How hard to get comfortable again?
#1
Hi all,
I've been out of the business for six years, recently received an offer and will be going off to training later this month. I've started reviewing memory items and limitations on the aircraft I'll be flying, and went to FSI to fly a SIM to get some practice with V1 Cuts and other emergencies.
The SIM experience went well, V1 cut was well controlled, as were the other flight maneuvers. Instructor and seat fill said I did a good job, and that I don't have any issues flying the plane...but despite this, my comfort level in the SIM wasn't fantastic. Has anyone on here gotten back into professional aviation after a stint away, and how comfortable did you feel as you worked through training?
BTW - very excited to be back!
I've been out of the business for six years, recently received an offer and will be going off to training later this month. I've started reviewing memory items and limitations on the aircraft I'll be flying, and went to FSI to fly a SIM to get some practice with V1 Cuts and other emergencies.
The SIM experience went well, V1 cut was well controlled, as were the other flight maneuvers. Instructor and seat fill said I did a good job, and that I don't have any issues flying the plane...but despite this, my comfort level in the SIM wasn't fantastic. Has anyone on here gotten back into professional aviation after a stint away, and how comfortable did you feel as you worked through training?
BTW - very excited to be back!
#2
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,674
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Yup, same time gap as you. Got current with a flight review and an IPC. Headed off to a regional shortly after that and had zero issues during training. You've already done more than I did, so you should have no problem.
#6
My sim partner during upgrade was former Comair and was out flying for over two years. He didn't miss a beat.
We flew together several times at Comair and the familiarity helped. He was a former AF F/E on C-130s and C-141s. His professionalism hasn't changed which also helped.
Best of luck from another former Waterskier.
We flew together several times at Comair and the familiarity helped. He was a former AF F/E on C-130s and C-141s. His professionalism hasn't changed which also helped.
Best of luck from another former Waterskier.
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 0
From: JAFO- First Observer
It could take as much as 50-100 hours to get back in the groove. 121 consolidation time (100 hrs in 120 days) is there for a good reason...
What equipment will you be on?
Enjoy the experience, and don't be too hard on yourself the first few months back on line...
What equipment will you be on?
Enjoy the experience, and don't be too hard on yourself the first few months back on line...
#8
Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,874
Likes: 671
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
What he said. In my experience it does come back very rapidly, but immediately out of the gate is rough. Things we take for granted (like hearing your callsign in the radio garble) tend to be rusty and that can catch you off guard.
SIM is relatively easy (scripted vice real-world challenges) so best to warm up in a sim if possible.
If you're jumping into resource-limited (ie airline) training cold-turkey, best to get some kind of warm up first so you don't wind up with a PRIA event.
#9
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
The first 5 hours might seem rusty, but after that it comes back very very very quickly, scan and everything. After the 1st hours it seems far away, but by 10 hour mark you are back in saddle good. from personal experience.
#10
I'll be in business jets, currently running through FSI pre-study material, memory items and limitations.
It's been fun getting back into the swing of things, and commanding some items to memory makes me realize how much I'd missed it (i.e. hard studying/memorization). I head off to FSI in two weeks to begin ground school, and hope to have the memory items and limitations good before I embark on 3 weeks of schoolhouse and simulator time.
Thanks for all the information, I'll put in the hours...and hoping to learn as much as possible to get back in the groove!
It's been fun getting back into the swing of things, and commanding some items to memory makes me realize how much I'd missed it (i.e. hard studying/memorization). I head off to FSI in two weeks to begin ground school, and hope to have the memory items and limitations good before I embark on 3 weeks of schoolhouse and simulator time.

Thanks for all the information, I'll put in the hours...and hoping to learn as much as possible to get back in the groove!
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