P-3 Pilot Training
C onsiderable progress has been made in
overcoming the subtitled problem in
the P-3 program. For instance, boost-out
landing practice has been reduced to the
necessary minimum. It has, however, been
revealed on occasion that dangerous situa-
tions are still being induced by instructors -
usually during their first few months in the
new bird.
Sensible Amounts of Emergency
Procedures Practice Can Be Valuable
The average training emergency in
the P-3 is very easily handled, since the
aircraft has an abundance of power, is easily
controlled, and has considerable system re-
dundancy. The fact that the pilot under in-
struction can usually do a good job of han-
dling the situation from the beginning may
later lead him into a state of overconfidence.
It may also influence the instructor to pile
on more problems in order to get the student’s
attention. A situation of this sort can, and
has, caused aircraft accidents.
Every Pilot Is Different
An instructor certainly should not be
bound so tightly by the syllabus that he is
restricted in imparting valuable techniques
to stable, perceptive students. Unfortunately,
pilots vary in ability and temperament,
which places greater unappreciated respon-
sibilities on the instructor. Each pilot’s po-
tential must be fully developed, but always
with due regard to safety. It must be consid-
ered that he will not only perform all of the
maneuvers accomplished during training,
but may add a few of his own after he is
checked out in the squadron.
Use Horse Sense
Common sense and judgment must
prevail at all times during training and
squadron operations. How far to go in train-
ing is always questionable, as it is obvious
that all potential emergencies cannot be
practiced. There are aviators with 15 years
experience who have never lost an engine
in flight, while others have had more than
their share. Lack of training has no doubt
caused a i r c r a f t damage, whereas
overtraining has also been costly. In almost
every case, though, sound judgment would
have reduced the hazards.
A good example in training was the
hot and cold attitude toward single-engine-
reverse practice in the P-2 Neptune. In the
past, some commanding officers refused to
allow this practice in the squadron but sane