Ass saving advice from Instructors

[mak]

You often hear pilots saying that they still hear their instructors voice in the back seat. I would like everybody to share the things they learned from their instructor that might have or they think have saved their ass already.
Then also share things that you believe is important to know that your instructor didn't teach you.
Please also share any strange / interesting pnemonics that your instructor taught you or that you use for all the checks, apart from the standard IMSAFE, BUMPFH and HASSELL checks.

One thing that my instructor taught me, unintentionally I think, was never to be rushed when you go flying. I might have missed one or two flying hours because I felt rushed, but this might have prevented me from making rushed pre-flights and decisions that could have gotten me into trouble.
We unfortunately didn't cover safe re-fueling techniques which I believe is very important to know.

[Loco]

I'm still a student and busy building solo hours currently

Everytime I get into the trike alone I'm scared witless

Each time this happens I remember what uncle Alex Rudd told me: 'believe you can or believe you can't you'll always be right' meaning if I believe I can do it then I will

Marius Nel also once told me (when I was freaking out about some bad turbulence): 'alway make sure you first keep on flying the bloody trike - then worry about correct radio procedures' hehe

There's plenty more I can think of

Cheers
Ant

[Loco]

Oops sorry just saw I posted in the gyro section, but I'm sure it could still apply eish

[John.com]

100% agreed! I always have minimum 30mins in hand!!! My old Ozzie friend called it "puff factor"!

Also, when preparing and pre-flighting MAKE SURE your PAX, if you have one, stays in the car and does NOT disturb your routine!!!

How many times have I been distracted and "lost my routine" due to explaining something to a PAX or having them talk to me!!

So now, I politely tell them that I do not need any help until I call for them, and that they should just wait in the car!

Safe Skys

John

[THI]

Oops sorry just saw I posted in the gyro section, but I'm sure it could still apply eish

Always welcome

[jtresfon]

Len's great pre-takeoff acronym: Too many pilots go fly in heaven early...

Trim fully forward
Master on, Mags on both, Mag check done
Pressure ok on both fuel pumps
Gust-lock off
Fuel full, Friction (rotor brake) off, Full free movement on stick available
Instruments set correctly (radio frequency, QNH, GPS, Optifuel etc)
Hatches closed and harnesses secure
Engine T&Ps all in the green

or something like that! Len please don't hurt me too badly if I hashed it

Rgds
Jean.

[Gyronaut]

Jean, I wish I could take credit for that little rhyme, but I think it has been around in aviation for longer than I have.
Some also use TMFISH and several others, as long as you don't miss anything. I notice an absence of "Manifold Air Pressure check" in yours Jean?

Len

PS You fly well and cautiously and have NOT hashed anything (like flying with your rotor brake on) so keep it up.

[Alkemac]

some sage advice - never fly beyond your capability...

[jtresfon]

Thanks Len... Maybe I just assumed you'd been around a LOOOOOOONG time!!! I include the Manifold Pressure check under P for Pressures (Fuel Pressure, Manifold Pressure etc)...

If I fly well then its because I had a great instructor

Jean.

[Gyronaut]

Thanks Jean,
...however, I think everyone should know that you have a renewal due soon.

[Low Level]

...however, I think everyone should know that you have a renewal due soon.

Hoekom dink jy polish hy jou bal so ??