Initial OPC did not go well
 

Hello everyone, i am a fresh a320 cadet/FO and just had my initial OPC having only finished base training/TR half a year ago and had no flying since. Suffice to say, it did not go well, particularly the emergency LOFT exercise/handling. I prepared as much as i could with regards to SOPs, memory items, approach guidances, ECAM handling procedures etc.. However, what i struggled horribly with was my ability to explain the application of systems knowledge regarding the system failures in the exercise (why did this system react/happened this way? what other system does this affect?). I was asked several technical questions related to the associated system failure and could not provide an adequate answer (i froze in a couple of instances) and that, in turn, increased my workload severely and affected the overall flight particularly with decision making. Despite the OPC itself being extremely fruitful and I've been exposed to several new aspects that are now drilled in me, nevertheless, I am concerned with my lack of system knowledge and ability to explain, with confidence, regarding system related matters which normally go hand-in-hand with failure management. I guess the purpose of this post is to enquire from experienced veterans/TREs/Captains, if initial OPCs are supposed to be stressful/difficult for a new cadet and not a cake walk? Is someone at my level expected to have better knowledge of the systems having only had the bare minimum hours on the real aircraft. Your opinion/advice is highly appreciated.

I failed my initial OPC at a similar point. Looking back (that was 7 years ago now) I was being asked some pretty difficult questions for someone of my experience level. I did fail one or two basics though which was fair cop. A reactive WINDSHEAR procedure on approach for example, flying a go around rather than the drill (due to confusion over the difference between predictive and reactive WINDSHEAR at the time). In subsequent SIMs I have seen examiners simply brief and retest, resolving the issue. However this guy was so busy asking me the distance the red CL lights start before the end of the runway and obscure low vis questions we ran out of time.

The most important thing after a SIM which knocks your confidence is to get back on the horse and try to take advice on board. Tech knowledge seems to come easily to some folks. It never has to me, but as with anything it improves over time. If you ask me, expecting deep understanding of systems knowledge from someone with under a years experience on the ac is poor training- unless they were impressed with your standard and were simply digging to see how much you really knew. If that’s the case, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

What have you been doing for the past six months? I think they’re being very unrealistic to expect you to have word perfect tech knowledge at this stage. That’s just silly.

Are you safe, relatively competent and not a hindrance? That’s all you’re expected to do at this stage. This is why you’ll only fly with captains!

The first few Sims are always pretty poor, but don't worry they do get better!