PASS your Pilot Simulator Evaluation

When you get called for the simulator evaluation (SIM EVAL) for short. 90% of the time in Canada, it is conducted in a Dash 8-300 sim.

Most pilots have never flown a Dash until this point. Nowadays, since the regionals are hiring flight instructors, most have never flown in a 2 crew environment either.

After doing sim eval preparations with pilots. Here are my top 3 tips I want to pass on to you. This will help erase some doubt and worry as well.

 #1 They know you haven't flown a Dash 8-300 before

This is the most common worry I hear from pilots is, "Keith, I haven't flown this big aircraft before. How could they expect me to fly it perfectly?" 

The good new is that they aren't looking for perfection. What they want to see is basic flying skills up to the CPL test standards. Such as +/-100 ft of altitude, +10/-5 knots of airspeed control.

Can you navigate and fly a hold entry? Can you do a steep turn?

This is 40% of the sim eval right there.

#2 They are testing your CRM skills.

Now this is the biggest and most important part of the sim eval. In fact, you could crash the sim on landing and still pass the sim eval. How do I know? I hear it all the time from pilots who just slammed into the ground, the sim screen turned red, and they almost pooped their pants.

But, 2 weeks later they received the job offer call. How is this possible?

Remember I said they know you haven't flown the Dash 8 before. What matters most is how well are you utilizing the other pilot's help. 

Ask the other pilot sitting next to you for help through all your maneuvers and you help them in return.

This is 60% of the sim eval.

If you had a perfect sim eval as the Pilot Flying. Then you switched seats and watch the other pilot fly. If that pilot fails, you both fail. Because they will see you did not provide them help.

#3 Learn to read Jepp Charts

I would get your hands on a jeppesen chart and study the format from top to bottom. 

You are probably only used to the CAP charts in Canada. Jepps can be confusing in the beginning. So I highly recommend you study the format ahead of time.

Better to not go there being surprised. Be familiar with all the charts and posters.

Knock on wood, so far I have helped over 50 pilots pass their sim eval prep at Jazz, Porte, and Perimeter. This is as of writing this blog post. It will much more now.

When you sign up for the sim eval prep, I will help you go into that sim evaluation and impress the instructor pilot. You only get one shot, don't mess it up.

All the best!

Keith D'Mello