Nervous pilot
 

Well I've got a strange thing happening lately!! I have roughly 120hrs.TT and am just about finished with my inst. rating. Here lately though it seems I am very nervous about flying without an instructor with me, even with a safetly pilot it is not any better. Flying has never bothered me in the past, since I was raised in and around planes. My dad was a private pilot in fixed wing and helo's and I loved every minute of it, even through my private cert. I just cant seem to quit thinking about the engine making weird noises and quitting or something crazy like that. I know its good to be somewhat cautious, but I think I'm going overboard with it. What really sucks is flying is all I can think about up until I'm actually up there, then when I'm back on the ground, I cant wait to go again....Maybe I'm just off in the head or something? Well if you guys have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it! Maybe I just dont have enough experience yet? All I know is its frustrating as crap to feel like this about something I cant seem to get my mind off of!!

at least you don't sound overconfident......just fly more solo!
-engine quiting isn't that bad (unless you are 45 miles off shore at 1000ft) ...in-flight seperation - now that's bad. Seriously though... solo flight will probably be the best... and after you get your IR... file on every XC and go solo or with a non-pilot. Don't let it get to you.. just focus and take care of business. You'll be fine!

In the words of several on the forum.......
"re-engage mav, re-engage"

Practice some power-off landings.

You proved on your private pilot ride you could handle an engine failure. Keep practicing, learning and stay proficient and you'll succeed.

I think you just need a little more time. AC engines are very reliable. Once you move on to a twin you won't be as worried about an engine failure. Keep your focus on flying the plane and staying ahead.

Tune in your favorite AM station on the ADF. Or, just put your IPOD earphones in one or both ears! That'll take your mind of the worries instead, enjoy the view and appreciate what everyone should experience but seldom do.... The freedom of flight.

Good for a distraction, but honestly he's 120hr pilot, he doesn't need distractions. Just my 2-cents. It's like giving every teenager their cell phones, and telling them to text while driving.........oh wait they already do.

Here's something I think would be of at least some comfort. Have you spent any time in the Maintenance shop? Take a look of the inner-workings of the engines that are torn apart if you can. Get a feel for how all the motions go, etc.. Hopefully the Mechanics can instill some confidence in their work, but always remember as PIC it is your responsibility to insure things are ready for safe flight, but knowing what those are by educating yourself of the finer points of your aircraft will help you in the long run.

If the engine quits the airplane still flies just fine. Some of the best airplanes I've flown dont even have engines on them! :)

I've had a couple of students that are the exact same way. I tell them that as long as you are trying to learn on every solo you do, you'll probably learn far more than you could with an instructor. Maybe not new material, but the stuff that you already know will definitely get stronger. My brother is going for his commercial rating and is almost done. He's pretty hesitant about the night flying requirements, so what I did was go up on a night flight with him and pretty much just observed him. He did great. Maybe because I was there but either way I didn't touch the controls once. You've already got your PPL and almost your IFR but there's nothing that says your solo nerves instantly go away with your certificates. I guess it is what it is, just buck up and go out there and solo. Hit the traffic pattern and practice power off landings. Step it up to a cross country here and there. Before you know it, something just clicks and the nerves get replaced by the confidence your experience will bring.

Thanks guys for all the positive thoughts and suggestions! I guess I just need to believe in myself more! But like you said, the night time is what really bothers me the most, and I have quite a bit of night time, but not being able to really spot a good landing site just freaks me out.

Stop being a Mary! ;) You want to think uncomfortable thoughts? Try fighting 150+ miles off the coast at night, water temp in the 40's, in a dry suit that won't do much to keep you alive, knowing the rescue helicopter will take 1-2 hours to get to your location after they have launched, if they can find you!...:eek:

Haha that's why there's the 8 seconds throttle to bottle rule. Just be sure to bail out with a good whiskey or rum. The water will keep it nice and chilled. Promise. :D

As a student pilot who's logged only 20 hours, I can tell you I get nervous, too. You're definitely not alone. See, the interesting thing about me is that, even though i have almost zero flying hours logged, i have hundreds of hours of experience flying with my father since i was 3. He isn't a CFI so I couldn't log the hours as dual. So, just like you, i know my way around a plane. He's an incredibly skilled aircraft mechanic (now a mx manager for an airline), too, so i've seen the inner workings of everything from cessnas to 747s.

Honestly i find it wierd that i was cool, confident, and relaxed on my first solo, but terrified on my 3rd when i left the traffic pattern for the first time. I knew what to do, i'd been doing it and watching it get done my entire life. But the "What if's" always got to me. I couldnt bring myself to do stalls because i kept worrying about messing up.

On my final landing of my 3rd solo, i was too focused on slowing down to remember to keep the nose up. As a result of too much weight on the nose n too much speed, the front nosegear vibrated something awful when i tried to brake. Luckily i remained calm, pulled back on the wheel, then lightly tapped the brakes. I got off the runway in time, but used up wayyy too much runway for my own good.

What i think we should do is, like everyone says, just keep soloing. Also, make sure you're flying the plane, and don't let the plane fly you. I'm looking forward to restarting flight school in a few weeks so I can start practicing more. Good luck! You'll do just fine.

Only time you'll get nervous is when you take your girlfriend for a ride.

Having recently turned 14,000 hrs on the time it was interesting to reflect on your post. I can recall the exact same feelings when I was learning in '90. It was so bad I often had...the big "D" before each flight. What helped me was planning well before each flight and getting up there...just do it!

I think you might be confusing fear with respect for your lack of experience. That's is NOT a bad thing! The first time I soloed I can still remember how comforting it was to know that my instructor was still on the ground watching me. Yes, we've all been there.

Through the years my nervousness for type rides began to really bother me. but after doing enough of them I find that a quick study the night before or the day of is all I need. But that will take time for you to develop. Fear not. Respect always.

Fly safely.

Mike

I think I had some uneasy feelings when I was at the same flight experience. It would be a bad thing if you think you are invincible and know it all.

Most guys have been in your shoes at one time. Just keep on keeping on!

Like everyone else says, go do some more solo flight, that should help. Confidence comes with experience.

When I was instructing, my #1 rule for all students at all times was
ALWAYS FLY THE AIRPLANE. Don't let distractions get the best of you.

Safety first makes for later.

Hey Bud..it`s perfectly natural at your stage in the game to feel that way. BTW, engines always run rough at night and in the weather.

Yeah..it sure seems like they do! I'm gonna try to step up the frequency of my flights, because right now I only get to fly about 2 to 3 hrs a week or less...money's kinda tight! I'm ready to get back up there though, thanks guys, for easing my mind and letting me know I'm not the only one who has these thoughts!!

Take a break from your usual routine. Go get a tailwheel endorsement if you havn't already. Fun, easy, and it'll make you a better pilot. Big confidence builder. Aerobatic instruction, gliders, seaplanes, multi-engine ect... Just an hour or two could make a big difference. Did for me!

I start my training in November and I'll be damned if I haven't had the same thoughts as badtransam97 & RmTrice.

I'm reading & will listen to the advice that's being given.




atp

Keep flying, build some confidence in yourself! If it is meant to be it will come. Critical you break those fears though especially if you want to go CFI! Very important that you don't freak out your students because they see you freaking out!