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from The Binder - 4th Quarter 2006 As we approach the first delivery dates of the Light Jet and Very Light Jet aircraft, the initial training and transitioning programs for these aircraft have evolved to where we now, as underwriters, can assess the parameters of the training experience. This article will focus on the programs developed for the Cessna Mustang, the Eclipse 500 and the Adam A700 aircraft. CESSNA MUSTANG
Cessna has partnered with FlightSafety International on a Customized Mustang Training Plan keyed to a Proficiency IndexTM (PI). The PI is advertised as an approach to processing enrollment criteria needed to enter the Mustang Training Program, as well as a method of predicting and enhancing training success, along with being a tool to determine course eligibility. It is based on a system that takes into consideration previous and current aeronautical experience and is a composite of various factors. The PI Categories are: A) Certificates, Medical, Age; B) Military, Flight-test or Demo-pilot Experience, Turbine Experience, and Technically Advanced Aircraft Experience; C) Recent Instrument Experience; D) Formal Flight and Ground Training; E) Other Pilot Experience; F) Mustang Experience; and G) Single-Pilot/Crew Pilot PIC Experience and Recent PIC Experience.
Once all the PI Categories are filled-out, the index computes a total value for the training applicant, using a maximum value and a minimum acceptable range for each category. This value is then used to determine the curriculum for which the applicant is eligible. The curriculums run from SIC to Crew PIC and finally to Single Pilot PIC, with various intermediate assessment options along the way.
Before entering the formal PIC and SIC curriculums, there are several pre-course training options: An Instrument Multi-Engine Refresher course, a Turbine Transition Course and a Garmin 1000 Course. The actual PIC and SIC curriculums are aircraft specific full-motion simulator based programs administered by FlightSafety International. In addition to these programs, FlightSafety also offers several other pre-course and post course services. These are mentoring services, where a FlightSafety Mentor Pilot accompanies the pilot to observe how they handle the aircraft. Pre-course mentoring helps prepare the pilot for the type-rating program and post-course mentoring helps the pilot become comfortable in the flying environment of their new aircraft.
Finally, FlightSafety offers several on-line Distance Leaning courses. Currently, courses are available for Garmin 1000, High Altitude, Turbine Transition, and TCAS Training.
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