspect they will respectfully say no way! Only observers fall into the category of the regulator who has the legal right to sit it on the sessions or else another trainer/checker who is signing off a trainer.

It will serve no real purpose for a cpl/ir holder to be there.

It would really depend on the crew. Some guys find the SIM quite stressful, therefore they may not be that comfortable with an extra pair of eyes, however on saying that, some guys will be fine with it.

I have to disagree with this statement. I think it would be of great benefit for a CPL/IR holder to observe 2 professional pilots at work, dealing with problems as a team. It would give you a real flavour of what the multi crew environment is all about which is something you would not be used to, as all your flying apart from you MCC would have been single pilot.

It will also give you inspiration for the future and something to look forward to :ok:.

All the best.

As a TRE I have no problem with an additional observer, however it is conditional on the candidates not objecting. If they do and they have done so in the past then the request is refused.

Thanks for the feedback folks. Glad to know it is possible (candidate permitting)

MCDU I have to agree with Cat3C, I've always thought all backseating is valuable...In a profession where you're always learning, watching how others do it surely can only be good.

I know some people don't like to be observed, but I was trained from the early days to expect it as the norm (even when there is nobody there we still have the good old QAR). During my CPL training, I've had plenty of backseaters including the CAA on one of my lessons. (Shame it weren't the FAA - apparently if they backseat or are doing a check, they'll pick up the tab !!)

I digress, I'll go and ask the training department. Also think it might be nice for them to put a face to the name so 10 years down the road they might remember me when I have enough hours

Thanks again to all

Someone who has a CPL/IR will also have an MCC, or will soon have one, sitting in on that sim would be great experience to expand that MCC/CRM knowledge.

I would suggest you send a polite email or letter to the head of sim, worst is that they can say no, but either way it shows your interest and he/she may remember your name in the future!

As a former sim instructor I would only allow company personnel to observe, again with the sole permission of the students. I would suggest you observe a training day or recurrent training. As said above, an extra set of eyes during a check is generally not appreciated by most crews.

In my opinion, it would be beneficial to you, you can see what to work towards, learn something, and ask questions! The deal clencher for me in becoming a pilot was sitting on the jump seat as a teenager, alas not allowed anymore! As I said, first port of call should be head of sim/training manager. All the best for the future!

Sorry for the late reply. I've been working these last few days so very little time to sit down and think.

I've emailed the training manager, and lets see what I get back. Thank you for your suggestions and positive responses.