Things are moving along rapidly in my new instructor career. The classroom and simulator training as a client earned me an initial type rating in a jet. Going through the same course as an observer watching a client repeat the experience this week is reinforcing what was recently practiced. The client already has a few jet ratings, and has been flying jets for over 20 years. He is currently flying a G100, and his company recently acquired a WestWind as a backup. Thus his need to earn an additional type rating.
The initial course is going well and I’m not bored with it as an observer. What I’ve already learned about the aircraft is being reinforced, and listening to the vastly experienced instructors and examiners do their thing is building in quite a bit of back-story. I’ve been contributing somewhat to the class and the clients training. I suppose I am violating the role of observer somewhat, but can’t resist inserting my two cents and making sure I understand all this as well as I believe.
JUST FINISHED READING STEPHEN COONTS – CANNIBAL QUEEN. Yes – that’s right. I’ve actually taken the time to read a book for pleasure, and Bev and I have even begun planning two vacations for later this year. Keeping quality of life in our sites while we both get the most out of life.
Cannibal Queen is an excellent book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish I could write as well as Mr. Coonts, but more to the point, I truly wish I could express myself as eloquently as he without offending. The author shared his views and insights on rather heavy topics of the time (circa 1991). Vietnam, politicians and the political scene, economics, and other heady topics were presented so lightly that the reader could let it register or let it ride without affecting the story.
My airplane is still not fixed. The annual details, autopilot, radio, propeller, and myriad other details are all done. What remains is for an engineers sign-off on a gear repair that is eating weeks. Thank God this job came along to help distract me as this work moves slowly along. Frustrating reality of owning a vintage airplane.
Bev and I want to fly to Myrtle Beach and Key West this year, so I’m anxious to get it back. Patience. There is a new hangar under construction that I’ll move it into when all the work is done, so this will all be worth it.
Recurrent Training is up next. Building a professional instructor requires incremental steps. After observing a client go through the initial type rating right after I did it on my own, I will once again go through training as a client. This training will be an opportunity to experience the recurrent training curricula, that rated and typed pilots will experience when they fly with us. That training is naturally shorter than the initial.
The Professional Instructor Course is scheduled for March for me down in Dallas. There I will presumably be reintroduced to the fundamentals of instruction, and taught the best way to take great care of our clients. I’m very much looking to this experience, which will bring me closer to being able to instruct clients.
I’ll need a few pre-requisites before I get there. The Principles of Service Excellence Training (SET), and Management By Strengths (MBS) courses will be completed after recurrent training. I’m not sure of the contents of the former, but know that the later is somewhat like doing a Berkman personality analysis. I do see some value in that process, so that will all be very interesting.
I can’t wait to get flying again….. and keep doing that.
Frank