I was invited to attend the Advanced Flight Grading, this applies to candidates who have between 30 - 250hrs of flight time. There are 6 flights in total: 3 in the Grob 115 and 3 in a synthetic trainer (Either in the Alsim based on a Kingair 200 or a DA42 trainer with G1000 avionics).
The Grob flights comprise of upper airwork and circuits - the manoeuvres will be familiar to most candidates with the exception of wing-overs. Wing-overs a fairly simple and will be explained and demonstrated by the instructor. Candidates are not expected to make radio calls or take responsibility for weight and balance or fuel.
The 3 flights in the synthetic trainer comprise mostly of basic instrument Flying. Manoeuvres assessed include intercepting inbound and outbound tracks on NDB and VORs as well as point-to-point navigation. Finally, candidates are vectored to fly an ILS approach. No prior instrument flying is necessary as you will be given study notes and briefings prior to your instrument flights.
Flight grading is not about flying perfectly, rather it is about demonstrating to your instructors that you are able to learn (and 'unlearn' where necessary) and have the right attitiude. Instructors want to see someone who is easily 'teachable'.
