Tweet
I had my interview with the Dulles FSDO this morning; although loaded to the hilt with info from the Commercial PTS and parts 61/91, he did not ask anything from those documents.
We discussed accidents and I mentioned how they’re usually part of a chain. We reviewed the things that went into the JFK Jr. accident since that one is widely know. I explained what had happened to me and asked what he thought might have been the cause. He asked “have there been any major successes or failures recently”. And of course there had: my son had gotten married just the weekend prior and I was returning from a very successful/exciting XC from Alliance, OH. The Examiner pointed out there had been an emotional letdown after the event(s) and probably caused a decrease in my normal level of attentiveness. So there is a learning point: if something dramatically has happened to you recently, arm yourself by being aware that you are primed for an accident and be more attentive.
The Examiner pointed out we all need to put ourselves under a microscope and be picked apart by a strict instructor on a periodic basis; putting self under pressure to maintain proficiency.
You know the saying with the Tcraft that “the landing isn’t over until she’s tied down”. Well, the Examiner suggested the “Take-off begins when you loosen the ropes”. I never doubted the former saying (and find myself telling myself that during the roll-out) and I’ll certainly adopt the latter.
A tool he gave me was to develop go/no-go decisions ahead of time so I can better answer the question “should I be doing this or not”?
He asked that I locate a Tailorcraft instructor who will put me thru my paces for five hours.
In two years this accident will be expunged from FAA records.
We discussed accidents and I mentioned how they’re usually part of a chain. We reviewed the things that went into the JFK Jr. accident since that one is widely know. I explained what had happened to me and asked what he thought might have been the cause. He asked “have there been any major successes or failures recently”. And of course there had: my son had gotten married just the weekend prior and I was returning from a very successful/exciting XC from Alliance, OH. The Examiner pointed out there had been an emotional letdown after the event(s) and probably caused a decrease in my normal level of attentiveness. So there is a learning point: if something dramatically has happened to you recently, arm yourself by being aware that you are primed for an accident and be more attentive.
The Examiner pointed out we all need to put ourselves under a microscope and be picked apart by a strict instructor on a periodic basis; putting self under pressure to maintain proficiency.
You know the saying with the Tcraft that “the landing isn’t over until she’s tied down”. Well, the Examiner suggested the “Take-off begins when you loosen the ropes”. I never doubted the former saying (and find myself telling myself that during the roll-out) and I’ll certainly adopt the latter.
A tool he gave me was to develop go/no-go decisions ahead of time so I can better answer the question “should I be doing this or not”?
He asked that I locate a Tailorcraft instructor who will put me thru my paces for five hours.
In two years this accident will be expunged from FAA records.
Comment