Friday, October 12, 2007

Rounding 3rd

Part One: Launch - 2 weeks

Parth Two: Basic Indoc - 2 weeks

Part Two: Systems & Integration - 4 weeks

Part Three: Sims - 3 weeks beginning on Monday at 4 a.m. The sim training is the last part of training before hitting the line for Initial Operating Experience (IOE). The three week process involves training sessions each followed by a check. The first check is the procedures validation which falls at the end of week one. The second check is the maneuvers validation at the end of week two. The third and final check is the Line Oriented Evaluation (LOE) or simply The Check Ride.

The LOE is usually done with a current and qualified line captain. It consists of a round trip flight between a city pair. The FO performs one leg as the pilot flying and the other as pilot monitoring. It is conducted just like a regular revenue flight, with a dispatch release, manifest and weight & balance. There are usually some abnormal procedures and emergencies thrown in for good measure.

The three part training is structured under the airlines Advanced Qualification Program (AQP). AQP's are approved by the FAA for Part 121 & 135 operators. An AQP basically allows the airline to break up the traditional check ride in to 3 phases. Instead of a day filled with a 3 hour oral exam and 3+ hour check ride, it is broken up over three separate events.

The check ride is three weeks from today. Ground school is officially over. Time flies when training in the simulator and then it will finally be time for the real thing. The culmination of a lot of time and effort. Will it be worth it?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I guess we'll find out. JP-IL

Anonymous said...

I think you already know the answer to your question. I've never met you but from reading your blog, I'm confident you'll do well.

Congratulations on finishing ground school, and enjoy the next three weeks. Ten years from now you'll look back on this as a pain in the ass that was actually kind of fun because you were just starting out on a new career and a new adventure. Make the most of it because even if you go through this ten more times, the first time is always the most memorable.

Anonymous said...

Good luck! I look forward to reading some cool sim/emergency related blog posts!

flyaway said...

of course it will be worth it. everything has ups and downs. this will be a way more exciting career (and workday) than sitting in a cubicle. congratulations on all the work you've put into it. my first CFI went to RJs months ago and i heard how much work it is to get to where you are now.