Citation X School.....Help!

[smokinhole]

I just got hired on as a FO on a CE-750 and am heading out to FlightSafety ICT in a little over a week for the 19 day full type. I was able to get ahold of the manuals and have been studying them as much as possible in preperation for my class date. I had a few questions for you X pilots out there about what I should concentrate on besides the limitations and memory items before I go. I've been flying a barebones CE-500 and when compared to the average flight times to get hired on the X I'm honestly on the low end of the scale.

What are the areas that you guys had trouble with?
Are there any areas(systems wise) where I should really be concerned about? I'm new to the Hydraulic flight controls as well as the EICAS and its seemingly endless CAS messages. Do I need to memorize any messages other than the RED?
Also, It's been awhile since I've used a fms. How much emphasis is placed on programing beyond the basic T/O, Dep, Enr, and Approach pages?

I guess I just need some advice and a strategy! It's all kind of overwhelming right now. It's gonna be a big step up and I would like to be as prepared as possible.

BTW......how do like the plane? I flew a 1hr right seat checkflight for the last part of my interview and it seems like one heck of a plane, but I don't have anything similar to compare it to. I just know it was going faster than my brain was....

Regards,

S.H.

 

[TaxiDriver]

Congrats on your new job! I did my initial C-X at ICT. If you have any say, I would ask to go to Simuflite for training. The C-X training is a step above what you will get at ICT and at a savings of around $10.000.00 for an initial full service. Although the instructors at ICT were knowledgable about the 750, they were constantly making remarks about their dissatisfaction with the training facility and how they were encouraged to teach as many different types of aircraft in order to keep their jobs. Hopefully this has changed.

As far as the aircraft goes, you will love it. Before you start class, make sure you have the memory items and limitations down cold. Let your instructors teach you the systems. Take it from a guy who started C-X initial 4 days late and ended on schedule......FSI will get you through the program.

 

[smokinhole]

Holy crap. $10,000 cheaper at simuflite? Too bad FSI at ICT is the only training center currently approved in our op specs. I guess the company has a thing for FSI. I never knew there was such a difference in price between the two, I'm surprised FSI can get away with it.

Thanks for the info!

S.H.

 

[xrated]

I wouldn't get too wrapped tightly about getting ahead....as Taxi said. The course is busy, but they lead you to water. I don't think the key to success is getting ahead, but you deffinately don't want to get behind once you get there. Getting ahead on limitations and memory items should be plenty and will keep you busy enough.

I too was short on time and experience when I went to X school, went straight to the X from a PC-12. But as long as you stay in the game and relax, you'll have no problem.

One other thing, Taxi also mentioned an issue with the instructors at ICT. While I don't doubt there are some that complain, there are others who were great. I haven't been through many training programs, but I've been through three different FSI's, Simcom, and just finished TX at a major, and FSI ICT had some of the best systems instructors I've ever delt with. You'll just have to see for yourself.

I think the instructors at FSI are feeling the heat from SimuFlite and are getting a little nervous.

Enjoy the training and I know you will LOVE the plane. I can tell you I miss it A LOT!

 

[NJA Capt]

Do I need to memorize any messages other than the RED?

No. You do not need to memorize all 300+ cas messages. That's why the emer checklist is 2 inches thick. Take one day at a time. Study only what you need to that day. Don't look too far down the road. Wash all traces of former aircraft from your mind. You WILL need all available brain cells for the class. Pace yourself and you will be fine. Use the autopilot in the sim as much as possible. On V1 cuts, DO NOT ROTATE UNTIL IT IS UNDER DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. And then rotate S-L-O-W-L-Y. (Tire speed is 210 kts....you have plenty of time). Do not rotate to the CMD bars with the mains still on the ground. T/O and land around 5 degrees of pitch and you will not have a wing strike. Taking off with a crosswind, do NOT neutralize the ailerons as you rotate. Keep the inputs until you break ground.

It's been awhile since I've used a fms. How much emphasis is placed on programing beyond the basic T/O, Dep, Enr, and Approach pages?

The CX IS the FMS. It is integrated into EVERYTHING. If a switch position does not match a condition, it will not let you continue. ie....You tell it you are taking off with anti ice ON, but fail to the switches ON. You will not get your V speeds displayed. Or if your flaps are not in the correct position. You will spend a day on the computer learning the basics of the FMZ. Then 3-4 days in the sim (as a CPT) learning the EFIS pages.

BTW......how do like the plane?

Love the plane. Hate having to slow down.
Send me a PM if you know the serial number and I can give you more details. I hope the version of the sim matches your aircraft ,if not, the elec syst will be confusing. We operate serials from -002 to 224, many changes in those years.

Have fun, keep us posted,

 

[AA717driver]

NJA Capt speaks the truth! I don't know the 750 but for any FMS airplane with buttloads of power, his way works.

Don't get all balled up trying to learn the FMS before you get there. It will come with practice. If they have a fixed base trainer, try to get some extra time in there with your sim partner. If they won't do it, go by yourself and just run through the preflight and route/approach changes. Learn the MCP/flight guidance panel terminology for callouts. "set heading", "heading select" or whatever. Every aircraft is different in that regard. It's just one less thing you have to learn.

Also, set a time to quit studying and go have a couple beers or watch tv(if you don't drink ). If you don't, you'll go nuts. Good luck.TC

 

[SCT]

S-hole,
I agree with the other replies, especially what 717Driver remarked. Keep up with the daily material, but take some time to unwind your brain every day. I believe the 750 initial is over 3 weeks long.......and you can burn out studying to much.

My advice is to know the limitations and the basics of the FMS before leaving for ICT. Honeywell offers a sim program of their FMS on CD. If you have the chance, have your new company plug the airplane in and sit in the cockpit with an experienced X pilot. I did and it really helped me out. Just sitting there flipping switches and looking around will but you that much further ahead.

I would not worry about studying the systems beforehand, that is what you are paying FS to teach. I have never been to ICT FS, but the X program in TOL is a great bunch of guys. Just remember they are there to teach you and get you thru the program.

SCT

PS- On v1 cuts you REALLY have to drive it before rotating.....do not yank it off. Also, buy some new shorts for the gusty crosswind landings.

 

[smokinhole]

Thanks to all for the replies! I appreciate the advice. I'm really looking forward to it and from the responses I feel better about the prep I've done so far. I always stress myself out before I go to school on a new aircraft. I should know better by now. I guess the 19day class length kind of freiked me out!

As far as serial numbers go, I'm not sure what they are. I do know that the a/c are both less than a year old so they should be the JAA compliant split bus system. If I remember correctly, only serial #'s 001-100 were the older connected system?

Thanks again guys, the info really helps!

S.H.

 

[NJA Capt]

I do know that the a/c are both less than a year old so they should be the JAA compliant split bus system. If I remember correctly, only serial #'s 001-100 were the older connected system?

That's right. Plus:
>150 Has the aileron mod
>173 Has Increased GW & Thrust