I'm drowning in new rateings

[5280high]

guys you have to help me...i started my private about 2 years ago and i received my liecense in jan. now i'm enrolled in an 141 school working on my inst and comm.

to be honest with you guys i feel like i'm not gonna pass the classes...i went out today with my instructor for my first flight. i was so new to the aircraft it wasn't even funny. i have a little experiance with flying i like to think...but today it was just like my abilitys went to crud...guys you have to give me some advice PLEASE is this natural??.... i mean where i use to fly i was so free and i did all operations safely....and now i have really tough instructor and i have him everyday of the week...

you guys have to give me some advice....is gettin my rateings so i can become a good and safe pilot gonna kill me...right now i feel like it is.... thanks for your time C-ya

 

[1900cpt]

Sounds like you might of been having "one of those days." How long since you last flew?? How tough is tough?? Is it more stingent than you are used to, or is he/she a "bastard"?

You are probably also nervous taking new classes...maybe information overload?? Hang in there, you probably had the same feelings when you were getting your private.

Also, sometimes a tough instructor can be good. Especially if you are used to being relaxed and not very structured....not saying this in a bad way either. Keep us informed and im sure there are plenty of people here that can and are willing to help.

1900cpt

 

[5280high]

the last time i flew was last thurs...before i went to this school i heard all these things about this one guy...that he was tough but also he would make you a good pilot...he made imediate observations about me and told me things to correct them...i think i may be overreacting....but this is the only time were i really dread going out to the airport...

i really hate the way i feel...its like all my life i have wanted to do this and i have waited to do this...at the airport were i worked me and a friend of mine use to sit around and talk about how we couldn't wait to get to a place were we are flying everyday...now that i'm here i feel that i can't make the grade...when a few weeks ago i felt i could take on the world...

i would go out and test myself..like cut the engine on myself in various places in the pattern no flap landings...stuff like that...

i hope there is hope for me i would really apreaite thoughts and memories of when you more experianced guys were in my spot...

thanks alot guys C-ya

 

[Rick1128]

I really wouldn't be too concerned right now. You are learning new things and new ways of doing things. You are also being held to higher standards. Plus you are trying to absorb a lot of new information. Instrument flying is not easy at first. The instruments are telling you one thing, your eyes something else and your body is telling you something totally different. Believe the instruments. Also slow down. Instrument flying is a lazy man's game. Make as little work for yourself as you can. In time you will learn gouges and shortcuts to reduce your workload. I will not mention some of them, as you really need to learn to whole program. When the do-do hits the fan, you will need to fall back on the basics.

 

[cpritchie5]

Training

It may have been a bad day. Change can also give you some bad days.

When i trained flow-throughs from Amercan Eagle at American Airlines they have been flying a certain way for many years many struggled because of the changees. If your instructor is tough in a manner that he yells at you then change instructors. If he is tough in a manner that he holds high standards then stay with him.

Craig

 

[bobbysamd]

141 Culture Shock

i went out today with my instructor for my first flight. . . .

Perhaps it being your first day and at a 141 school has something to do with it. It sounds like you learned how to fly in a less-structured environment. Now, you're in a structured environment. It's all part of the program. People who never set foot in an airplane until they began flying at their 141 school would have no idea what you're talking about because that's the only flying situtation they know.

Structure is what Part 141 is all about. It is, well . . . school, and all that school implies. I.e., studying, preparing, going to classes, taking tests, and your instructor expecting you to be prepared to fly. It also means receiving and accepting a critique of your performance. That's undoubtedly what your instructor gave you when he made the immediate observations of you and told you what you need to do to correct them. That's part of the learning and teaching process. Maybe you never really received a proper critique when you were learning how to fly and you were caught off-guard by the one that you received.

I think you just might be overreacting a little bit. Embrace the critique given to you by your instructor and use it. That's why he gave it to you. Work with your instructor. Get into the routine and accept the discipline. The higher you climb up the professional aviation ladder, the more structured it is and the more you need discipline to be successful. It all begins at your school.

Get with the program and you'll do fine. Good luck with your training.

 

[Tryful]

Hey man,

don't sweat it I'm currently attending a 141 school. My instructor is a very tough instructor I was shaking in my boots till I got to know the guy. OUTSTANDING instructor once I got to know him a little better and we have developed a good relationship. So I suggest you just relax and try to soak it up.

As for the info overload yup can't be overcome just try to keep up on your studies and oh yah study! Its my hobby other then flying, your gonna love the stage checks You'll be fine just keep your head about ya.

Tyler

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

You'll probably get quite a few views on this issue....here's my 2 cents
worth.

As you are already aware, the 141 environment is fast paced and you're getting a huge amount of information thrown at you in a relatively short time. You'll probably hear the phrase, "feeding you with a firehose", a few times during your time at that school.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, you should be. Most who have been training at a local FBO at their own pace are surprised at the difference when they show up for class on the first day
of 141 training. Not unusual.

The only suggestions I can make are these:

First of all....don't slack off on studying. Utilize ALL available resources to help you understand the subject areas.

Spend your off time at the school as well in order to backseat flights with some fellow students. This can help you see some things that you may be able to use during your own flight. It can also help you see problem areas and you can work on them before you get in the airplane. Remember, the airplane is a
terrible classroom when you're at the controls...try to learn a technique in the sim and apply it in flight.

Listen to your instructor. If you're not satisfied with what you're getting from that one....ask for another. Be prepared to give reasons why you want a change.

Try to listen to approach and tower frequencies on the ramp and get comfortable with the format and instructions that are given to pilots on IFR flight plans.

Don't ever forget why you're doing this! Don't forget to have fun while applying all you learn to be a safe and proficient pilot.

Bottom line is this....all that you are feeling right now is normal. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Keep at it and it gets much better.

Good luck...

 

[5280high]

today things went a little better for me...i'm still lacking a little on the operations of the aircraft i'm in...but i'm catching up on some things around the school...i have also started to meet new people in the program...

my instructor seems really impatiant with things that i'm not doing right...he doesn't yell at me but he will kindof give the smart off attitude when i have done something wrong...however when i do things right he tell me things like...ok the altitude looked good and the airspeed looked good...he told me today after the flight was over that i did a good job...and he told me things i need to inprove on...i beleive the guy is a good flight instrutor and he will make me better than i am b/c the high standerd he holds me to.if i can not have a nervious break down with all thats going on i think i might make it.

when i working on my private,yes the place was not congested and only one plane and i was usally the only person who had the plane booked...my instructor did a great job of teaching me safty and how to work the plane the way i wanted it to be....

i believe after today that i can make it here...its just gonna be tough for me and i want to thank all of you guys for helping me out...right now i believe if i can make it out of here then i'll be able to accomplish any other goal i might set for myself...


thanks again fellas and i'll C-ya

 

[bobbysamd]

141 flight training

See, it's already getting better!

Learn the routine and the culture. Every flight school has a particular culture. Absorb it and become part of the group. That will help you acclimate to the pace.

One other point. Learn your checklists and flows well. 141 schools place a great deal of emphasis on standardized procedures; the reason being is that standardization is key for advanced operations. You will find that things go easier and with less stress if you memorize even the normal procedures and flows. It goes without saying that you memorize immediate action items, bold face, and emergency procedures.

Doing "dry time," i.e., sitting in the aircraft on the ground and practicing moving levers and controls according to checklists and flows, will help you tremendously in memorizing and understanding procedures. In fact, the multiengine rating has more to do with procedures than flying the airplane. Get into the habit of getting your procedures down cold and you will really have helped yourself. Once more, preparation is vital to your success.

Once again, good luck with your training. You'll do fine if you apply yourself.

 

[herb]

I started off in a similiar way. I got my private at a relatively small uncontrolled airport. Then went to a 141 school for everything else. I remember feeling how you feel. Overwhelmed by a whole new system. ATC, new aircraft, different attitude, etc. In just a few days things started to fall into place. I think starting out at the small airport really helped in the end because it let me really concentrate on the basics of flying rather than worrying about ATC. Then when I had a little more experience, I became even more familiar with the structured program. My instructor was tough too. But I think I learned more because of it.
You're on the right track. Don't get discouraged.

 

[Riddle momma]

I have been there too.
I got my private in a small little airport, then moved on to a big 141 school. I had to go through a "standardization" class, in which basically I redid my private to their mold. To tell you the truth, I don't know how I got my private in the first place. It seemed like I knew nothing about flying. But I stuck through it. Unlike a lot of people who just quit and continued their flying at 61 schools, I took it as a challenge, and ussually put a request for the "hard" instructors. It was a tough time, but I feel it was definately worth it. Now I teach at a little airport, but hold my students to the standards of 141 schools. I really push them hard, especially the ones with an aviation carreer aspiration.

Good luck!
Marta

 

[bobbysamd]

Tough love

Good post.

So many students expect to be spoon-fed and coddled, and their instructors to be their buddies. Instructors should always strive to have a friendly relationship with their students, but anything closer to arm's length erodes the instructor-student relationship and the instructor's authority. Students don't understand that when their instructors demand performance their instructors are really doing them a favor. Moreover, although students will say otherwise, in reality they lose respect for their instructor if he/she lets them be his/her pal.

Keep up the good work.

 

[5280high]

man today it seemed like i couldn't do much right...we stayed in the pattern and did touch and go's all day...i'm still kindof stressed out about things...i really don't know if i can take the pressure much longer of this guy that i have teaching me how to fly...he is makeing me better but its like no matter what u can bet i'm gonna get slammed for something i do or didn't do...

maybe its just me maybe he is tired of a screw up doing stuff wrong...i'm hanging in here but its one hell of a learning curve that i'm going through...

the only question i have now is...will i ever stop being yelled at...i'm really fustrated with knowing that no matter what i do i'm gonna proably get a reprimand i dunno...I WILL NOT GIVE UP...

 

[Riddle momma]

As good as it is having a tough instructor, one that makes you dread the time you have to fly is not a good instructor. Yes they do teach a lot, but think how much more you could learn if each time you had a flight, you actually looked forward to it. Better yet, if you did the maneuver right because you wanted to do it for yourself, not so your instructor wouldn't yell at you.
I think you should consider changing instructors. Flying is fun, and it is your instructor's job to make it so.

Cheer up.

 

[5280high]

man thanks alot i need encoragement from you guys...i'm seriously thinking about the whole changeing instructor...i will be patient as long as my nerves hold out...but i don't know how long it will last

like i said thanks alot guys for helping me out and trying to cheer me up...i pray that after a few weeks i'll be back to my ole self of can't waiting to get to the airport go up and fly and be free and feel good about myself...thanks guys C-ya

 

[Bustamove]

who writes the check?

I'm just now working on my commercial with the intention of continuing on for CFI and all that so these remarks are without the benefit of having walked a mile in an instructor's moccasins. That being said, why are you paying to be jerked around by some d$$$head?

In the military I've had plenty of flamers and had to put up with them because the Navy was paying me to learn to fly and there's that whole rank thing. But as a civilian student - one with the benefit of having had literally dozens of instructors over the years - I would no sooner write a check to some self-important dork who took the fun out of flying than take my sister up without a barf bag. You write the check, you're the customer, the instructor works for you. Tell the instructor (or the school) if they want to stay in your employ they need to get you with an instructor whose style permits you to learn from rather than fear dual received.

 

[JBHewlett]

5280high

Don't sweat it. Like 1900capt said, its sounds like one of those days. The tougher the instructor is the more nervous you are going to get not to mention intimidated.

You will be just fine. You have just started so just hang in there. You will get used to your instructor, and realize something, that toughness is a good thing. Train hard, and don't forget to enjoy it. Training can be very fun. Learning new things etc.

Just hang in there. If all else fails just go to your instructors office and formely meet, and have a little chat, get to know each other a little better, that should ease some tension. It helps if you think of the instructor as a friend as well as an instructor. If you can joke around with the instructor (I don't mean doing zero G push overs when he or she is not expecting it, and things like that), instead of worrying about making tiny mistakes, the training will go more smoothly. Also mistakes are going to happen, accepting it is the first step, thats one reason why people do training.

Have a great one, and relax,
J.

 

[172driver]

How does your CFI treat you when you do well? I tend to be a 'tough' CFI with high standards and I get a little sharp when students routinely make the same mistake. However, when they do something well, I try to make them feel like the best pilot on Earth. Every critique must be balanced to be effective. Yelling is NEVER acceptable. Is it truly yelling or just a little gruffness?

Is he giving you things to go home and ponder every night? Are you doing it? Is he demonstrating the maneuvers you're having trouble with? A picture is worth a thousand words. This is why backseating is so valuable...free flight instruction. Take some time to do this, even if it means slowing your own flying down.

Flight instructors learn most of what they know by watching the same successes and mistakes over and over again. The same principle applies to backseaters on a smaller scale.

If he makes you uncomfortable on a routine basis, fly a few times with other CFI's and see what you think. Some students love having a tough instructor. Some need a little more of a confidence builder. This sounds like what you need, at least right now, while you make the adjustment. A really good CFI can read his students and play either role.

Above all, hang in there and work hard. I've not yet met anyone who can't succeed in flight training if they put the time in. I have met dozens who don't put the time in and blame everyone else for their failures. Don't become one of these. Some students must put in 12 hrs a day to succeed in a rigorous program. You should spend at least 4 hrs prepping for a 2 hr flight, IMO. Think about what you have to do, read everything you can find, talk to other students and CFI's, fly your sim at home to polish procedures, etc, etc. Make sure you get that pre and post flight brief.

Good luck!!

 

[5280high]

the guy has never yelled at me but he get sarcastist and i can tell that he is gettin pissed...i'll go through some things with you guys about what happens and i want you to tell me what you think...

ok first day i was brand new to the 141 school here and also to the plane...i start up and get ready to go everything is fine he runs through systems with me and shows me how the radios work and so on...i have alot of problems starting off tryin to taxi the plane its a tiger and to be honest day three and i'm still not that good at it...everything the guy trys to tell me i try and accknowlge what he says...unfortantly i cut him off sometimes in the process...he then told me that i should just tell him what he said...like he says turn to 360 i'm like 360...i dont' say anything now unless he asks me something...

unless i have a question but when i ask him he gives me this fustrated answer...so i really don't talk that much in the cockpit now. day two i call up for a radio check the guy at the fbo answers me and i say roger thanks alot...he tells me that im' throwing roger around very loosely and that its gettin old...i'm like ok i remeber reading somewere were the far's said that roger isn't supose to be use for a yes or no affrimtive and negative are the words...

now when the guy tells me to do something i nod my head and dont' say a word i'm really affraid to...and like JBHewlett said the interns makes my flying go to crud...when the flight is done he always tells me things i did good and thens i need to improve
on...after the flight it seems like he is a totally diff person..thats why i think he is a good instructor b/c he trys to better me...but it can't be good not to be able to carry on a comfortable converstion with you instructor...

well i'm tired i gotta get some sleep...thanks for the support guys