vtailpilot

rickair7777 thank you for all the helpful info. I'll have to educate myself more on the type of sim devices out there, not sure what a steam gauge sim is right now. As far as having money to burn to pay for the CRJ schools, I wish it were true but at 28 I'm not old enough to have that kind of money stuffed away, actually more along the line of just broke even. I don't even get to fly the bonanza right now because with avgas at approx $4.00 a gallon at 13 gallon per hour burn its about $50.00 to even think about starting the thing up not to mention maintenance if something tears up on it. So I'm just letting her be a decoration for the ramp right now because the money is just not there.

rickair7777

Steam gauges = 6 pack instruments (what you have in the bonanza). Also, I would try to do one lap around the pattern each week, or at least taxi around until the oil temps come up. In the long term, sitting idle will do more damage and cost more than flying!

PilotRon46

The biggest problems that I have noticed when pilots make the switch to jet aircraft is tunnel vision. Speed difference is simply new numbers, but getting used to using your scan, plus being able to see the big picture, ie situational awareness as well as positional awareness. With many of the regional airlines now flying advanced avionic jet aircraft, you need to be able to observe what is going on around you in the sim. Many students become so fixated on the basics, airspeed, attitude and altitude, that they simply miss the other problems happening around them.

My suggestion to new regional pilots, after you get the intial "feel" for the sim, usually sim session 1, try to take in more with each session. Look around at the other instruments and interperate what you see happening. Be aware of where you are, and what problems the a/c is having.

It's just like what you were taught in flight school. When you have a problem, take a deep breath and wind your watch. Relax and take it all in.

Good luck!

fjetter

One thing that I think helps for initial training when you get to the sim portion is to sit in on another crew's sim session on a day off, with the crew's and instructor' permission of course. I did that a couple of times and throughout the whole session I was thinking about what course of action I would of taken. It definetly helped me gain a large sense of situational awareness.

Not only that but if you are struggling it sends a message to the training department that you are truly trying and doing everything you can to get it right and pass.

BigBallzMagee

I agree with fjetter. Backseating takes the pressure off you and you have time to take it all in and actually see whats going on without the stress induced hypoxia.......Backseat all you can.

TheStranger

Any recommendations on books to read or things to do to prepare for 1st regional airline training?

Day4mx

I just read bassoon king by rainn Wilson. Good read.

Broncofan

I would read everything explained for the professional pilot. Pretty much every question I have has been answered in that book. As far as the sim goes I think your chances of passing also depend on which regional you choose. I went to Great Lakes and the fail rate was 40% mostly because the amount of sim time they gave us was really low. Years later went to Skywest and the fail rate was 0% but we had way more sim time than we needed. Go to a credible regional and I think your chances improve.

TheStranger

Thanks for the info.