It was a long journey for my CAAS licence conversion...........dispite the unnecessary troubles created by Okay and CAAC, complicated administrative process, numerous flight checks and high rate of travel was involved.
Stage one, 2 weeks ground school in SIA Training Centre for CAAS air law, HPL and Perf A exam. I reckon one week is far more then enough. They are as straight forward and as simple as it is. Getting 100% passed on each of these papers already tells how simple they are or how smart I am, huh!!!
Stage two, 4 weeks 50 hrs Jet handling Course in Jandakot. A must for fresh cadets, but what the hell was it for me? Couldn't I fly a tiny little jet with only 9300kg while I have 4500 TT hours in B747/B737 under my belt??? I asked.....well, CP explained "it is providing jet PIC hrs for your command upgrade in short future, this training is only for SFO".....Wow, a very very acceptable reason for me, in fact, I love to hear that...... By the way, flying thru 8 cities in 4 weeks time in LHS as PIC was an incredible experience.
Stage three, 4 weeks ground school in SIA Training Centre. Here the real life began, lots of data and procedures were programmed into my head during the time. Turning my Boeing concept upside down or think myself was a green cadet would helps. The real challenge was how to keep my eyes open for the course......it was really a sleep activator.
Stage four, 4 weeks Simulator CPT and FFS Flying back with STC. This was the best part so far, and eventually the side-stick was in my right hand. Being an "A" Driver instead of "B" Driver. Some said it is a lazy movement, but I say it is a advancement if not an upgrade. At least I will be driving an automatic machine.
Stage five, 4 days Emergency + 2 days CRM + 3 days Performance Training spread over 3 weeks. Getting wet, playing games and meeting new friends......with lots of days off in between. What a nice semi-vacation before airbourne!!!
Stage six, Base Training with 10 T/Os and LDGs. Spread on 2 days with a couple of days between. Lots of fun and lots of pressure......serious business from now on. I did half of the requirements in Johor, and the other half was in Batam.
Stage seven, 40 sectors Line Training on scheduled flights over 6 weeks. Just getting to smell the cockpit atmosphere and know the culture. Flying??? Are there any differences between airlines, ain't we pull to climb, push to land??? any differences??? Don't think so.... All I wanna find out is how to "Ding" the FA in and ask for a drink, or where to go for fun while staying outports.
Stage eight, Line Duties. Either CX or SQ, they are international airlines, I can't tell much different. But Okay was, is and will be very 'Chinese' for quite a long while, as long as the CP is still the same F***ing A**hole who trying to run the messy show by himself. Anyway, I am Glad to get back to formal airlines flying.....
"Hey Sing guys and gals!! ready to go??"
