Not really sure what to call this check and not sure how the training scheme works in other airlines outside China, but we start off sitting jumpseat for 100 hours then get checked out to sit right seat with a Training Captain, then train for another 25 hours and 5 takeoffs/landings before allowed to apply for a line check.

Anyways, I just completed the check that will allow me to sit right seat of the 737-800. This was really quite an experience. Keep in mind that it's been a while since I last sat in the cockpit since last fall when I was doing observing flights then. I also completed all my 100 hours of jumpseat time. So the flight department scheduled me for 4 flights in a row. The first 3 flights to get myself reacquainted with the cockpit and practice my radio work in Chinese. Then I get checked on the 4th day.

Not sure how the check was supposed to be conducted so I could only prepare what I thought the check was going to be like. I thought it was just a check on my ability to do a walk-around, fuel up, filling out the necessary paperwork, cleaning up the cockpit and assisting the crew in any other duties. But to my surprise the Examiner told me that I will be flying the first sector with him and that'll be my examination. So now I was really stressed since I have never sat right seat on a revenue flight. My mind just wasn't prepared for it. But like everything else in China and with the company it's always a surprise, so I just went in and did it. I'm just glad that I ordered the right food at lunch time to keep the flight crew happy.

Did a walk-around and watched the fuel up for a few minutes before the Examiner told me to get ready in the cockpit. Completed the pre-flight checks including the FMC/CDU. I remember going over these procedures in my head over and over when I was studying but everything is different when you get into that cockpit and start doing it with an Examiner watching over you. Talk about stress! Anyways, I was slow at completing the necessary checks but at least I didn't make any mistakes. Asked for an IFR clearance then the doors were closed and asked for a pushback and startup clearance. Got to complete my first start-up of the engines. Pretty cool!

The check was my my first time in completing the radio work all by myself from ground, takeoff, landing to parking at the gate. I was surprised it went very well but still need to work on the Mandarin over the radio. Sometimes can't understand the different accents that these various ATC guys have. Generally the takeoff phase is the busiest and unlike in other countries where ATC actually follows the proper SIDs on the charts, here in China they use it as a reference and then use the names for IFR clearance but as soon as you takeoff and contact departure frequency, they always give you a new clearance, not drastically different just telling you to fly somewhere direct, but makes for a busier takeoff. So rather than just using the LNAV, we're forced to use the HDG SEL mode on the MCP panel. The takeoff procedures went quite well, no major problems there.

The cruise portion was quite straight forward, just monitored the flight and fooled around with the CDU so I could get more familiar with it. Descent checks were completed with no major problems. Then the approach was really interesting since the airport was extremely busy, the TCAS was showing planes lined up all in front of us. Really neat. After landing, I completed the necessary checks and then got totally confused about the taxiing instructions that the tower had given me. About 3-4 intersections and then the gate. I didn't have the chart out to help me either, so it was a bit of a mess. But eventually I understood where to go. At least the Examiner was laughing about it afterwards, convincing me that I should have the airport taxi routes familiarized otherwise I won't be much help to the Captain flying with me. Hehe...

He ended up passing me but gave me the usual speech like he gives every FO in training. Study harder, not familiar enough with the procedures, must be quicker and improve on the radio work. So officially I'm a FO in training with the ability to sit right seat with a Training Captain. Finally I can record some flight time. So my first revenue flight time was recorded during the check....2:32 co-pilot time. Sweet!

Next...Line-Check for First Officer.