My 90 ACP experience:

SIUav8er · May 21st, 2006, 17:26

Hi everyone, I started the 90 Career pilot program at RAL (riverside CA) last monday, My 15th.

A little about me. I have my private pilots license and about 150 hours total time. I am a little nervous about starting, but I am also really excited to start flying the seminole.

The first 2 days were somewhat laid back. Me and my training partner went over multiengine aerodynamics and Seminole systems with our instructor. . Nothing new, its just stuff straight out of the Seminole training supplement. The first 2 days were all spent in the sim learning the checklist flows. We also got all the paperwork and payments out of the way as well as recieving our checklists and we did a preflight.

Day 3: We actually got to go flying today. Flying the seminole isnt really that hard at all. I had no trouble getting really comfortable with takeoffs and landings. We also went out and did some steep turns and slow flight. I loged my first hour of multi! I was also informed that my private multiengine checkride is scheduled for next wednesday. Whew! The checkride is scheduled and i just barely started!

Day 4: More simulator time, mostly just learning how to set up all the maneuvers such as power on/off stalls, Vmc demos, and engine out procedures. Nothing too hard, but Im still alittle behind the airplane....gettting better though. After about 3 hours each in the simulator, we went flying again. This time I did the engine out procedure, trouble shoot checklist, secure checklist, and an airstart. We also did a couple of Vmc demos which, by the way, are MUCH easier in the actual airplane!

After my partner got back, we grabed some dinner, then hit the sim for another 3 hours or so. Needless to say, this was a looong day! We spent almost 12 hours at the airport.

Day 5: More ground, basically the instructor just went through the same things real quick then he had each of us teach everything back to him. After that me and my partner hit the sim again...basically helping each other through all the maneuvers. I am really happy that we can use the sim whenever we want.

I was pretty nervous about the checkride comming so soon, but I've got all the maneuvers nailed in the sim and i still have more than 5 hours to burn off in the airplane, so im not so nervous anymore. My instructor gave us the weekend off so we could study a little more.

Its funny though, me and my traiing partner just finished up another 5 hours in the simulator today. You can never be too prepared, right?

BrianNC · May 21st, 2006, 17:34

How was it flying a twin for the first time? Pretty cool? I've got right at 250 hrs and working toward my commercial, but have never flown a twin.

Captain_Bob · May 21st, 2006, 20:34

and so it begins...

Study hard... but take the time to enjoy it as well.

Good luck!

Bob

Wilko · May 22nd, 2006, 11:24

The Seminole is a joy to fly, isn't it? I finished the program a couple of weeks ago and miss the aircraft to bits. Have fun in it, it might not seem like it now but it goes by very fast! Good luck for Wednesday.

atpwannabe · May 22nd, 2006, 12:19

SIUav8er:

All the best my friend. Keep us posted. Felt like I was right there witcha.

Blue skies.

atp

SIUav8er · May 22nd, 2006, 15:16

Thanks guys. Yeah BrianNC, the seminole is a BLAST! single engine is going to seem boring after you get a taste of flying a twin. I love it!

Captain Bob, I really have to thank you for your thoughts about ATP that you post on the forums here. Your thoughts and insights helped me decide on flying with ATP...and so far, I am extremely happy with my decision. Much thanks!

Day 6: Well, today we were blessed with thunderstorms all over southern california...so no flying today. Spent a little time in the sim, but I still have 5.5 of actual flying to do before my checkride on wednesday. My instructor said if the wx is better and we can fly tommorow, I may be ready for the checkride in less than the prescribed 8 hours alloted for flying in preperation for the multi add on. We'll see.

On a side note, I am completely confident that the oral portion is going to be a breeeze. Ok, well Im of now to work ahead on the homework quizes.

Eagle737 · May 22nd, 2006, 22:22

SIUav8er,
Welcome to ATP and the Seminole! Bob is an awesome guy, and I'm just glad I had him as my instructor for a few of my tickets. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and tell Kyle (Riverside instructor, just got there a few weeks ago) that Chris in the pit says hi and to keep in touch. Thanks man!

Chris

Matt777 · May 23rd, 2006, 02:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Day 6: Well, today we were blessed with thunderstorms all over southern california...so no flying today. Spent a little time in the sim, but I still have 5.5 of actual flying to do before my checkride on wednesday. My instructor said if the wx is better and we can fly tommorow,

I may be ready for the checkride in less than the prescribed 8 hours alloted for flying in preperation for the multi add on. We'll see.

How do you feel about that?
I had 7.7 hours and felt it was JUST enough.

SIUav8er · May 23rd, 2006, 21:16

Well matt, Im not sure. I feel pretty comfortable in the airplane and my maneuvers are within PTS except the damn steep turns. i dont know what it is, but im haveing a hell of time with those. I wish I could fly another 5 hours or so.

Day 7: Perfect WX today! I flew 3.5 hours of nothing but power on/off stalls, steep turns, Vmc demos, slow flight, and engine failures. To say the least, I'm pretty tired.
Im not sure what it was, but I seemed to be flying worse by the end of the day. I guess doing manuever after maneuver for three and a half hours will do that to you. I hope Im ready for the 'ride tommorow.
Ok, time to go read the entire seminole supplement for the 200th time...Ill post on here tommorow about the checkride.

CaptainChris87 · May 24th, 2006, 01:41

Good to see your having fun! so your up for a stage check tommorw for your multi add on ppl, sweet. how are you liking the uniforms :P

ETAV8R · May 24th, 2006, 06:27

Nice thread. Good reads. Thanks for posting your experiences.

bradg412 · May 24th, 2006, 18:43

i dont know about riverside, but in arlington, we dont have any uniforms,, an i got to fly the sim for the first time today,,fun!!

SIUav8er · May 25th, 2006, 16:23

Day 8: PPL AMEL add on Passed! Easiest checkride i've ever been on! Of course I would have liked a little more time in the airplane, but I was meeting PTS.

The checkride was less than an hour of oral and less than an hour of flight. The flight went like this:
short field takeoff, failed engine on takeoff roll.
normal takeoff, failed engine at 500 agl then single engine landing.
normal takeoff, depart to practice area.
steep turns then slowflight to power off stall (they set up the same)
Vmc demo, recover, then engine failure.
troubleshoot dead engine, secure it, then airstart.
return to airport, short field landing and THATS IT!

I have the day off today and tommorow we are doing a night cross country to Vegas.

As for uniforms, ATP still hasent started issuing uniforms and probably wont for a while...thank god! its too dang hot to be wearing a button down shirt and tie!

Captain_Bob · May 25th, 2006, 17:33

Awesome job! That's got to be a good feeling!

Keep up the great work and thanks for the kind words earlier...

Keep us posted!

Bob

CaptainChris87 · May 25th, 2006, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Day 8: PPL AMEL add on Passed! Easiest checkride i've ever been on! Of course I would have liked a little more time in the airplane, but I was meeting PTS.

The checkride was less than an hour of oral and less than an hour of flight. The flight went like this:
short field takeoff, failed engine on takeoff roll.
normal takeoff, failed engine at 500 agl then single engine landing.
normal takeoff, depart to practice area.
steep turns then slowflight to power off stall (they set up the same)
Vmc demo, recover, then engine failure.
troubleshoot dead engine, secure it, then airstart.
return to airport, short field landing and THATS IT!

I have the day off today and tommorow we are doing a night cross country to Vegas.

As for uniforms, ATP still hasent started issuing uniforms and probably wont for a while...thank god! its too dang hot to be wearing a button down shirt and tie!

YOu know you wanna wear the uniform judging by your avatar :har: lol ahyways congrats dude I sure hope we dont get the uniforms when I go there in September....I just dont like the whole idea of wearing one as a student..MAYBE a CFI can pull it off but no tie and or lettes with it. Congrats too PPL IFR-ME you are.

musicmixer · May 26th, 2006, 00:39

Did you do you ride with SH at CCB?

SIUav8er · May 27th, 2006, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicmixer

Did you do you ride with SH at CCB?

Yeah. Holmes is the man! He makes taking a checkride an almost enjoyable experience.

SIUav8er · May 27th, 2006, 17:58

Day 9: Night Cross country to VGT (north Vegas). Pretty uneventfull trip although we had to file to get back into the LA basin. 1000 foot ceiling with tops at 4000.

Monday we start in on instrument training, so im looking forward to that.

--So Chris, your all set to start in September? I think your gonna like it, everyone at RAL is really cool. Maybe I'll see you around!

SIUav8er · May 30th, 2006, 17:46

Day 10: My instructor is sick, so nothing new to report for today. More time for reading the Jepp Instrument commercial textbook since theres absolutely NOTHING else to do in Riverside.

scoobs · May 31st, 2006, 12:49

Nothing else to do in Riverside? Please tell me your joking?

SIUav8er · June 1st, 2006, 00:24

please let me know! every bar weve been to has been dead...i know UCR is right down the street, but still...haha

CaptainChris87 · June 1st, 2006, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

Day 10: My instructor is sick, so nothing new to report for today. More time for reading the Jepp Instrument commercial textbook since theres absolutely NOTHING else to do in Riverside.

your going to read the whole Jeppesen book? yeh party it up at UCR too I guess, or wait till I arrive there in fall well be partying it up in my room guaranteed. :P Flight sim party that is...

amorris311 · June 1st, 2006, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIUav8er

please let me know! every bar weve been to has been dead...i know UCR is right down the street, but still...haha

ucr is a not a good time. its riverside! inland empire sucks, but since you are out there i guess it is your only hope. it gets really hot out there in july and august. good luck and have fun.

scoobs · June 6th, 2006, 01:26

Inland Empire doesn't suck, a lot better then LA. You have a car right? Since you probably don't have a dirt bike or a prerunner you might have to drive. The beach and mtns are not to far. Big Bear is really close and there is plenty to do. There are lots of hot girls that go to UCR and plenty of bars. Go down to the OC and rent a surfboard. If thats not your style hanging out at the beach is always nice. Canyon Lake if you have a boat or know somebody that does. There is plenty to do if you look.

CaptainChris87 · June 6th, 2006, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoobs

Inland Empire doesn't suck, a lot better then LA. You have a car right? Since you probably don't have a dirt bike or a prerunner you might have to drive. The beach and mtns are not to far. Big Bear is really close and there is plenty to do. There are lots of hot girls that go to UCR and plenty of bars. Go down to the OC and rent a surfboard. If thats not your style hanging out at the beach is always nice. Canyon Lake if you have a boat or know somebody that does. There is plenty to do if you look.

Ahhh I miss California...I took those as well as with many other Californians for granted......

May 21st, 2006, 17:26	#1
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	My 90 ACP experience: Hi everyone, I started the 90 Career pilot program at RAL (riverside CA) last monday, My 15th. A little about me. I have my private pilots license and about 150 hours total time. I am a little nervous about starting, but I am also really excited to start flying the seminole. The first 2 days were somewhat laid back. Me and my training partner went over multiengine aerodynamics and Seminole systems with our instructor. . Nothing new, its just stuff straight out of the Seminole training supplement. The first 2 days were all spent in the sim learning the checklist flows. We also got all the paperwork and payments out of the way as well as recieving our checklists and we did a preflight. Day 3: We actually got to go flying today. Flying the seminole isnt really that hard at all. I had no trouble getting really comfortable with takeoffs and landings. We also went out and did some steep turns and slow flight. I loged my first hour of multi! I was also informed that my private multiengine checkride is scheduled for next wednesday. Whew! The checkride is scheduled and i just barely started! Day 4: More simulator time, mostly just learning how to set up all the maneuvers such as power on/off stalls, Vmc demos, and engine out procedures. Nothing too hard, but Im still alittle behind the airplane....gettting better though. After about 3 hours each in the simulator, we went flying again. This time I did the engine out procedure, trouble shoot checklist, secure checklist, and an airstart. We also did a couple of Vmc demos which, by the way, are MUCH easier in the actual airplane! After my partner got back, we grabed some dinner, then hit the sim for another 3 hours or so. Needless to say, this was a looong day! We spent almost 12 hours at the airport. Day 5: More ground, basically the instructor just went through the same things real quick then he had each of us teach everything back to him. After that me and my partner hit the sim again...basically helping each other through all the maneuvers. I am really happy that we can use the sim whenever we want. I was pretty nervous about the checkride comming so soon, but I've got all the maneuvers nailed in the sim and i still have more than 5 hours to burn off in the airplane, so im not so nervous anymore. My instructor gave us the weekend off so we could study a little more. Its funny though, me and my traiing partner just finished up another 5 hours in the simulator today. You can never be too prepared, right? __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 21st, 2006, 17:34	#2
BrianNC Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 817	Re: My 90 ACP experience: How was it flying a twin for the first time? Pretty cool? I've got right at 250 hrs and working toward my commercial, but have never flown a twin. __________________ BrianNC

May 21st, 2006, 20:34	#3
Captain_Bob Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: DFW, based in ONT, wishing I was in Maine Posts: 3,904	Re: My 90 ACP experience: and so it begins... Study hard... but take the time to enjoy it as well. Good luck! Bob __________________ My head is in the clouds and my heart is still in Maine... but my devotion and love belong to my wife and children. Pics!

May 22nd, 2006, 11:24	#4
Wilko Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 40	Re: My 90 ACP experience: The Seminole is a joy to fly, isn't it? I finished the program a couple of weeks ago and miss the aircraft to bits. Have fun in it, it might not seem like it now but it goes by very fast! Good luck for Wednesday.

May 22nd, 2006, 12:19	#5
atpwannabe Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Palm Beach, FL Posts: 207	Re: My 90 ACP experience: SIUav8er: All the best my friend. Keep us posted. Felt like I was right there witcha. Blue skies. atp

May 22nd, 2006, 15:16	#6
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Thanks guys. Yeah BrianNC, the seminole is a BLAST! single engine is going to seem boring after you get a taste of flying a twin. I love it! Captain Bob, I really have to thank you for your thoughts about ATP that you post on the forums here. Your thoughts and insights helped me decide on flying with ATP...and so far, I am extremely happy with my decision. Much thanks! Day 6: Well, today we were blessed with thunderstorms all over southern california...so no flying today. Spent a little time in the sim, but I still have 5.5 of actual flying to do before my checkride on wednesday. My instructor said if the wx is better and we can fly tommorow, I may be ready for the checkride in less than the prescribed 8 hours alloted for flying in preperation for the multi add on. We'll see. On a side note, I am completely confident that the oral portion is going to be a breeeze. Ok, well Im of now to work ahead on the homework quizes. __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 22nd, 2006, 22:22	#7
Eagle737 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 25	Re: My 90 ACP experience: SIUav8er, Welcome to ATP and the Seminole! Bob is an awesome guy, and I'm just glad I had him as my instructor for a few of my tickets. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and tell Kyle (Riverside instructor, just got there a few weeks ago) that Chris in the pit says hi and to keep in touch. Thanks man! Chris __________________ Ladies and Gentlemen, that hard landing wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the weather's fault, it was the asphalt.

May 23rd, 2006, 21:16	#9
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Well matt, Im not sure. I feel pretty comfortable in the airplane and my maneuvers are within PTS except the damn steep turns. i dont know what it is, but im haveing a hell of time with those. I wish I could fly another 5 hours or so. Day 7: Perfect WX today! I flew 3.5 hours of nothing but power on/off stalls, steep turns, Vmc demos, slow flight, and engine failures. To say the least, I'm pretty tired. Im not sure what it was, but I seemed to be flying worse by the end of the day. I guess doing manuever after maneuver for three and a half hours will do that to you. I hope Im ready for the 'ride tommorow. Ok, time to go read the entire seminole supplement for the 200th time...Ill post on here tommorow about the checkride. __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 24th, 2006, 01:41	#10
CaptainChris87 Old Skool Join Date: May 2004 Location: O.C. Posts: 1,780	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Good to see your having fun! so your up for a stage check tommorw for your multi add on ppl, sweet. how are you liking the uniforms :P __________________ -CP/MEL-IR;AGI -Former Airline Intern,Sightseeing tours pilot -A.A.:Trasnfer Studies. Cal-State Fullerton: Finance/Entrepreneurship -Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.-Pledge/Sigma President

May 24th, 2006, 06:27	#11
ETAV8R Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 536	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Nice thread. Good reads. Thanks for posting your experiences.

May 24th, 2006, 18:43	#12
bradg412 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 6	Re: My 90 ACP experience: i dont know about riverside, but in arlington, we dont have any uniforms,, an i got to fly the sim for the first time today,,fun!!

May 25th, 2006, 16:23	#13
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Day 8: PPL AMEL add on Passed! Easiest checkride i've ever been on! Of course I would have liked a little more time in the airplane, but I was meeting PTS. The checkride was less than an hour of oral and less than an hour of flight. The flight went like this: short field takeoff, failed engine on takeoff roll. normal takeoff, failed engine at 500 agl then single engine landing. normal takeoff, depart to practice area. steep turns then slowflight to power off stall (they set up the same) Vmc demo, recover, then engine failure. troubleshoot dead engine, secure it, then airstart. return to airport, short field landing and THATS IT! I have the day off today and tommorow we are doing a night cross country to Vegas. As for uniforms, ATP still hasent started issuing uniforms and probably wont for a while...thank god! its too dang hot to be wearing a button down shirt and tie! __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 25th, 2006, 17:33	#14
Captain_Bob Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: DFW, based in ONT, wishing I was in Maine Posts: 3,904	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Awesome job! That's got to be a good feeling! Keep up the great work and thanks for the kind words earlier... Keep us posted! Bob __________________ My head is in the clouds and my heart is still in Maine... but my devotion and love belong to my wife and children. Pics!

May 26th, 2006, 00:39	#16
musicmixer Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SLC Posts: 90	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Did you do you ride with SH at CCB?

May 27th, 2006, 17:58	#18
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Day 9: Night Cross country to VGT (north Vegas). Pretty uneventfull trip although we had to file to get back into the LA basin. 1000 foot ceiling with tops at 4000. Monday we start in on instrument training, so im looking forward to that. --So Chris, your all set to start in September? I think your gonna like it, everyone at RAL is really cool. Maybe I'll see you around! __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 30th, 2006, 17:46	#19
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Day 10: My instructor is sick, so nothing new to report for today. More time for reading the Jepp Instrument commercial textbook since theres absolutely NOTHING else to do in Riverside. __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

May 31st, 2006, 12:49	#20
scoobs Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 678	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Nothing else to do in Riverside? Please tell me your joking?

June 1st, 2006, 00:24	#21
SIUav8er Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: at work Posts: 954	Re: My 90 ACP experience: please let me know! every bar weve been to has been dead...i know UCR is right down the street, but still...haha __________________ Commercial Pilot, CE-500 Gold Seal CFI.II.MEI IGI Future GoJet Pilot.

June 6th, 2006, 01:26	#24
scoobs Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 678	Re: My 90 ACP experience: Inland Empire doesn't suck, a lot better then LA. You have a car right? Since you probably don't have a dirt bike or a prerunner you might have to drive. The beach and mtns are not to far. Big Bear is really close and there is plenty to do. There are lots of hot girls that go to UCR and plenty of bars. Go down to the OC and rent a surfboard. If thats not your style hanging out at the beach is always nice. Canyon Lake if you have a boat or know somebody that does. There is plenty to do if you look.

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