Page 18 - Twin and Turbine September 2017

piece of automation to your routine, it is important to regularly practice on the equipment and become comfortable before relying on it in challenging real- world scenarios. Flawed inputs by the pilot will cause f lawed outputs from the automation. Better to iron out these potential wrinkles in practice.
When a single pilot and his automation are in sync, it can greatly increase the efficiency and mental capacity of the pilot, leading to a smoother and safer operation. However, dependence on automation can be even more dangerous than not having it at all. Just as you should practice using automation, also practice scenarios in which it fails you.
6. Stay Ahead of the Game
During lower workload phases of flight, it can become easy to let your mind drift. To prevent this potentially unsafe occurrence, keep yourself engaged throughout the flight by continually asking yourself the question, “What’s next?” Look for tasks that you can accomplish well ahead of
when they need to be completed. For instance, program frequencies for the next controller, listen to the ATIS or ASOS, program and brief an approach.
Another way to keep yourself sharp on a solo flight is to play the “what if” game. In your head, play out scenarios where certain items could go wrong based on your current phase of flight – and how you would react. Not only will this tactic keep your mind engaged in the flight, you will be better prepared and practiced to actually handle such situations in real-life.
7. Debrief Yourself
Think back to the student-pilot days. After each flight lesson, there was likely time set afterward to discuss the flight, right? Why should this practice disappear? An honest self-assessment is great way to grow and improve from one flight to the next.
Questions you can ask yourself: Was there something you were not prepared for? Did a cockpit indication
or instrument procedure confuse you? Did you let yourself do something outside of your comfort zone or SOP?
Every flight provides its lesson(s) in one way or another. And remember, critiques do not need to be negative. Did you have a great landing? Did you shoot an expert approach to minimums? Kudos! You deserve credit where credit is due.
Only one solo flight concludes with a ceremonial douse of cold water or the cutting of a t-shirt. But with•consistent practice in these seven habits, one additional aspect from that first solo flight will remain constant: a safe landing and taxi to the chocks with a feeling of accomplishment. T&T
Jacob Tyler is an ATP-rated turbine pilot, instructor and mentor. He currently flies corporate aircraft both single-pilot and as crew for a Fortune 500 company.
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16 • TWIN & TURBINE
September 2017