From the Logbook: Transitioning to
a Twin? . . . Are You Ready For Twice as Much?
' Jim Trusty 2006
If you are, you're over-prepared!
Most twin engine aircraft are easier to fly because of the
extra equipment and avionics they generally include. The
manufacturers know that anyone who can afford cabin class
comfort and performance does not wish to fly without auto
pilot, GPS, radar, HSI, and a host of other costly goodies
that make flying this particular airplane a joy, not a job.
The other thing that this
transition should include is training before you take off on
your first journey and a continuing course of training every
six months with an instructor who is familiar with your
aircraft and familiar with what you like to skip over and
even sometimes forget altogether. Most pilots at this level
file every trip, shoot every landing as though it were an
approach, and talk with ATC before they do anything in the
air. They actually put themselves in the class of the
airliners and rightly so. They are entitled to every service
that is available to the biggest airliner flying, and if
they learn how to use the system in the air, they will not
only have a better, smoother flight, it will also be easier
on them as a pilot. It will also be much safer.
Where do we find this great
training? I would have it in place before buying the
airplane. It would be available on the day I took
possession, and it would be on board when I flew that bird
home. Just the instructor and me on that first flight. No
need letting anyone else know what we know and don't know.
Buying a new airplane? Training is
most likely available right at the dealer, and they will
probably insist on using their recommended trainer. The
insurance company is going to give you a very nice present
if you can convince them that training is important to you
on a regular basis and that will be a lower rate. Not
important, you say? Take a look at the rate difference
between those that set up a regular training session and
those that never get around to it. An airplane, unlike any
other tool we might purchase, will hurt you faster and more
severely and cost you more money if you don't know how to
handle it. It's sort of like dating triplets'there's always
something expensive to buy.
Those who are making this step up
are also doing a lot of the flying themselves, and they
really want to be good at what they are doing and be
recognized by everyone else as a skillful pilot. The fun of
a great flight ranked next to the dangers and hard work of a
bad flight will drive most twin pilots out of the game or
cause them to hire a pilot. This decision of whether to fly
your own aircraft or ride in it is one that you have to make
in advance. Most real pilots like to fly, and they want to
do it precisely and safely while others just wish to get to
their destination. Which are you? There is nothing wrong
with either one, but it is a decision that will affect your
training habits. Most decide, even if they do have a pilot,
that it would be a lot safer and also more fun to know how
to fly this particular aircraft.
I hope that you are a pilot who
wants to know all there is to know about this very expensive
investment, and that you are also a pilot who is determined
to stay current on a very regular basis. Before you get too
far into discussing money, take some of these facts into
consideration and have a heart to heart with yourself before
committing to anything. Some of the questions you need to
answer: Can I fly this airplane? Would I be considered a
safe and competent pilot of this aircraft? Am I willing to
make the necessary commitment of time and money to maintain
this aircraft in an airworthy condition, and can I afford to
do this on a regular basis? Do I know someone who can
provide the necessary training I will need to remain
current, and can I afford to stay current?
If your answer is "no" to any of
these questions, you might reconsider this purchase and get
back to flying the "biggies" or a corporate charter. But if
your answer is "yes" to all these questions and "yes" to a
hundred more that you have thought of and you have factored
in the pleasure of owning and flying your very own twin
engine airplane, then welcome to a growing part of the
aviation population'being a pilot/owner of a cabin class
aircraft.
This tool of pleasure and business
that you own and fly needs the same dedication of time that
any other investment will need. Don't get behind on
anything, training or maintenance, and if it turns out that
you might have overbought for any reason, add up your total
costs, have a talk with your accountant, and sell it. This
is why I keep calling it a tool of your business. I really
hope you had a little talk with your accountant long before
you took your test flight.
Manufacturers know that you are
moving up and dealer incentives make it possible for you to
make this purchase with the greatest of ease. I've noticed
lately that more and more dealers are building in trade-in
factors at the time of purchase just in case you decide that
you need something a little smaller or even bigger. Whatever
you have already decided, I'm sure this article is not going
to have much impact on you, but I'm glad you're stepping up
and that you are interested in recurrency training because
I'm a Certificated Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine, and can
always use the extra work. Our job as instructors is to get
rid of those bad habits you picked up in that little bitty
trainer years ago, as you are aware that whatever you used
to do badly you can duplicate in a twin. Now think for a
minute, very quietly by yourself, do you remember what you
used to do? Even that can be cured, with proper training.
I'll see you at the airport!
Always remember that accidents are caused and therefore
preventable. . .
Jim Trusty, ATP/CFI
Lrn2Fly@Bellsouth.Net
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