The One Where FPT Training Gets Real

Yesterday technically marked our first session in the FPD—really just a quick recap of the SHIFT material. Today felt more like the real deal, though. We ran through a simulated flight from a cold-and-dark cockpit, started the engines, took off, and climbed out. We did not complete the entire flight because of a simulated emergency that forced us to divert, but the scenario still gave us plenty of chances to apply our flows, callouts, and problem-solving skills.

Having one instructor and two students in the flat-panel setup is incredibly helpful. We can ask specific questions the moment they come up, and our instructor is able to offer practical advice that applies directly to our needs. It is also validating (and slightly intimidating) to see how quickly cockpit tasks can stack up once ATC calls, distractions, and other real-world factors enter the picture. The ability to execute flows cold, without hesitation, becomes even more critical when everything starts happening at once.

Today’s flight left me with several new insights. I took plenty of notes during the debrief, and the instructor clarified many of the things that felt rushed during the session. My partner and I plan to review our notes, update our flows with these new details, and do some prep for tomorrow’s training so we can (hopefully) smooth out any bumps. Despite the unexpected diversion, I think we handled ourselves pretty well, and I am looking forward to seeing how much we can improve in the next session.