Question about ground school at your airline.
03-07-2006, 03:11 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Question about ground school at your airline.
I have never been to an airline ground school for I am only a CFI WORKING for my hours. I have heard quite a few stories about people who wash out of ground school. My question is how common is this? Is ground school so tough that alot of people wash out? Or are there a select few dummies out there that just don't have what it takes. Most of the CFI's that I work with end up at SkyWest and I don't hear of to many of them washing out but I hear of it all the time on these forums. I am just curious how difficult you found ground school to be and what the wash out rates may be.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
03-07-2006, 03:50 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,253
It does happen, but my buds at SKW felt that they were more focused on teaching in ground school as opposed to attrition. Other regionals are not so helpful.
I would estimate these new hire washout statistics (varies between airlines and aircraft obviously):
Ground School: 0-5%
Sim: 5-25% (25% is very high but there are a few programs with that kind of reputation)
IOE: 0-3%
First Year: 5% (the probationary first year is dangerous because the union will be less likely to protect you from being fired following an incident...after probabation that same incident will get you a nasty @ss-chewing by a chief pilot))
Total New Hire Attrition: 10% - 38% (the high end is unusual but possible; depends on the airline and aircraft). The point is to take it all seriously, prepare for everything, and don't try any "Hail-Marys".
If you are a CFI, you'll probably do OK in ground school. The folks who have the most trouble are part 91 commercial-only (pipeline, traffic watch, etc). For sim prep, I always use MS Flight sim...use a steam guage airplane for interview prep. If you get assigned an RJ, then practice flying using the glass PFD/MFD.
Also the Turbine Pilots Manual (soft cover) is good background reading BEFORE ground school.
I would estimate these new hire washout statistics (varies between airlines and aircraft obviously):
Ground School: 0-5%
Sim: 5-25% (25% is very high but there are a few programs with that kind of reputation)
IOE: 0-3%
First Year: 5% (the probationary first year is dangerous because the union will be less likely to protect you from being fired following an incident...after probabation that same incident will get you a nasty @ss-chewing by a chief pilot))
Total New Hire Attrition: 10% - 38% (the high end is unusual but possible; depends on the airline and aircraft). The point is to take it all seriously, prepare for everything, and don't try any "Hail-Marys".
If you are a CFI, you'll probably do OK in ground school. The folks who have the most trouble are part 91 commercial-only (pipeline, traffic watch, etc). For sim prep, I always use MS Flight sim...use a steam guage airplane for interview prep. If you get assigned an RJ, then practice flying using the glass PFD/MFD.
Also the Turbine Pilots Manual (soft cover) is good background reading BEFORE ground school.
Last edited by rickair7777; 03-07-2006 at 04:12 PM.
03-07-2006, 03:58 PM
#3
Chief Jeppesen Updater
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: Executive Transport Driver
Posts: 3,080
Most of the people who wash out of ground school have one of two problems: either they don't take it seriously, or they fail to ask for help when they need it (as a result of pride, stupidity, or not knowing that they can).
For the average CFI who has had no airline experience or turbine flight time, ground school can be a challenge. But that doesn't mean that somebody that has 100% Cessna 152 time can't make the transition to a CRJ...
Take notes and study with your classmates (a beer after class makes a great opportunity to get to know each other and study as well). If you don't understand something, ask. If there isn't time in class, ask your classmates or instructor during a break. There's no such thing as a stupid question (only stupid people- just kidding!)
If you happen to be one of the lucky people that has upgrading captains, or new hires with experience at another airline in class with you, even better. Lean on them for info! They've played the game and can probably offer you tips.
Here's a link for some great tips on making it through ground school and sim training:
http://aviation.crosswindlanding.com...ingthegame.htm
For the average CFI who has had no airline experience or turbine flight time, ground school can be a challenge. But that doesn't mean that somebody that has 100% Cessna 152 time can't make the transition to a CRJ...
Take notes and study with your classmates (a beer after class makes a great opportunity to get to know each other and study as well). If you don't understand something, ask. If there isn't time in class, ask your classmates or instructor during a break. There's no such thing as a stupid question (only stupid people- just kidding!)
If you happen to be one of the lucky people that has upgrading captains, or new hires with experience at another airline in class with you, even better. Lean on them for info! They've played the game and can probably offer you tips.
Here's a link for some great tips on making it through ground school and sim training:
http://aviation.crosswindlanding.com...ingthegame.htm
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