by Dave Weiman
Published in Midwest Flyer – April/May 2019 issue
In this issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine is an advertisement promoting specialized flight training for Beechcraft Bonanza, Baron, Travel Air and Duke owners (see BPT ad on page 9). Whether it is a Beechcraft, Piper, Cessna, Mooney, Cirrus or another aircraft, specialized training in the make and model of the aircraft we fly is very important. It is equally important to obtain training from an instructor familiar with our avionics.
The airlines, corporate flight departments and air charter companies have long realized the importance of ongoing specialized training, and so should private pilots who fly small general aviation aircraft.
More than 30 years ago, I learned of a pilot who became part owner of a high-performance aircraft. Rather than go to a flight school that specialized in training in that aircraft, he chose to have one of his partners who was not a flight instructor, check him out, and both pilots were killed.
It is bad enough training with a flight instructor who lacks experience in the make and model of our aircraft, but to have someone who is not a flight instructor provide the training – especially someone with little or no right seat time – is fundamentally not recommended.
Whether you are getting checked out in a particular aircraft for the first time or receiving recurrent training, always fly with an instructor with experience in the make and model of the aircraft. Furthermore, fly with an instructor who is familiar with your avionics. To do otherwise is a waste of time and money, and could cost you your life!