Aerowinx PS1 PS13 Approach & Go Around due to Windshear

So what can I view to increase my skill level?

With a bout of ill health, has come the opportunity to review just what is available via training DVDs for those who want to increase their skills level and increase the 'transfer of training' into something tangible and real. This is  important as a review of academic papers all agree that skill transfer takes place when our existing knowledge, abilities and skills of aeronautics and flying modern simulation software such as Aerowinx leads to  the learning or performance of new skills or tasks.

For many in the simulation community this amounts to how close we can perform to a real world scenario  in using our mental capacities and reflexes, applying the theory of meteorological conditions and flight principles in flight while manipulating the flight controls and Mode Control Panel interface to the closest possible realism as measures of our standing as pilots.

Theory is great particularly the Aerowinx 744 training manual, but until we get version 10 how do we increase our skill level, and I`ve been very impressed with a couple of the 'new kids' on the block. Just Planes have for the last 25 years provided  excellent foundational DVDs but it just might be time to move on, becoming more immersed in the observation role of what really occurs on a flight deck.

• The first is the AeroPresentation series and in particular their double DVD of Scandinavian Air Service (SAS) double disc of flying various variants of the B737.  Watching the clips on YouTube  see  SAS cockpit DVD by AeroPresentation.com or simply go to http://aeropresentation.com/ for what is not just a series of take-offs and landings but a clear discussion about operational issues discussed throughout the clips by the flight staff in understandable terms without 'dumbing down' the information.

For students of communication they provide excellent examples of the giving and receiving of feedback, actively listening, teamwork,  and responding to external factors (some would call it 'noise') in a positive manner. The DVD is available through pc aviator australia at  the AeroPresentation :: SAS Scandinavian cockpit link.

• The second choice is similar but also quite different, it is a Norwegian Boeing 737-800 DVD and is only available at http://www.flightsim.no/fsno/component/content/article/502.html. For example in the walkaround there is a very good discussion about the N1 fan at the front of the engine as it is impacted by the N2 turbofan buried in the engine.

One drawback that some viewers may not like is that all of the communications are in Norwegian with English subtitles, but the level of information supplied overcomes this very minor quibble. The other positive is their is a very full discussion of all operational procedures, nand after a while you feel 'involved' and realise just how quickly everything is happening, giving the viewer a 'real taste' of the speed and rapidity of airline operations.

For anyone interested in training and the transfer of skills, knowledge and attributes we`ve all struggled with at one level or another there are two excellent potential DVDS.

PS I have no commercial interest and only offer the comments on the blog as part of my own journey in becoming a more complete pilot.

Till next time

Neil