No kidding!
Those who are committed to completing their PPL in a full time scenario, this next exercise really tests that commitment. And for those of us juggling full time jobs, families, and other “outside” commitments, well, it’s pretty near impossible to manage the time needed for a proper ground brief.
One thing I have found helpful is preparing mentally and in other ways far in advance. For example, I knew over a week ago that I would be flying ex 23 this weekend, so I set aside some time each day to either read, think about or discuss with my instructor some aspects of the cross country. I’ve also flown “cross country” both in Ontario and PEI (albeit neither as PIC obviously). This helps me envision some of the tasks – radio calls, different airport routines, etc. – that lie ahead.
Another thing that is helping is that my instructor is breaking the brief into smaller, more manageable chunks. I am so wiped out at the end of each day dealing with my Grade Three students at school, and then my own lovely but exhausting children, I cannot possibly imagine a 5-hour brief!!! Shorter bites of information and planning have been a Godsend for this very demanding exercise.
Time’s a jest, not an enemy, and I am joking right back. Seriously.