This article was sourced from - http://www.b737.org.uk/humour.htm

Ed - it’s not really like this I promise, ok maybe sometimes….

One fine uneventful day, and the crew are slightly bored….

C: I spy with my little eye something beginning with S.

FO: Sky. C: Mm-hm.

FO I spy with my little eye something beginning with C.

C: Cloud.

FO: Yeah. Oh God, I’m so bored.

C: I’m fed up with that game. Let’s play another game. I know what..

FO: What? (The Captain picks up a microphone.)

C: (over intercom) “Hello, this is your Captain speaking. There is absolutely no cause for concern.” That’ll get them thinking.
(more…)

This joke is based on a real occurance (or is that REIL occurance??) which appeared in an ARAS (FAA Safety) report:

Tower: Cessna XYZ do you have the REIL lights in sight
Cessna XYZ: Er - I am not sure, what is the difference between the real lights and the imitation ones?

Here is a link to a nice article that explains quite accurately all you are likely to experience if you wish to fly in Southern Africa.

http://www.sticknrudder.co.uk/south_africa.htm

Feel free to leave a comment or email us if you want any information on flying in Southern Africa.

In the mean time here\’s some pointers on the common faults and frustrations we have with validations:

Checks - I find checks are often minimal or non existent. Many roads lead to Rome, not all are flyable, but just to give you an idea of typical checks expected, see some of RSV checklists, available at http://stores.lulu.com/aviationbooksandresources, Note: For single pilot operations airbourne checks are typically menory items, ground checks are memory followed up by checklist.
Speeds - Pilots seem to think it is unimportant to know speeds for light aircraft operations. A minimum review of the AFM before flight to refresh your memory on the speeds for maximum performance take-off and landing and emergency operations in the model you are flying should be made, paying particular attention to any deviation for altitude. Our checklists also include average speeds in type specific compilations.
Procedures - knowledge of maximum performance take-off and landing requirements, eg use of flap, emergency procedures, eg. checks required with a forced landing are typically the most commonly forgotten.
Preparation - very few pilots research the airfield or surrounding airspace before the check flight, then ask questions like \”Where is the Training Area?\” My common response is \”Where is your map?\” The test is about determining whether you can operate out of an airfield you do not know, UNASSISTED! So how can I determine this if you keep asking me frequencies, heights, circuit directions etc etc, am I being unreasonable?

All of the above recommendations are very simple methods to make a big improvement to your flying standards, so even if you are low time and not flying often, your airmanship will make me worry less when I have to sign your validation!

Remember, many of the easiest and best ways to improve your flying, don\’t cost anything except hard work.

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