what would you say is the most complex part of pilot-specific training, following a commission from Sandhurst?

Hi Mike,

Thank you so much for your question.

I'd say there are different categories of complexity depending on what your background is. For example, I had science A-levels but have never been particularly strong at maths in school and found I had to really practice my mental maths more than some others to get it slick. Other people I know initially really struggled with standing up and briefing before flights and had to work on their delivery more than their peers.

More generally, I would say that a big challenge is staying motivated during such a long course. There will be times that you feel like you're not getting it or you might struggle with learning a particular skill, but staying motivated and positive about it is the key to getting through. You will be on course with around 8 other individuals and working together to get through each stage is essential. Everyone will find different things challenging and being able to lean on each other at times is really useful.

My biggest bit of advice would be to believe in your ability and keep working hard. It sounds pretty cheesy but if you're putting in the graft and staying upbeat then it makes things much easier if you hit a stage that you struggle with. Instructors will be more on board with helping you if you have a good attitude and putting in the hard work in the early days builds a solid foundation that you can go back to in times when you might struggle.

I hope that helps answer your question a bit. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Take care,
Maddie