The Boeing 777 Type Rating

December 14, 2021
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The Boeing 777 Type Rating

December 8th, 2021. A date which will live in….

My memory!

For, at two minutes to midnight, I received the Boeing 777 type rating!

My great FO Will actually got his “the next day,” just a few minutes after midnight.

But, hey, we got ‘er done!

I know you’re all Jonesing to hear all about it, so more on that in a minute.

But First,

Congratulations, Mrs. Bunny Aux!

CONGRATULATIONS to International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness athlete, Mrs. Bunny Aux (Team Aux’s Producer and my lovely wife!), who just “won metal,” as they say, in the Masters National Bodybuilding Championships!

So proud of you, my Love!!!

AND NOW,

The Boeing 777 Type Rating

The Checkride

As mentioned in earlier posts, FO Will and my “final exams” came in the form of three days of tests, all in the simulator.

Before we even started our full-motion simulator training, however, we had to first pass a written test on systems and procedures knowledge. We both felt like we were solidly ready for it—and we were—but it was tough, nonetheless.

As for the final sim rides, first came a “Maneuvers and Validations” (MV) checkride.

This was the toughie, as we had to demonstrate proficiency in all manner of maneuvers and procedures—normal and “non-normal” (emergency)—such as engine failures, hydraulic failures, electrical malfunctions, etc.

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The Boeing 777 Type Rating

The LOFT

Once we passed the MV, we did a LOFT, or “Line-Oriented Flight Training” test, where we basically flew the simulator from gate to gate, as if on a real flight.

The LOFT has become the standard in the industry, for both initial flight training, and the annual (or semi-annual) “Recurrent Checkride.”

It is run in real time, again as if on a real flight.

While it may sound relatively easy, you have to have a complete grasp of the entirety of a safely-operated normal—and “non-normal” (remember: “emergency!”) airline flight.

On this LOFT, we flew two legs: MIA-MCO and back (an Orlando “turn,” out of Miami.)

On each leg, we had issues to deal with, from small to not so small. Through it all, we had to still fly safely, with no doubts as to the safe outcome of the flight.

The second leg always sports a major non-normal that we have to deal with as well. For this one, our sadistic instructor chose a dual hydraulic failure. With 3 hydraulic systems on board, this one was a biggie—far more complicated than a plain, vanilla engine failure.

The Boeing 777 Type Rating

The FAA Check Ride

The final FAA checkride was very similar to the LOFT; however, this was a JFK-BOS turn, and on leg 2, we had to do an emergency shut down inflight of one engine.

Here’s the kicker: if we hadn’t shut down the engine in time…it would have exploded!

Then, your day gets really bad!

One super cool thing about our final checkride LOFT, was that the FAA-designated check airman turned out to be an old buddy of mine.

Back in the day, when I was still an FO, I used to “throw gear,” as we say, for Captain Bobby B.

Yep, we go way back!

I was even surprised to hear that Bobby, being inspired by my banjo playing, took up the ol’ 5-string himself!

Well, I can tell you right now, the “Good old boy club” doesn’t get you any extra points. I may have known my check airman from the past, but in no way does that get us any sort of pass; nor should it, of course.

In fact, let me be candid here for a moment: back when I started writing about my transition from the Airbus to the 777, by no means did I have any guarantee that I would pass the checkride and actually become a 777 Captain.

This was a bit like jumping out on stage, naked, and hoping I wouldn’t get laughed at too much!

But, I wanted to share with you all, our devoted Cap’n Aux Blog Buddies, the experience—in real time—of what an airline pilot goes through to train and check out on a plane.

Moreover, I still have yet to pass the Final Phase (more on that below!)

As it turned out, Bobby was straight forward and fair, but also…well, let’s say, “nitpicky” (his words not mine!)

But, that’s a good thing. If you’re to the point where there’s little minutiae that is being mentioned, then you know you’re probably doing pretty dang good.

Having flown the line for several years on the 777, Bobby was also a fountain of sound advice, and we were both very appreciative to receive his tips.

The Boeing 777 Type Rating

Every License is "A License to Learn"

Way back when I first earned my Private Pilot license as a young, 18-year-old lad, after passing me, the Examiner told me a word of advice that I’ve never forgotten: this license is “A License to Learn.”

I was surprised, and a little dismayed, at the comment; I’d studied and learned so much! But, 40 years and 24,000 hours later, I realize just how right he was.

To wit, a word of advice to you piloty types: don’t ever, ever, ever let your ego get in the way of learning.

Looking back, even after 27 years of flying the Airbus, I learned something new on nearly every single flight.

And, after taking my first steps into the sky on the Big Bird, I know that I have lots more to learn ahead.

Flying motor skills are certainly important, but the more you learn, the more you can make better judgement in the skies.

That’s what it takes to fly in the major leagues.

Be confident in your machine and your abilities, but never let that noggin’ of yours atrophy—or worse, swell beyond repair!

The Boeing 777 Type Rating

Beyond the Type

In a way, the B777 type rating is only the beginning as well; for me, it, too, is a “license to learn” for my new world.

While 3 months of intense studying, and 3 weeks of intense simulator practice, has earned me this precious piece of paper called a “type rating,” now the real learning begins.

For example, after the Type Ride came several days of “international school,” where the nuances of flying globally were taught, such as different rules and procedures for each country and region.

For instance, did you know that China and Russia use meters for altitudes up to a certain point, and then use feet? And, Russia gives you the settings for height above airport, (Qfe) rather than the universal standard of height above sea level (Qnh). A critical thing to know!

Yep, lots of nuances flying the globe!

In these past few days, it’s really hit home just how much of a change this is in my flying career and life. The world has suddenly opened up and shrunk considerably. Places I’ve only traveled as a tourist—and some I’ve never been to—will become my destinations.

And, I plan to bring you along in the jumpseat!

The Boeing 777 Type Rating

The Final Phase

In the final phase of training, I’ll finally be “let out of the nest,” and will go fly the line on my “IOE” (Initial Operating Experience) with a Check Airman. While s/he will be the official Captain for the flight, I will sit in the Left Seat, make all the decisions, fly the plane, and do all the Captain-y work. If satisfactory, after several of these trips, I will be finally signed off to fly the line as the Captain.

My first two IOE trips are already scheduled. Both are flights to LHR (London Heathrow.) There will most likely be more, for each theatre of operation (Far East, Latin America, etc.), but I’m already chomping at the bit to get out there and…

FLY!

I’m very excited to blog for you about my initial experiences and impressions, flying overseas to LHR and beyond.

And, finally, a special message to our good Blog Buddies in England: On my LHR overnights,…

I’ll buy the first pint!

Till then,

The Boeing 777 Type Rating