Sortie Times

Because the airport at Selaparang is closed, we have to fly out of the main airport, BIL. We are not allowed to practice touch and goes at BIL, so we must go to Sembawa, about 80 nm away. Add to this, we are now in the rainy season and the weather is often unsuitable for flying. Each lesson takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the headwinds.

Edmond thinks the flight school is operating well when the students are flying. This is only partly true. Ground training is equally important. Being grounded due to weather is an excellent time to study ground lessons.

In an effort to get the most flying time possible, Edmond suggested the lessons be extended to 3.5 hours minimum. This is difficult for two reasons: the weather does not always cooperate with our plans, and primary students usually stop learning after about an hour. There is just too much information to absorb.

Russell, trying to get on Edmond's good side, issued the following email:

Hi Edmond, All

I asked all instructors to fly not less then 3.5 hours in the morning and, myself, am trying to stick to this norm. However, it is up to the instructors to decide what objective they are trying to accomplish during each lesson and what time-frame is necessary for this purpose. (Regardless, I am hereby asking Denis and Kwan to try to bring your morning sortie time to 3.5 hours. Thanks)

Kind regards.

Russ
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Russell,

What is the purpose of the 3.5 hour sorties? Are we just trying to build time? Are we combining 3 lessons into each flight? (If so, this is not good for primary training).

It seems to me we are just burning fuel for no purpose. They have plenty of chances to build time when they start cross country. It is counter-productive to over-teach primary students.

I think you should push back to Edmond and let him know he is wasting his money this way. The students will not be able to finish their training in the allotted time because it will be wasted during the pre-solo and immediate post-solo phases.

Besides the fact, the Instructors should be setting the agenda and NOT Edmond. He is not a flight instructor and should not be telling instructors how long their flights should be. Flights should be as long as needed according to the instructor's judgement.

-- Kate
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Kate, I told this to Edmond in my previous email, please read. It was said that "the instructors should be able to determine the lesson objectives and required time-frame."

Regards,

Russ Sherwood
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Yes, I know that. But then you say "Please bring your morning sortie flight time to 3.5 hours minimum. "

So which is it. 3.5 hours or up to the instructor? Please clarify.

-- Kate
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I don't know why I have to argue all the time. I am very busy flying with the students here.

To make things simple: the instructor is to determine, how much time is necessary to accomplish each objective. However, if a certain objective is not accomplished within the certain flight time, then the sortie time should be extended.

Considering your extensive experience, which I greatly respect, I am sure that this is not the only target-driven flight school you've ever worked for. I am well aware of the training pace of most US flight schools and to say that they receive no target pressure from the management is rather untrue.

Let's work as a team - we are in the same boat here.

Kind regards,
Russ Sherwood
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Russell,

I am looking for clarification, not argument. Why are you not able to answer my questions?

You have no idea of my personal experience and I don't appreciate your demeaning remarks. This is an inappropriate and rude comment and not pertinent to the question.

As a team leader, you should be able to give me a clear answer. You are responsible to building the team. So do your job.

-- Kate
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Kate,

If my remark "considering your extensive experience, which I RESPECT" appears to be demeaning to you, we need to end this email exchange.

I will have a meeting with you and Denis and Kwan after we come back to hangar.

Regards,

Russ Sherwood
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Russell,

OK, I will assume you are not aware of proper email behavior, so I will explain it to you.

1. When you include a comment like " I am sure that this is not the only target-driven flight school you've ever worked for. I am well aware of the training pace of most US flight schools and to say that they receive no target pressure from the management is rather untrue." - that is rude and disrespectful -- no matter how you start the sentence out. Just because you use the word RESPECT doesn't mean you are being respectful. In fact, it sounds arrogant and demeaning.

2. When you Reply All and include others in the response, you are dragging the team into an argument which you have started. Do not blame me because you have no social skills.

If you need further lessons on how to write a truly respectful email, please let me know and I will be happy to explain it to you.

-- Kate