Warthog37

Hey all,

This is for all the new aviators that are curious on how they can improve their progress through the PPL-Commercial (w/ ME addon). I've came across some great CFI/I's that have given me solid advice.

I'll be more than happy to include any other advice from y'all via comments or PM, and I'll be updating this regularly. Thanks

prwest

Save up the money and pay cash. Do not get into debt for your training.

TheFly

^Yep^. Also, be patient & set realistic goals. Be patient and work hard. Things don't always work out the way you planned them…be patient and stay persistent.

831pilot

Great write up Warthog37!
+1 on what prwest said. Another one is- be proactive with your training. For example, if you want to make sure you fly 3 times in a given week- schedule at least 4 flights. That'll keep the progress moving, in case there is no-go weather, last minute change of plans or a mx issues.
Btw, first time posting here. Hello fellow APC members

Warthog37

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Keep 'em coming. 831pilot, welcome to the forums and thanks for the comment!

P.S. I just realized I couldn't edit this thread..

Toonces

HIGHLY recommend variety in instructors. The military typically assigns an "on-wing" for your first few flights in a new platform to identify poor habit patterns early and build confidence. The addition of random instructors afterwards offers different perspectives and ensures standardization. This approach benefits both instructors and students. My 2 cents.

SookyAirlines

Thanks Warthog! I found this really helpful , if even from a US perspective, however, the EU tests might be similar, so I caused me to write down the advice and I will keep it in mind when the time comes. I would ask about another advice I have received (but which has met with looks of disdain from some pilot veterans I know):

How do you feel about desktop simulators (X-plane and FSX with PMDG and propeller plains)? Will problems solved (with landings, ex. too high, too fast, lineup, flare, instrument use) there really have any effect on flight test results in the real world?

JamesNoBrakes

Generally no, although most will say "(expletive) no!" Those simulations do not provide the cues that are used to land an airplane. Someone that understands landings and knows how to land an airplane can usually do it in a sim or real life, but it doesn't really work the other way. What you should strive to do is learn about landings, why they work, how they work. Much of the time people try to force an airplane on the ground at too high of a speed or they somehow think the pitch increases at the same time the wheels start to touch (balloon). The timing is often different with different types of planes, but the cues are the same. Even when I was able to teach someone to land in the sim, it wouldn't translate into real life.

SookyAirlines

Yikes! You mean there are no green hoops and the comforting voice of Rod Machado when we learn landings outside of the PC simulator?!?!?!?

No, but seriously, what you are saying coincides with some of the critique that I have heard from PC-sim-neutral teachers. They point out exactly your concerns about the visual cues and feedback used in landings and other flight phases. At the same time they claim that the PC sim is great for general instrument knowledge (if one uses a wellmodelled aircraft in the simulator) and can be used for an introduction to procedures and various phenomenon (jet streams at various altitudes, stalls, and even learning one's faulty tendencies such as failure to line up correctly or coming in too low or to high to fast, etc.).

I think it would be great to dedicate a thread to this subject, because I think many pilots in training (particularly ground school) are really confused about this issue, since there is pro and con coming from enthusiasts and even aviation teachers! I would be great to have more experienced pilots try the sims out and explain where they think the program might help and what they advise users to ignore in the program- i.e. aspects that don't match reality.

Pilotandrew

Hallelujah!