Checkride/mission superstitions or rituals?

[Guest]

It sure does. I'm totally with you. Meaningless opinions and boring words words words on a message board aren't nearly as entertaining without watching you piss in someone's face at the same time, and the hilarity that ensues. Don't change a thing.

No problem. You want a towel?

[Guest]

LOL. You haven't given me a reason to need one.

Cool.

[Kaman]

Like pretty much everyone military or civilian I really don't enjoy training/checking events. In the military we were required to memorize and know so much crap that I sometimes wonder how I managed to survive it! In fact, I ultimately used to be an aircrew instructor in the aircraft and WST. I never liked having to give check-rides or worse still have to sit on a board might determine that a aircrewman under training will be either set-back or dropped altogether. At the fleet, we had deployments, work-ups and evaluations by higher headquarters looming. To top it off the C.O, breathing down our neck to get all mission quals completed, so we could report in a mission-ready deployable status.

The airlines are FAR worse when it comes to the checking and training environment and honestly I truly dread recurrent training. Or as some call it, "you bet your job" every 6 months. Plus line checks annually. All it takes is a badng day in the sim a couple of TP's and whammo! You get dequal'd. Ironically, at one time I was even a check airman (not any longer, thank goodness!) and enjoyed teaching in the sim. However, it is a different world at my airline now. I still facilitate CRM/TEM, but no longer in the training dept.

Anyway, if I was to say I had any "tricks or rituals"...Not really, it's just a matter of PREPARATION, STUDY and DEDICATION. I find that I have to work much harder in the books than I did at 19 when I learned to fly. The military taught me a lot of self-discipline and to do things correctly. I also had the benefit of flying with some of the BEST pilots and officers in the world, and was privileged to serve as a Naval Aircrewman/Rescue Swimmer. Take pride in what you do every flight, critique yourself and how you can improve, accept constructive criticism and have fun!

Edited April 26, 2010 by Kaman

[Guest]

Take pride in what you do every flight, critique yourself and how you can improve, accept constructive criticism and have fun!

'Nuff said.

[Jimmy.The.Engineer]

I'm too lazy to look up who said it but he hit it right on with his "evaluator teach something" theory. Back when I was bullseyeing womprats in my T-16, an evaluator on one of my rides had a great outlook and imparted this gem: "Ultimately, aren't we trying to make the unit better?"