Sim question
 

Hello All,
Will be heading to sims soon and was looking for any input on GSW vs Houston.
I might have a choice so just seeking info on equipment, instructors, hotels, etc..
Is the 4:30am brief as bad as it sounds?
If Houston, would I then do my type ride back at GSW?
Any other gouge is appreciated.
Thanks,
James T.

GSW is the aa flight academy in dallas so you will probably continue to stay at the ghetto inn. They do have the best sims. But no free coffee, Houston is at flight safety sims are known to be a bit glitchy, a bit more squirrelly single engine. But free coffee and snacks at flight safety. I’m not sure of the Houston hotel. And 0430 brief sucks but I think it’s better than finishing at 0200. You drink coffee during the brief by the time you get in the box your awake and alert. For me on the late shift I’m falling asleep in the box after midnight.

One more thing about HOU - your examiner probably will be your instructor...

Is that a positive, negative, or neutral?

I would say positive for sure.

The 0430 brief really took a toll on me during initial. Maybe for recurrent it wouldn't be so bad, but 13 or 16 or however many sim sessions you have for your initial type was really tough. I worked night shift for many years in a previous life, and am usually okay with weird hours, but waking up at 330 every morning to leave by 4 had me questioning my career choices by the end of training.

Couldnt agree more. It is ungodly early. By sim 6 of sleep deprivation (ala training) I was lucky to keep it upright with 2 engines....

If he's doing a type ride, that's not going to happen.

If he's a Qualified Upgrade, it's possible.

Funny, I was just the opposite. Early morning is what I bid for and loved it. Granted I am a morning guy so to each there own.

HOU hotel is nice, much better than the DFW training hotel. But the food options within walking distance of HOU are very limited as in only 1 fast food joint, much better variety in DFW. GSW sims are the best but FSI sims aren’t anything to be afraid of. Your Type ride will not be with your instructor, he could possibly be the seat sub but not the examiner. And it will be in which ever sim you do your training in, unless you go to France but I don’t think we are doing that anymore.
The time slot is the most important factor, pick the time slot that fits your personality best and will allow you to learn and perform the best. All other considerations are negligible compared to that.
P.S. Love the screen name, but shouldn’t it be First Officer Kirk until you upgrade??