Astra SP Type

[snocone]

I am scheduled to be in the Jan. 6 class at FSI for an Astra initial. My partner just returned and brought back books and some good info. I'm hoping some of you out there can give me some advice as well. A lot or a little, it all helps.

This will be my first type and although I have been flying the Citation S/II, I am fully aware that the Astra is a much more complex and capable aircraft.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well I dont have an Astra type, but did a Westwind type at ILG and a Galaxy type at FSI also...Im guessing the astra is still at ILG, seems like pretty nice people there.

Astra should NOT be very hard, read the systems book and the checklist a few times before you go - as you wont feel like doing much reading after 7 hrs in class each day. Being prepared is key for your first time through. I hear it flies like the Westwind, which is pretty docile. The smoother you can go through checklists, the easier it will be.

FSI really feeds you the info, it wont be hard. Your employer is paying the money for you to get through it efficiently, its not really a pass/fail thing. Sure, people can pink slip it I guess, but its very rare and they can tell right off the bat usually. I would guess those are the result of fundamental IFR deficincies.

Best Advice I could give, know as much as possible going there, dont lock yourself in the hotel and cram, no need...have fun, get out, have a good meal or a few drinks and relax.... its a learning experience, not really a test!

Have fun and Good Luck!

 

[HMR]

I'm writing this from the computer at FSI in Wilmington. I'm halfway through the Astra initial. This place is great. I knew NOTHING about the plane before I came here. My company just bought an Astra and I sat in it once last week. The other guys in class haven't even sat in theirs yet. You won't have any problem, especially if you already have the material. Your instructor will cover everything in detail (I think we spent over an hour talking about how the reading lights were wired). Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[G100driver]

Relax and have a good time. I did my type last year at FSI. The program there is kinda disorganized and Jim Stone is a boob, but the instructors are great. FSI is raping you company because it has the only Astra sim in the WORLD.

With that off my chest, you will have no problem, assuming that you have no IFR deficencies.

Once you get flying the airplane you will love it, minus the weird braking characteristics. You will get used to though.

Good luck.

 

[Rick1128]

Since you didn't say if you have any sim experience, I will go on the premise that you do not.

After doing a couple of types through Simuflite and FSI, I have found the following works real well. You need to know the systems and procedures for the oral. Usually they are asked more in line with what you as a pilot needs to know. In other words, 'If you can't fix it from the cockpit, you really don't need to know much about it".

Second flying the sim. It is a two pilot operation. You fly and have to PNF do everything else. There is no need to go any faster than about 180 to 200 knots. They have a limited amount of time to do everything thing required. Extra time only allows them to do extra. The slower speed also gives you time to plan and prepare for each manuver. Take your time and don't let them rush you.

And have fun.

 

[snocone]

Thank you all for your advice. I'm looking forward to going in January and I will write when I am finished. In the meantime, if you think of anything else, please reply.

For Rick, I don't have sim time, so that will be a new experience. My partner said the same thing, "you're never above 200 knots because you're almost always SE."

The biggest thing will be memory items and avionics for me, as I've never dealt with a cockpit with so much information at hand.

Thanks again all.