lndwarrior
Well Known Member
I am 6 hours into my flight test phase and am definitely struggling with the anxiety of everything that could go wrong.
For background - I have been flying for 25 years, have a little over 500 hours in Cessnas and have an instrument rating (though not current).
So far nothing really scary has happened with possible exception of finding a small engine compartment fuel leak AFTER a recent flight test.
Yesterday I flew for about an hour - at 5000 feet agl, right over top of my airport. Yet even with the altitude and proximity to home, my anxiety level continued to grow the longer I was up.
I did distract myself by doing the CAS tests but as soon as they were done I did a "how am I doing check?". I decided that my anxiety level was reaching my limit.
I wanted to stay up longer to get the 40 hours down, and the weather was beautiful, but I had just reached my stress limit. So, i reduced power and managed a decent landing.
I don't think I ever really considered how the flight test phase would affect me. I was so busy building and besides, not many people talk about this subject.
I presume the more I fly the easier this will get, but that doesn't really help me right now.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips for dealing with the anxiety of flight testing?
TIA
Gary
For background - I have been flying for 25 years, have a little over 500 hours in Cessnas and have an instrument rating (though not current).
So far nothing really scary has happened with possible exception of finding a small engine compartment fuel leak AFTER a recent flight test.
Yesterday I flew for about an hour - at 5000 feet agl, right over top of my airport. Yet even with the altitude and proximity to home, my anxiety level continued to grow the longer I was up.
I did distract myself by doing the CAS tests but as soon as they were done I did a "how am I doing check?". I decided that my anxiety level was reaching my limit.
I wanted to stay up longer to get the 40 hours down, and the weather was beautiful, but I had just reached my stress limit. So, i reduced power and managed a decent landing.
I don't think I ever really considered how the flight test phase would affect me. I was so busy building and besides, not many people talk about this subject.
I presume the more I fly the easier this will get, but that doesn't really help me right now.
I was wondering if anyone had any tips for dealing with the anxiety of flight testing?
TIA
Gary