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         Introduction     -     Program Description     -     Frequently Asked Questions     -     Dick Rochfort’s Background

Customer Comments     -      View/Print the Program Information & Application Form      -     Recent Articles

Products of Interest     -     Services & Information Resources     -     Training Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who determines what training I need?

 

Before you decide on what training to pursue, consider the following statement from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation:

 

“The PA-46 is a complex airplane capable of routinely operating in instrument meteorological conditions and the "flight level" environment. To operate the airplane safely, it is essential that pilots receive comprehensive and rigorous transition and recurrent training commensurate with the airplane's complexity and performance capability.

Thorough knowledge of the airplane's systems and their application is a necessary prerequisite to operate the PA-46 safely to its maximum capability. This is especially true of the ice protection equipment and the flight control system of which the autopilot is an integral part. Failure to understand these systems and use them properly was the probable cause of four fatal accidents that led to the NTSB Special Investigation and FAA Certification Review.

In addition to a thorough knowledge of the aircraft's systems and their application, PA-46 pilots need to acquire and maintain a high level of piloting skill and instrument proficiency. These skills are essential to the safe and efficient operation of the PA-46.”

 

 

Additionally, if you are planning for insurance, your insurance underwriter will have minimum training requirements for all named insured regardless of experience. This will most certainly include completion of an approved Initial Pilot Training Program and approved annual recurrent training.

 

A PA46 experienced insurance broker is the key to getting the best possible rate quote. If you do not have an insurance broker or if you think you will be unable to get the coverage you want with your existing broker, contact me.  I may be able to help with a referral.  If you are new to the PA46, the insurance requirement is almost certainly going to be for the Approved Initial Program with a requirement of approved recurrent training annually. I provide all programs for the Malibu, Mirage and Meridian aircraft.

 

 

How much does the training cost?

 

The total cost will depend on what training is provided, where it is provided and how long it takes. I offer programs from one to seven days in length. Most pilots are able to meet standards in 3 or 4 days, however it may take longer to provide enough proper training and iteration to be comfortable in the aircraft. Please contact me directly so that we may discuss your specific needs. I will provide an estimate of the costs if you wish, however, due to variations in flight training requirements, aircraft maintenance status, weather and logistics associated with travel, I am unable to provide a firm fixed price quote in advance.

 

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Fees are based on the amount of time required to meet the standards set forth in the course outline. In general, it takes 8 training hours to produce 4 to 5 logbook flight training hours. Training time starts at the agreed upon time and place and ends at the end of the training day, meals and breaks excepted. It includes flight planning, weather briefing, preflight and post flight inspections, classroom sessions and impromptu briefings as required. Please contact me directly so that we may discuss your specific needs.

 

Expenses are estimated and they vary greatly depending on the training location, the length of time required and the logistics of getting to and from the training location. I will keep written records of my expenses and include the expenses on my invoice as a separate line item. My paid invoice will be your receipt for the fee and the expenses. Expenses are rounded to simplify the accounting and may include a travel per diem of $250 per ½ day. In the event of a postponement or cancellation (for any reason) your invoice will reflect $250 for each reserved day lost and any unrecoverable expenses.  The balance of the fee and expenses is due and payable when invoiced, usually at the completion of the training. Interest is invoiced at the rate of 1% per month for any outstanding balance after invoicing. I accept MasterCard, Visa (personal cards only, not corporate cards), cash and checks. If you intend to pay by check, please bring the check with you on the first day of training.

 

 

 

 

How and when do I schedule training?

 

- You should schedule training as soon as you know your firm availability and you own an airworthy aircraft.  You can begin that process by contacting me by telephone (410-435-3333), or email.  We can discuss the details and layout a training schedule just for you and any other pilots training with you. I can also provide a custom training plan to your broker in advance if you wish. This could help the broker get the best possible insurance package for you.

 

- I am able to schedule your training when I have received the completed application form and your commitment for specific dates. I accept MasterCard, Visa, cash and checks made payable to Richard W Rochfort.

 

- Training beyond the allotted program time when requested or required, or other service such as acquisition consultation, aircraft relocation or an acceptance flight is invoiced pro rata. The above fees are based on an 8 hour training day. If we are unable to train due to a mechanical failure, weather or your schedule, I am usually available to wait. Wait time is invoiced at $250 per ½ day (4 hours).

 

- Before any flight in your aircraft I must have a certificate of insurance from your broker naming RWR Pilot Training and its officers and instructors as additionally insured with a waiver of subrogation.  If you are self insured or your underwriter requires it, I will ask you to sign a “hold harmless” agreement.

 

 - Please send the completed application form (one for each pilot training), the Certificate of Insurance from your insurance broker and the hold harmless agreement (when required by your underwriter to complete the coverage) to: Fax 410-435-7311 or email: mail@rwrpilottraining.com  The COI must not be limited to flight instruction if aircraft relocation or any other pilot service is anticipated and I must have it prior to any flight in your aircraft. If you send anything by mail please alert me via phone or email because I travel a great deal and may not see regular mail in a timely fashion.

 

Where is training conducted?

 

We can train anywhere you like.  If we begin the training at the location of delivery of the aircraft, it is best to plan on 2 full training days at that location.  Depending on the program and the amount of flying we will be doing, we should plan to fly LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training) exercises on the routes you intend to fly normally.  Specificity training is the most effective method for training pilots so you will train the way you fly.  Remember; practice does not “make perfect.”  Perfect practice “makes perfect.”

 

 What does the training include in the way of endorsements?

 

Successful completion leads to the following certificates and endorsements:  An FAA Industry Standards (FITS) approved and insurance industry approved Course Completion Certificate (I will send a copy to your insurance broker on your behalf) and FAA endorsements for Biannual Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency Check, FAA Wings Endorsement for my approved seminar (FAA Wings #047), and FAA Wings endorsements for flight training.  An FAA Physiology Training completion (High Altitude Operations) endorsement is given with P46T Initial programs. 

 

What should I do in advance to prepare for the training?

 

You will need the following items or their equivalent prior to the start of training:

 

(I provide items marked with an asterisk at no additional charge for the Initial Program).  If you wish to purchase any of these materials directly from me, please let me know in advance and I will bring them with me or ship them to you prior to the start of training:

 

·          An Aircraft Flight Manual* (available from your Piper dealer network) See the chart below for the correct part number.

 

·          A current copy of the FAR/AIM

 

·          A weight and balance Graph & plotter*, available from American Aeronautics (800) 359-4624 (order@flyincg.com)  ask for the part number listed below:

 

         

 

    

·          Current IFR charts, both high and low altitude for the areas in which we will be flying. I recommend Jeppesen (800-621-5377) because they are easier to read, resist tearing when folding and unfolding, and they are priced competitively with NACO (US Government) charts. Please arrange to have these in advance since most pilot shops do not carry high altitude charts.

 

·          Airport data to include taxi diagrams and local services: I strongly suggest the “Flight Guides” available from Aviation Book Co: (800-423-2708) There are 3 volumes which cover the lower 48 states; Western, Central and Eastern. Get the ones which cover the areas in which we will fly.

 

·          Instrument Approach Procedures including Climb Gradient Charts, Legends, Obstacle Departure Procedures, SIDS and STARS for the areas in which we will be flying. I recommend NACO glue bound procedure books (formerly NOAA/NOS) available by subscription: 301-436-6993.  These books are easy to maintain and they are considerably more compact than Jeppesen; they are less expensive as well.

 

·          Please visit the other pages on this site: Products of Interest; Services & Information Resources; Training Resources  There is a lot of information on a variety of specific topics which will help you become a better pilot.

_________________________________________________________________

 

         Introduction     -     Program Description     -     Frequently Asked Questions     -     Dick Rochfort’s Background

Customer Comments     -      View/Print the Program Information & Application Form      -     Recent Articles

Products of Interest     -     Services & Information Resources     -     Training Resources

_______________________________________________________________

 

Contact Information

 

Email: mail@rwrpilottraining.com                Phone:        410 435-3333         

Toll Free:   866-870-8196                          Fax:            410 435-7311

 

Mail:

Richard W Rochfort

6031 Bellona Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21212