SkyWest Sim/FTD training

[Beer30?]

Hello all,

I'm going to be in the April 3rd Brasilia class, and was wondering how much sim/FTD time to expect. I come from a Part 91 background, and most of my flying lately has been VFR. I was planning on flying a couple of approaches to get IFR current again. I assume that the FTD is used to get you used to the glass cockpit,and to adjust your scan. Once you're comfortable there, you transition to the full motion sim.

Are these correct assumptions on my part? How much FTD time and how much sim time should I expect?

Thanks in advance for your help,


Beer30?

 

[NoBathroom]

When I went into the Bro FTD 2 years ago, it was on its last leg, so I imagine it is about the same. The FTD in FAT just gets you used to the autopilot and callouts. The sim in Long Beach should be plenty of time to get a feel for the plane. Just learn your flows and know your profiles like the back of your hand and everything else will fall in place. I wouldn't worry about flying instrument approaches before you go to class. You won't see a plane for a while anyways. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Ralgha]

12 hours in the FTD (assuming it works) and 18 hours in the sim, then the checkride. About half the time will be flying pilot and have non-flying pilot. You should be proficient in instrument flying before you get there.

The FTD is a one-of-a-kind prototype built by a company that has since gone out of business. It is always on its last legs.

 

[indianboy7]

When I went into the Bro FTD 2 years ago, it was on its last leg, so I imagine it is about the same. The FTD in FAT just gets you used to the autopilot and callouts. The sim in Long Beach should be plenty of time to get a feel for the plane. Just learn your flows and know your profiles like the back of your hand and everything else will fall in place. I wouldn't worry about flying instrument approaches before you go to class. You won't see a plane for a while anyways. Good luck and have fun!

funny...when I went in there almost a year ago, it was still on its last leg....i guess they're dumping a lot of money into that piece of ****.

To Beer 30, I'd go find a Frasca or an airplane if you can afford it and get instrument current again. I'm not sure if it's required to go through training, but it'll definitely help you come sim time, ect. If you are fresh when you get there, then you can spend time on figuring out the nuances of the airplane rather than concentrate on learning how to fly instruments again. The training department has really good people, and they'll work with you to get you at the top of your game. As long as you meet them half way, you're golden. Enjoy SLC and especially lofties (you're gonna need it)

 

[Ralgha]

funny...when I went in there almost a year ago, it was still on its last leg....i guess they're dumping a lot of money into that piece of ****.

They hardly dump any money into it. The work on it is done in house, and the parts are dirt cheap, you can buy them at any hardware store. It's just time intensive.

Instrument currency is not required, but you want to spend your time learning the airplane, not how to fly on instruments.

 

[difete]

Last I heard the last couple of Brasilia upgrade classes have done the FTD portion at the sim in Long Beach due to it being broken. I think someone had a hard landing in it.

 

[bobbyice]

I'm in transition class for the RJ right now. I was talking to some of the guys in the Bro upgrade class and they said the FTD in FAT was broken. All of the work will be done in the sim at LGB. Enjoy your training!

 

[Brasilia Flyer]

I assume that the FTD is used to get you used to the glass cockpit,and to adjust your scan.

Don't confuse the bro with the CRJ or Q400. Other than an EFIS, not much glass to look at other than the glass on top of lots of round dials, and the glass like plastic on top of hundreds of little lights.

You'll enjoy your training here though. Just remember that your attitude towards training and the company is everything. Seen decent pilots with lousy attitudes wash out, and weak pilots with great attitudes get through.

 

[Beer30?]

You guys are great, thanks for the advice and encouragement. I look forward to seeing you on the line.

Beer30?

 

[Brasilia Flyer]

Also, don't screw up ground school. When they tell you that 80% is passing (easy to do if you study), 80% is passing. Saw a guy get a 78% on his systems final, never saw him again. Instructor came in and told us that they have to draw the line somewhere.

Not trying to scare you, but this is the reality of the deal. We had some guys in my class (below average - if you ask me) pass just fine. You have to study what they tell you to study. Don't get too much in the nitty gritty if you don't have to, or if the instructors tell you you don't need to know it. Pleanty of time on line to figure out the small details.

Use your resources. The guys in the training department get paid to get you through. Nobody will be out to get anyone. Nobody will baby sit you either.

You'll enjoy being here. To some, the grass will always be greener elswhere. The fact is that everyone's lawn has a brown patch somewhere. I think you'll find, however, that you can deal with the brown patches we have here.

Welcome aboard. . . just don't get a 78 on your systems final.

 

[threegreen]

congrats on the gig and good luck!