Squawk Ident - an Aviation Podcast · Av8rTony

Flight 135 - The Gouge

·1 hr 48 min·5 clips

Captain Rob explains why Airbus pilots must memorize dual engine failure procedures despite claims of zero memory items.

This episode of Squawk Ident features host Aviator Tony alongside co-hosts Captain Rob and Terry, all professional airline pilots, discussing their recent training experiences at a mainline carrier. Captain Rob has just completed his upgrade to Airbus captain, while Terry is preparing for his own upgrade and transition to a new aircraft. The conversation centers on the realities of airline training, the concept of "the gouge," and the pilots' interconnected career paths. Aviator Tony recounts how Captain Rob helped him secure a flight instructor job at Tailwind Flight Center, which Rob was leaving to join regional airline Sandpiper. Terry also worked briefly at Tailwind before quickly moving to regional carrier Piedmont, which counted his prior military helicopter time. The hosts discuss the industry practice of seeking "the gouge," or insider knowledge, about upcoming simulator events and checkrides to aid preparation. Captain Rob describes his recent upgrade process, which involved completing Ethos computer-based training modules before simulator sessions and operating experience (OE) trips. Rob notes his first trip as captain paired him with a first officer who had minimal experience, a situation he plans to report via the airline's safety reporting system (ASAP). Terry details the tedious nature of recurrent training modules, which use various computer voices and require constant attention to catch new information. The hosts debate the value of the gouge, with Rob emphasizing that surprise in training can better prepare a pilot for real-world startle factors and task saturation. They agree the gouge should serve as a study guide rather than a script. A key insight is the acknowledgment that while their airline claims there are "zero memory items" for the Airbus, critical emergencies like a dual-engine failure at low altitude require immediate, memorized action. Rob explains the mutual base transfer system that allowed him to wait for a captain position in his preferred Dallas base rather than commuting. The training process involves receiving an award notification, followed by schedules and instructor details for training centers in cities like Charlotte, Dallas, and Phoenix. The tone is casual and conversational, filled with insider aviation jargon and personal anecdotes shared among colleagues. The style is educational yet relaxed, blending technical discussion with career storytelling and light humor. This episode would greatly interest aspiring pilots, current flight students, and regional aviators curious about mainline training culture and upgrade paths. Listeners seeking a highly structured, formal lecture on aviation procedures might find the insider banter and anecdotal focus less appealing.

As heard by us

A grounded look at airline initial training, from kit bags and paper tabs to EFBs.

Flight 135 sticks to the realities of airline initial training: new hires are expected to arrive already knowing the airplane, not learning it on the job.

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Why you'd press play

You want the real-world gouge on airline training, not the brochure version.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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