NOT FLOWN for weeks? This is what happens | Currency flight SKILL FADE

This is what can happen when you haven't flown for a long time... Skill fade! I've been away from the Cabri helicopter for 27 days. I've re-read the pilot's operating handbook and been extra thorough with my checks but I feel rusty even though I'm still just within my currency period. How much I've forgotten and what skills have faded after almost a month away remains to be seen...
I'm fortunate to have been flying regularly during the covid lockdown as I build hours towards a flight instructor rating but over the last month I've been learning to fly the R44 rather than the Cabri G2. I'd love to know what you're doing to make sure you have a safe return to flying after perhaps several months away from the cockpit. Comment below or get in touch on social media. Thanks for watching!
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#currencyflight #skillfade

[@Mad-Coo]

You did well there, I could literally feel the wind buffeting you around. Well done.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah it was an interesting trip that one!

[@_fox.alpha_]

Low time fixed-wing pilot here... One year ago GA closed down in all of Switzerland. I blew the dust off my X-Plane flight simulator and flew several 'known' missions around my homebase, read all AFMs and POHs through multiple times, and got to watch a lot of (great) content online. All the best for your training and your future Rory!

[@RoryOnAir]

Well it sounds like you absolutely made the best of the Covid situation - great job! I hope your return to the real thing is smooth and fun. Cheers, Rory

[@_fox.alpha_]

Fortunately we are able to fly at the moment. Yesterday I started the familiarization on a new plane, the Pipistrel Virus SW121, the ultimate goal being the Velis Electro...

[@RoryOnAir]

@@_fox.alpha_ very nice! I’ve heard good things about that aircraft and the pilot electric tech is exciting. Enjoy!

[@claudiusrouse7535]

Well despite I haven’t flown in a few months I still feel current some what due to your videos . Since our skills and drills are similar and the way we were taught,hats off to Helicentre a great school . I do miss it cannot wait to be get back in the thick of things. Once again thanks for your videos they are inspirational and encouraging and this video was no exception. Stay safe mate

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the videos and I hope you can get back to the real thing soon. 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Enjoyed this Rory. Well done!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@kevchilton908]

An excellent reminder of skill fade which affects us all, Rory. To think you noticed a difference after only 27 days really does put it into perspective. A great post 👌👏

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Kevin. I have to say I was surprised. 27 days isn’t really that long and I had been flying the R44 a lot too. Hopefully it’ll help folks to be extra cautious. 👍👍

[@ranh71]

Thanks Rory. Looking forward to flying in a couple of weeks.

[@RoryOnAir]

I bet you are! I hope your return to the air is smooth and enjoyable. 👍👍

[@T600Nsprint]

Great to watch these videos Rory. After flying from LAC for 16 years amassing close to 1,000 hrs mainly in Eurostars before moving to Spain last year, it’s great to see the local area again from the air as a virtual passenger with you. 😊

[@RoryOnAir]

Excellent stuff! The Eurostar is such a great aircraft - I miss flying them. I’m glad you’re enjoying my heli videos too. 👍

[@garydell2023]

Good job Rory. I haven't been flying for quite a while so I know I'm rusty. Looking forward to more of your flights.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Gary. I hope your return is smooth and soon.

[@JodelFlyer]

Great video as always Rory. Looking forward to that future flight with Lizi. Think we will all be a bit rusty when we get to fly again but I doubt there are many out there who have had to cut down trees on approach, remove mole hills and fill in badger scrapings but that's the fun of farm strip flying!

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - that is very involved but it sounds great to be so hands on with keeping your strip open for flying. I’m looking forward to taking Lizi up soon and doing some trips in the R44. Thanks for watching.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Great to see you back flying Rory :-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks - it’s always great to get up in the air. 👍

[@BS25BaldEagle]

Well done Rory, Very interesting as always. Stay safe.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks a lot. 👏👍

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Superb! It’s a really gold point about skill fade that I hope everyone’s conscious of tomorrow. Handled well too in what looks like a sporty day 💨💨💨

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Ben. I can’t wait to see more videos from you as you get going again. 👍

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

I'm already looking back through my check lists for my back to flying next week. I'm going to do a very basic flight plan, get out of the circuit, get up high, do some skills and drills and then come back for a landing and debrief myself before any further flights. At least mine is only a lightweight flexwing and not the complex machine you are in. Good content as always Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

This sounds like a superb plan to me. I have to say I was quite surprised how rusty I felt despite having been flying quite a lot. It just goes to show how fast the skills fade. Good luck with your return to the air!

[@glennwatson]

I have my first passenger flight in two weeks since getting my fixed wing license and this video has made me think maybe I should go out a couple days before since not been flying much.

[@RoryOnAir]

Well I’m not an instructor but I think that would be a very sensible move. Passengers are great but they do add an extra demand on your attention when you’re already going to have reduced capacity from the lay off. I think you’ll enjoy the passenger flight more if you’re feeling confident having had a trip on your own too. 👍

[@stuartlloyd2000]

Good to come virtual flying with you before the return for us ppl(h) types. I'll be out with my instructor for the first couple of flights. Interesting to see how your grip on the cyclic relaxed through the vid. I'm sure we'll all get a bit of that.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, my hand always relaxes as I go - it’s funny because it’s actually easier when you’re more relaxed. Thanks for watching and good luck with your return!

[@theflyingfool]

Nice one Rory! It's good to see you gaining experience and being cautious about your currency. Not flown since November so I've been doing lots of armchair flying and memory item reviews. I'll be flying with my instructor who, by the time I get out with him, will have done a lot of currency check flights with others, so he should be properly current :). Even so it will be interesting to see how things go for me. We'll do a lot of pre-briefing and planning, some basic circuit work, then off airfield for some stalls, PFL's & steep turns. Finally, a few cross country flights locally, then (fingers crossed) I'll be ready for my skills test (again).

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Steve. It sounds like you have a very robust plan for your own return. I hope it goes well and good luck with the skill test. 👍

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

Thanks Rory - we'll see how I get on this morning, exactly 90 days since I last flew but feeling very calm and we have lovely wx today and tomorrow. Might pop down tomorrow for a gentle cross country :-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Excellent stuff Jason. Good luck and enjoy it!

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

@@RoryOnAir Will do thanks, are you flying today? It's beautiful up here today, have the whole airfield to myself at the moment!

[@RoryOnAir]

@@jasonrwilkinson9216 unfortunately not - I’m hoping to take Lizi up at the weekend.

[@MJB9559]

Great video….I must say you come across as really professional 😜👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Mark. 👍

[@jedwig61]

For someone who was more “seized up” than “rusty” after a 10 month training break I think you got your Colibri head pretty quickly, but is a warning to us all. I often get caught out just swapping between our family cars. Now you’ve got your R44 rating every one flying over my house will now get a wave for Rory, just in case ;-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Jed. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’ll try not to fly over too low! 😉👍

[@MelanieMoxon]

Hi Rory, Currency is a concern, the last time I flew was new years eve so there will be some trepidation on my first foray into the air in the next week or so. My first flight will be a general handling (stalls, slow flight PFL etc.) and circuits flight to "get back in the seat". Once that is done it will be a short cross country flight (15 mins) to an airfield I am familiar with (flew the T67 from there for several years) and back again. I think my approach is as sound as it can ever be. I have also been using MSFS a lot more recently to keep sharp on my checklists (one thing it and other simulators are brilliant for). Great video, keep up the good work :) Mel xx

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi Mel, this sounds like a very thorough and totally sensible approach to managing the risks. I hope you enjoy it and thing come back to you quickly. Thanks for watching the video. 👍

[@irisaviation852]

Great video, I won’t have flown for four months so I’m spending a few days with an instructor. Autos, confined area and general handling...:). Can’t wait....

[@RoryOnAir]

Good stuff! I think that's pretty sensible. Better to be safe than sorry.

[@AntFlynn]

It is so easy for skills to diminish somewhat. I hope once commercial aviation is back in full swing that all the airlines have something robust in place for refresh. I think uk wise we would be fine but not all over the world, and that is a worry. Great content

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Ant, I’m glad you enjoyed this. I hear what you’re saying - I guess there might be some issues globally but I’m sure pilots will be extra careful.

[@aceace5457]

its great to see you again rory i been waiting for that lol hows the job going .

[@RoryOnAir]

Well I’m working towards an FI rating later this year. Thanks for watching

[@aceace5457]

@@RoryOnAir your so lucky rory me stuck on this bed with one arm only working after suffering a brain heammorrage etc etc really sucks but thx u very much and i cant wait for the next one ..

[@michaeljohnson5370]

Morning Rory.im not a pilot and I don't have anything to do with flying apart from being a plane passenger going on holiday but I do enjoy your videos going right back to your microlight days.im quite a nervous flyer so trying to use your videos for therapeutic reasons so thank you

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi Michael, I'm delighted you enjoy watching.

[@nizza594]

Nice Rory! I'll be getting back to it soon, haven't flown since December and with only 30 hours currently, I 'm anticipating feeling like an absolute beginner again! :(

[@RoryOnAir]

Well I’m sure it won’t be that bad. 🤞 I think the main thing is to take it easy and go over everything carefully. And to enjoy it too!

[@ericg69er]

Almost...😊.....stirring soup 😋.....more like whipping cream 😛.....all normal......well done Rory....thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - cheers. Not my neatest take off!

[@davee4990]

Nice one 👍👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers. 👍

[@davee4990]

It has always been my dream from being a kid to fly choppers for a living! I could never afford the lessons! Now I live in Tampa Florida, retired, and drive uber! Love your videos! Keep them rolling cheers 🍻

[@RoryOnAir]

@@davee4990 thanks very much Dave. I’m very lucky to be doing what I’m doing. It’s great fun and I’m glad you’re enjoying my videos. 👍

[@caahacky]

How many shoulder bars have you got! Are you an Admiral already? :-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - I think I should add an extra one each time and see if anyone notices. 😂

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

@@RoryOnAir Great to have watched your transition from newbie to pilot congratulations Rory. Just one question re your shoulder bars. One, two, three what is the significance?

[@RoryOnAir]

@@leonardmcdermott7703 thanks Leonard - I’m glad you have enjoyed my films so far. 4 means captain - which I am in a single pilot helicopter even though it’s a bit daft to wear what a very experienced multi crew captain also wears but 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@flyingkub]

For me I plan on doing circuits with a lower cross wind limit and then do some upper air work with slow flight. practice stalls and tight turns provided cloud base allows. I will then carry out several local flights, with some transition through local ATC to get back into talking on the radio and setting transponder. Once I have clocked up a few hours I will try to fly away. As with you I use the foot required rether than presetting my feet.

[@RoryOnAir]

That sounds like a very thorough plan for getting back to it safely - nice one. Let's hope we get some good weather over the next few weeks!

[@flyingkub]

@@RoryOnAir As always when you can't fly the weather is great and when you can it is marginal. looking forward to getting back in the air and clocking some hours.

[@simonmonkman4638]

I’m half way through G2 training so your videos are fantastic for me! Thank you so much. Glad to see even your take offs are sometimes imperfect! As an instructor, would you simply fly with another instructor if you ever exceeded the 28 day rule? Keep up the good work, Captain 👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi Simon, I’m delighted you find my videos useful. Just to be clear, I’m not an instructor... yet. Hopefully I will be later this year though. If I had lost currency, yes I would have done a short flight with an instructor to check I was safe to go off by myself. Good luck with your training and thanks for watching. 👍

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

HAPPY EASTER I now appreciate the cabury a lot more. Peace be with you 🥚🐣🐥

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - and also with you!

[@ahcmit]

Well done Rory, you are a great self critic and a very good pilot. Lets see you get a great job flying Mike Ashley's AW109 or similar and you can move on from the wasp helicopters 😍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much! 😁 I’m excited to transition onto bigger helicopters in the future. 🚁👍

[@dr_jaymz]

I have flown about once a month during the lock downs - which at this time of year isn't that unusual. But another point to consider is the pent up demand. This will mean that any remotely flyable days are likely to have many more rusty pilots very close together than would normally be the case so everyone at slightly more risk even those that have flown. So radio position calls and a really good lookout very very important.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, I agree. I think good communication is very important but flying the aircraft still remains priority no. 1. 👍

[@dr_jaymz]

@@RoryOnAir Have you noticed also that on busy days, maybe 4 in the circuit 2 or so joining and departing often only half of those are following a standard procedure and unpredictable planes like cars are difficult to deal with because you have to pay them more attention.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@dr_jaymz yes absolutely. It comes down to flying defensively and anticipating what others might do. No point being right if you still have an accident - better to make way.

[@Pastronomer69]

Do the stripes fade along with your skills? If you go over 30 days do you only get 3 stripes? Genuine question pls

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha - maybe that’s how it should work! 😂

[@ShoestringMedia]

Hi Rory been following your channel for a heck of a time now. I got.my licence on the C42 few years ago so great following your adventure from fixed to rotary wings. Keep the videos going (time pending) they are superb. Is it your intention to continue with filming in the R44 even if you obtain a commercial position ? Anyhow if your ever round the Boston aerodrome area drop in. Take it easy and safe flying to you

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching all this time - it’s much appreciated. Yes, I plan to continue filming as much as my flying journey and career as as future employers allow. I’ll definitely be doing some trips in the R44 and I plan to return to the C42 and Eurostar in the coming months too. Thanks for the offer - Boston isn’t too far so I may well drop in. 👍

[@martinbguk]

Haven't flown since mid January when aircraft went for annual. Now having to move her (wings off ) by road to a previous maintenance organisation. So it's likely to be possibly 4 months. I'll decide nearer the time when she is finally ready how I shall cope with flying her again.

[@RoryOnAir]

That sounds like a right pain in the back side. I hope you manage to get airborne one way or another soon though. Thanks for watching.

[@BlueSideUp]

Germany never closed General Aviation down so I don't have the problem right now. However, I assume I will fly mostly the R44 throughout the year and before my Type Rating expires I will ask an instructor to accompany me on the first flight to make sure I don't screw up. It help to never memorize anything and just react on what the machine does. And I fly the Cabri and Aquila in XPlane 11 in VR in my "private Simulator". That is actually helping a lot staying current or even saving time on a type rating. I e.g. passed mine on the R44 after the minimum 5 sessions which I think wouldn't have worked without that from a mechanical 3 blade clockwise to a hydraulic counter clockwise 2 blade helicopter.

[@RoryOnAir]

Sounds like an excellent set up to me. I have managed to do my type rating on the R44 now too. It's not massively different to the Cabri. In many ways it's simpler.

[@BlueSideUp]

@@RoryOnAir simple defines everything in the R44 as basic design principle 😋 and from the inside you can't see how ugly it is 🤫 I like the R44 a lot. Yes I know, eye of the beholder... but still...

[@RoryOnAir]

@@BlueSideUp yeah, it’s not the sexiest looking heli but it’s nice to fly. 👌

[@TheBeggFamily]

My skill fade is video editing while in hospital. I’ve reduced the videos to one per week at least for a while. You seem to be getting back into it.!

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah just trying to juggle work, holidays and editing! Thanks for watching.

[@markradcliffe5881]

I enjoy your commentary, very informative! Let me know if you’d like to come and make a video at CHC Aberdeen. I think you’ve emailed me before Rory?

[@RoryOnAir]

Excellent - I’m delighted you enjoyed the video. I would be very interested in a visit and video opportunity. Perhaps you’d be good enough to email me again? roryonair at gmail dot com

[@flybobbie1449]

House on map, it's easier to put the two digit time in the triangle and three figure hdg. in rectangle.

[@andyarcher384]

Check flight with Chris C on the 14th April....... just hoping the weather turns out well !

[@RoryOnAir]

Excellent stuff! Say hi from me and I hope it goes smoothly. If he asks you what the 3 most important things are on final... airspeed, airspeed, airspeed. 😉

[@ranbirsingh7666]

1st.. There will be a lot of us who will be ‘Rusty’ going back flying.. 😬😬

[@RoryOnAir]

That's why I thought it might be helpful to get this video out this weekend actually Ranbir. Hopefully having seen me be rusty after 27 days it'll encourage others to be extra cautious when returning to the cockpit.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

@@RoryOnAir : definitely, take your time and be very cautious

[@irisaviation852]

Did you hear the 500 on frequency?

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes I did, wasn't you was it?!

[@irisaviation852]

@@RoryOnAir no, it’s the AH helicopters who did the top gear stuff if you ever saw it.

[@RoryOnAir]

@@irisaviation852 oh that’s cool. I don’t think I did see that. Was it the new series of Top Gear?

[@irisaviation852]

@@RoryOnAir no an old one, they lifted a car and dropped it. AH helicopters, they are on Facebook. The owner is very nice.

[@thebeerinnandrewmckenna2655]

I used to fly gliders until 1998, and went solo. I had a year out, but when i came back, was told that I needed the doctor to sign the medical form, as they got a new insurance company, but it all was because i used to have epilepsy when i was a child, and they now use it in discrimination. I drive, and dont have it now, and local just up the M1 in Nottingham, so are you looking for a passanger, add me to facebook, Andrew Mckenna.

[@RoryOnAir]

I’m sorry to hear that Andrew. I’m not looking for passengers at the moment but I appreciate you watching my videos. Cheers, Rory

[@captainsamA320]

I seen u on radar 24 and said there’s Rory flying

[@RoryOnAir]

Always good to know people are keeping an eye on me. 👍

[@captainsamA320]

@@RoryOnAir yea glad u got out flying would need to get myself out soon very rusty and poor c42 been laying up so long blow the cobwebs off it ha

[@RoryOnAir]

@@captainsamA320 well I hope you get out soon and have a safe flight.

[@petefell2206]

Runway 33 you said should that have been 34.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, I did make a mistake there. The fixed wing aircraft tend to use the tarmac 33 and helis work to the grass, which is almost parallel but not quite, hence 34. Thanks for watching.

[@philipgledhill7227]

I rory. It is a lot harder when you are working with two helicopters.i think it was the wind not you been a bit rusty. At least it was a good day for the weather a part from the wind visibility brilliant. I all ways think it is a lot harder because you are comparing thinks with the other helicopter am I right. Take care buddy thanks for letting me watch your video brilliant as usual philip.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks for watching Philip. 👍

[@kendaugherty8092]

Lose the mask and I'll watch your video.

[@RoryOnAir]

I’m not wearing a mask!