ORIGINAL: tessmar
ES Control
I have raced vintage sports cars for many years. I still get nervous sitting on the grid, but I have developed techniques that do help me and might be of value to you:
1. Breathe! sounds silly, but taking long, deep breaths and slowly exhaling every few minutes helps settle me down
2. Develop a routine and stick to it. I always put on the gloves, helmet, etc. in the pits and, except for the shoulder belts, tighten the straps before going up to the grid. I do this every time without exception. No last minute changes, no ''uh oh, I forgot..'' moments
3. Decompress. Think about what muscles are tense and consciously try to get them to relax
4. Think. I remind myself that I can do this, and have for decades. I do belong here even though it is a crazy way to spend my time. Know that as soon as you actually get going ( for me it is the second the wheels actually start to move) the nerves go away and you'll be fine.
I'll second all that. Good procedures are huge and its amazing how three deeeep breaths can calm you down as you taxi the plane out.
Another thing I find benificial also, thou maybe in an indirect way, is do your homework. Ive found that if I have to tinker on a plane at the field before I can fly it, I start wondering what else I forgot. So again procedure is helpful. If possible work on planes at home and fly at the field.
Cheers.