Week 3: AGK, POF, OPEN DAY & HORSES #8

Airline Prep

This is what we all hope to be some day

A lot has happened in the last week.

Last Sunday DJ & I did our first big shop at the local ASDA and enjoyed a few hours off exploring the local area. Of course we were back on question bank that evening though. A day without CBT or question bank would be totally unacceptable!

The shop

DJ doing the shopping

Toys in the classroom

On Monday & Tuesday we had our final two AGK lessons. We covered a large amount in a very small amount of time and to be perfectly honest I think it was a bit too quick. Engines seemed to totally wash over my head and before I had time to get to grips with it we were back in on Wednesday and Friday finishing off Principles of Flight. 

A320 sim in full motion (JEALOUS)

1 of the 4 training computers

Friendly Horse

If Im not in the classroom or bed, I'm here

Too friendly!

We finished early on Tuesday so Luke, DJ & I took advantage of the sun being out and went for lunch in Lyndhurst park, thinking we could relax a little bit before going back to our rooms to question bank engines. However, we were soon intruded by some very friendly horses who refused to leave us along and ended up following us around in hope of getting some of our lunch. In the end we had to seek refuge in my car and the horses then proceeded to like my bonnet and windows. Not the peaceful picnic in the park I was hoping for. DJ & I had some issues with stubborn horses on Sunday also who refused to let us pass by.

For my CBT day on Thursday I came into the center from 9 till 6 to try and get my head around engines but sadly I left feeling my understanding was still nowhere near as good as it should be. Thankfully one of the instructors has kindly offered to give me some help on my CBT day on Monday so hopefully that’ll sort out any issues once and for all! 

Uniform ready to go the night before

Tree down overnight!

In control of the 737-700

Friday was the final day of Principles of Flight and I actually left feeling fairy happy with my understanding of it. We covered transonic and supersonic flight as well as stalling, spinning and stability. Again, a lot to take in but the little gliding experience I have really helped me understand some of the concepts. The challenge now is remembering all the formulas that come with it! This Sunday will be spent going over all of POF and then hopefully I’ll feel reasonably confident with it.

Today (Saturday) I helped out with the open day which I really enjoyed. It was a refreshing change of pace going in and having loads of people look up to you and ask you questions. It made me really appreciate being here and how lucky I am to be in this position. I was lucky enough to spend about 3 hours instructing the latest aspiring pilots on the Boeing 737-300 sim which was brilliant! It was the first time I’ve seen a cockpit since I’ve been here. When I wasn’t in the sim I was mainly talking to people about selection and giving them insight into the reality of the course. I genuinely enjoyed talking to people about the course and tried to help as much as possible. 

A320 approach into Gatwick

I also managed to speak to quite a few guys on various CP's ahead of me. It was good listening to their opinions of the course and what they think the right approach is etc. I bumped into 'the fat controller' too, a guys blog I had followed before I started. It felt like I was talking to a celebrity! Seeing ex-cadets who are current easyjet pilots walking around made me very jealous though. Seems a long way off at the moment until I'll be in their position. 

On Final approach into Gatwick

Tight turn!

Close enough to the center line

Once people had left I managed to sneak in a landing in the 737 and A320 sim. My A320 landing was far more successful than the 737 one but I think that may have had something to do with the amount of sudden failures one of the kind cadets at the back threw at me. They were much nicer on the A320! I was in absolute heaven. God knows how long it will be before I get the chance to do it again though. 

All in all it was a great day and I’m going to enjoy an evening alone watching two and a half men and not doing any work. It’s back to it tomorrow though!