geosynchronus

You are fortunate that you have not run in to one of the "outliers."

The course critique after the training event is a wonderful tool...

NowCorporate

"outliers?"

In all due respect, be sure you actively manage your training events.

We have "will not train with" instructors at just about every center we have used. We have been asked if the feds can sit in on checkrides (most say NO) etc. We dont accept any events between 10pm-0600 (in contract)

We have terminated sim sessions day one and replaced instructors.

Scenario: GLEX recurrent, 2 experienced PICs with 5+ years in the plane. New GLEX instructor day one - Localizer B/C approach to mins to a 4500ft runway wintertime with engine out (huh? how about alternate?).....no do the approach...ok.....we go through motions and miss at mins (duh, surprise?) instructor advises we will do approach again even though we stated we would not do it in the real world under any circumstances...OK back around...this time adds an APU fire. We look at each other, chat quick, and let go of controls and ask (nicely) to stop the sim now. Within the hour we are back in there with the training manager and have a productive session. Guess she was an outlier. Whatever, I dont care -but he/she wont waste another minute of my time. FWIW this is obviously a rare event.

Remember, many of the instructors there are instructors for a reason. Not many people WANT to sit in that box all day. Many have never been in the airplane or have just yanked the gear. Some are better teachers than others, like any profession.

All in all I have had very positive experiences at both FSI and CAE. Both are VERY aware of how much you spend and that you have options.....but you have to be very sure you actively manage your training all the way through. There should never, ever be "checkride-itis" or a rogue instructor/examiner when you are spending so much money.

Getting revenge on the course critique is far too late IMO.

Good Luck!

geosynchronus

I've only encountered one unfavorable examiner/instructor in my 20 years attending FSI/Simuflite; hence the descriptive noun "outlier." 99.9% of the time, I have had nothing but true professionalism exhibited by the these providers.

Sounds like you have handled your training environment well...

NowCorporate

wow not bad...you have a better ratio than me!

Catfsh

I know you cannot get a GV type for 30k at FSI.

Fred Flintstone

Had to look that one up!

Outlier: An outlying observation, or outlier, is one that appears to deviate markedly from other members of the sample in which it occurs.

During my time at FSI/SAV I did notice a wide variance in experience levels among the instructors, but a very well focused and trained adherence to the curriculum. There just isn't any time to mess around with 7 sim sessions to get a type rating. Recurrent is a different animal, the clients have the experience, not the instructors. In that case, adherence to the lesson plan, and a sensible set of scenarios is even more important.

I also saw (and was trained to handle) several common student types, from passive sponges to combative. Human nature dictates varying responses to stress, and getting evaluated for a type ride is certainly a stress point in anyone's career.

FSI makes a lot of money doing training. FSI instructors don't. I would have loved to stay but I just couldn't pass up double the pay to get back into the cockpit. Perhaps if FSI paid better they would retain more experienced instructors.

Bumz_Rush

Untill the money is there to pay and keep good instructors, (with time on type, and continued hands on real yoke time) then the standards will drop to an un acceptable level.

A check ride should be, (if FAA) hard work but predicatble, and achievable. However it does need good preperation.

I have not been thru FSI SAV for many years, but have always had the greatest respect for the ground instructors, and the sim instructors too.

Currently use CAE DXB, and they are understaffed, as well as overworked, and often NO time on type. So the training, and checking is not perfect.

Bumz

Fred Flintstone

I'm only 10% correct? (just pulling your chain)

I would have stayed and been more motivated for a 100% raise, that's for sure!

I got the raise by leaving FSI, but I'm driving a bus instead of a Ferrari.

Climbto450

It is the easiest check ride I have ever taken. It was good and fair but the aircraft / avionics make this check ride the easiest you will ever take.

frieswiththat

I went through G450 Initial at CAE Morristown a while back, and still do Recurrents there. The training and all the instructors are excellent, and the type ride was exactly as expected... fair, and not difficult (because I felt very prepared for it).

And the G450 itself is such a great airplane, that certainly helps make it easier!