HercDriver130

Well... did you complete training?

Anyways... yes there is one individual who has a reputation...every training department has some.... the issues you speak of are generally in the past now.... however I will admit that occasionally things get a bit tense in the sim...... its still much better than say 4-5 years ago.

lionflyer

Some guys in the training dept are still stuck in the DC8 era. The manuals were written for the classic and haven't changed. And some procedures I think are over kill. There's a lot of double checking and triple checking. Much of it could be simplified.

727C47

I know back then guys dreaded AQP like a trip to the executioner, I remember high 5ing my partner when we survived unscathed : )

HercDriver130

I agree things could be better in some areas...they are getting there bit by bit.

Q400winner

I'm glad things are getting better. Honestly I think the whole reason is because of the new chief pilot. He's trying to change this place for
the better.

orka

The training is definitely difficult and not for the faint of heart. This is intentional, as there have been incidents in the past of rejecting beyond V1, tail strikes, taking off without flaps, unstable approaches & hard landings, etc. We haven't had a hull loss on the 400, yet, and would like to keep it that way. There will always be those who don't cut it, some of whom choose to blame others. These are the guys who have a chip on their shoulder that the company should get rid of.

HercDriver130

^^^^^^^^^^^ this

HoneyBadger7

It was last month and they brought in 12 of us from Puerto Rico to Honolulu. We paid our way, they covered two nights. Guys in training we met at breakfast said they were 50 crews (100 pilots) short. Training department said the same thing. Both said: "Don't crash the Sim on Day 2 and you'e hired".

Day One: Our group was a mix of military, corporate, and 121 guys and 3 women. We all took a modest "Aptitude" test and had a panel interview where the body language said no one wanted to be there.

Each of us was given a "Thanks but no thanks" letter as we departed. No one was taken to the sim'. Friends on the inside were blown away by this. Any input would be appreciated. Otherwise, it was a cordial and professional experience.

Q400winner

Thanks! I think that's what people need to know. The training is tough and for a good reason. We are all trying to protect our jobs.

ocskyguy

You know, this type of diatribe is one that truly upsets me. I am, in fact, one of the guys who conduct the rides. And, I am a damn good instructor, too. In order to do a meaningful job, you need to walk the fine line that separates the two tasks.
As an instructor, I will pump you up with all the knowledge that I can possibly pass along. And, yes, you will still need to work your ass off to get through the program.
But, when check ride day comes, it is all on you. You need to prove your mettle. We do not have a huge support structure here at K4. You basically get the keys to the jet and an admonishment to not f#*k up out there. So, in order to protect the careers of many people (including myself), I need to be able to sleep at night knowing that you are out there with no support and capable of handling anything that comes your way. If that means you need another trip through the training mill to get out the door, so be it. I just want you to be safe and capable.
Remember rule number 2: "Be smarter than the airplane". If you do, the rest is easy...