Thanks

[BFG]

I just completed my first flight on the network, the suggested intro flight from L52 to KSBP. I'm not a real-world pilot, but a guy who has gotten increasingly serious about simulation. So this was my first time dealing with anything this ... real. And I loved it.

It's funny: while I had watched the video and flown the flight a few times before logging in to get my wits about me, I can't believe how nervous I was. It was ridiculous. Truly. Nonetheless, I thought I handled myself well. Got a radio check from KSBP tower before making the call on L52 CTAF. Went through the right steps once out of the pattern, made the final call on two mile final, and even though I was ridiculously anxious I greased the landing. Made a right-hand turn off 29 and waited for direction.

I was feeling pretty good about myself, so much so that I wasn't paying close attention and missed a call. A few seconds later I thought, "Did he tell me to taxi to the ramp? He must have."

Um, wrong. The next thing I heard was: "Uhh ... Cessna 5 Juliet Golf, where are you going?" I cringed, and I apologized that I had missed the call. A brief but well deserved reminder to wait for instruction followed. I didn't tell him I was a noob. Figured I probably didn't have to.

So to the people who run this place, thanks. It's really pretty amazing. I'll be sending in my check. I'll also be hitting the trainings and workshops, because I definitely want to get good at this. And finally, to that controller, my apologies, and thanks for the reminder.

[bbuckley]

BFG - Great blog and awesome rig. Welcome to PE. --Bruce

[BFG]

BFG - Great blog and awesome rig. Welcome to PE. --Bruce

Thanks, Bruce. I appreciate the welcome. I'm really looking forward to learning how it all really works (and given that I'm thinking seriously about getting my PPL, I know it will be a great primer). Glad you like the blog and sim, too. Thanks.

[Kyle.Sanders]

Welcome to the network!

I found your audio recording (only available for 90 days)...
Time Slot on recording- 0:35-1:21
http://assets.pilotedge.net/recordings/ ... _18011.mp3

I think I know where the confusion was- you heard the controller speaking to RA34691 at another field for taxi instructions "via Alpha" which happened to be the same name of the taxiway you would use at KSBP. On PilotEdge and real world, controllers can work many different positions at a time (usually within the same tower or radar facilities) but on PilotEdge you get some controllers that will work more than one tower facility too, so it's a good practice to listen to the callsign before accepting the instruction and always use the read back" (to include your callsign) to ensure that the instruction you heard was correct and for you.

Keep it up! Much to be learned and such a great network to do it! These forums are amazing and should be utilized.

[BFG]

Welcome to the network!

I found your audio recording (only available for 90 days)...
Time Slot on recording- 0:35-1:21
http://assets.pilotedge.net/recordings/ ... _18011.mp3

I think I know where the confusion was- you heard the controller speaking to RA34691 at another field for taxi instructions "via Alpha" which happened to be the same name of the taxiway you would use at KSBP. On PilotEdge and real world, controllers can work many different positions at a time (usually within the same tower or radar facilities) but on PilotEdge you get some controllers that will work more than one tower facility too, so it's a good practice to listen to the callsign before accepting the instruction and always use the read back" (to include your callsign) to ensure that the instruction you heard was correct and for you.

Keep it up! Much to be learned and such a great network to do it! These forums are amazing and should be utilized.

Kyle, thanks. That's really helpful. I went back and listened to it, too. I'm definitely not used to being always dialed in to what's happening on the headset, and that's a skill I will learn with practice. In the real world with shared ATC stations if a pilot thinks he missed an instruction, what's the protocol? Would I have been ok to say, "San Luis tower, Cessna 5 juliet golf. I missed that last transmission. Was that for me?" Or something like that?

[barcman1967]

Welcome to the dark side!!! you are going to love it. And don't worry, we all shake in our boots (literally) for the first few flights.

It is an unbelievable training/ learning environment. The controllers will hold your feet to the fire, for good reason, but they are always 100% professional, knowledgable, and helpful.

Again, welcome!

[BFG]

Welcome to the dark side!!! you are going to love it. And don't worry, we all shake in our boots (literally) for the first few flights.

That's so funny ... I was literally shaking when I got started, and again after I bonked at the end. I remember thinking, "This is nuts!" But it was REALLY fun and REALLY rewarding, just that short flight. As I think about getting my PPL, I think PE is such a valuable addition to my thinking about that, the commitment it will take to learn, and the level of proficiency I'll need to really be safe.

[Kyle.Sanders]

San Luis tower, Cessna 5 juliet golf. I missed that last transmission. Was that for me?

Absolutely!!! Additionally. a controller would much rather you inquire about an instruction that you did not fully hear or understand than you accept that clearance and do the wrong thing.

[BFG]

An update: Got my V-01 rating this morning. It was great fun. Now on to the V-02 ...

[Kyle.Sanders]

An update: Got my V-01 rating this morning. It was great fun. Now on to the V-02 ...

V3 is the best IMO. I'm looking forward to the CAT ratings.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5100