It hasn't been mentioned on this thread yet, but if--heaven forbid--you make an honest mistake, blow an altitude, clearance limit, etc., file a NASA report (ASRS) immediately. Can do it electronically
ASRS - Aviation Safety Reporting System or mail it in. 10 day expiration date, I think. This is over and above filing a FDX Flight Safety Report. You'll sleep better at night, trust me!
Also, I've had to ask ATC controllers to repeat things more often lately, especially in the busy aispace/airport environments. Rapid-fire, multiple clearances (turn, descend, contact, etc.) combined with slurred speech/failure to enunciate make that communication thingy a true challenge sometimes. Always, always, ESPECIALLY NOW, verify that clearance. Faster is not always faster--smoother is usually faster, at least in quick-draw situations.
