Frequently Asked Questions
I plan to buy a used PA46, M350, M500, M600, Matrix, Malibu, Mirage or Meridian Aircraft. Can you help me find and purchase a good one?
Yes, I can help you with the purchase of a used Piper PA46 aircraft. I can provide valuation data and I can help with the physical inspection of the aircraft from a pilot/owner perspective. I can also recommend an excellent type specific mechanic who can give you his perspective on the aircraft of interest. I do this all of the time; however, I do not participate in the sales commission. My fees and expenses are the same as for training and I generally accept a retainer for this type of work. Please contact me directly so we can discuss your specific needs.
I am planning to buy a new Piper PA46 aircraft and take delivery at the factory. Will you come to Vero Beach and train me and fly home with me?
Who determines what training I need?
Normally, the training needed is a function of your aviation background and experience. Your insurance broker and underwriter may set minimum requirements and this is almost certainly going to include an approved training program like mine and very possibly some IOE (initial operating experience) from an approved instructor like me. I recommend that you combine these two requirements in one program. You will save time and money by doing so. An aircraft type-specific 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 am able to help with a referral. Regardless of your experience, the insurance requirement is almost certainly going to include approved recurrent training annually. Some underwriters will require “simulator training”. I offer this training with an FAA approved full-motion Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). I suggest you allow me to prepare and provide you and your broker with a custom training plan so that you get the best value for your insurance and training dollar.
I was told by my broker that I had to go to Simcom. Is that true?
No, that is not correct. What your broker most likely told you is that your underwriter requires you to attend an approved training program. In a few cases an underwriter may require an approved program which includes but is not limited to “simulator training”. The term “simulator” is widely misunderstood throughout the aviation insurance industry. There are no FAA approved “D Level” full motion simulators available for the Piper PA46 because of the enormous cost. There are only AATDs (Advanced Aviation Training Devices) available for some models of the PA46. Some of these AATDs are full motion but, according to the FAA, they do not replicate the PA46 aircraft well enough to be approved as simulators. In other words you will still need training in your aircraft from an experienced industry approved instructor like me. The choice will be yours. Here are 10 things to consider when choosing your flight training.
My program is fully approved and fully insured and it optionally includes training in an FAA approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD). My program also offers you the opportunity to train at your home airport and in your own aircraft. This can be done safely and it is widely believed that this process will make you a safer, more confident pilot.
How do I choose a flight school/program/instructor?
All PA46 flight schools and instructors are not the same. It is up to you to be proactive in choosing a school and a specific instructor to fulfill this critical role in your life. Here are ten things to consider:
- A type-specific, knowledgeable and experienced instructor is arguably the most important factor
- A well organized, approved PA46-specific training program with an excellent safety record
- Reliable, validated pre-training assessment
- Training to proper standards
- The option to train to ProCard (airline transport pilot) standards
- Excellent materials
- Excellent training methods
- Post-training evaluation, assessment and a plan for the future
- Consistent follow-up
- An around-the-clock mentor
How much does excellent training cost?
If we are going to train in my aircraft, what about insurance?
You should request a Certificate of Insurance from your broker naming me as additionally insured and ask that the COI include a waiver of subrogation. These requests are a standard in the industry and I am unable to fly with you until I have this document. If you intend to operate as a self-insured owner or if your underwriter requires it, I will ask you to sign an indemnification agreement.
How and when do I schedule training?
You should schedule training as soon as you know your firm availability and the availability of your airworthy aircraft. You can begin that process by contacting me directly. We can discuss the details and layout a training schedule just for you and any other pilots training with you.
I am able to hold dates for your training when I have received the completed application form and a commitment from you for specific dates in the form of a non-refundable retainer of one half the proposed total. The balance of the total amount is due 10 days prior to the start of training.
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. The Certificate of Insurance with a Waiver of Subrogation 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.
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.
Where is training conducted?
We can train anywhere you like, on any route you like; worldwide. If we begin the training at the location of delivery of the aircraft, it is best to plan on two 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. I am happy to travel anywhere in the world to be of service.
I offer training and services at any location worldwide. While I have worked with customers all over the world in thousands of locations, here are some examples of places I have worked here in the United States:
- Albany, NY (ALB)
- Albuquerque, NM (ABQ)
- Atlanta, GA (ATL)
- Austin, TX (AUS)
- Baltimore, MD (BWI)
- Birmingham, AL (BHM)
- Boston, MA (BOS)
- Buffalo/Niagra Falls, NY (BUF)
- Cancun, MX (CUN)
- Charleston, SC (CHS)
- Charlotte, NC (CLT)
- Cleveland, OH (CLE)
- Columbus, OH (CMH)
- Detroit, MI (DTW)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Flint, MI (FNT)
- Ft Meyers, FL (RSW)
- Ft Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
- Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (GSP)
- Hartford-Springfield, MA (BDL)
- Houston, TX (HOU)
- Indianapolis, IN (IND)
- Kansas City, MO (MCI)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Little Rock, AR (LIT)
- Long Island/Islip, NY (ISP)
- Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Louisville, KY (SDF)
- Manchester, VT (MHT)
- Memphis, TN (MEM)
- Nashville, TN (BNA)
- New Orleans, LA (MSY)
- Norfolk, VA (ORF)
- Oakland, CA (OAK)
- Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
- Orlando, FL (ORL)
- Panama City, FL (ECP)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Portland, ME (PWM)
- Portland, OR (PDX)
- Providence, RI (PVD)
- Raleigh, NC (RDU)
- Rochester, NY (ROC)
- St. Louis, MO (STL)
- Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
- San Antonio, TX (SAT)
- San Diego, CA (SAN)
- Seattle, WA (SEA)
- Tampa, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
Outside the United States, I can meet you nearly anywhere you like as well; however, the following cities are most easily reached and therefore less expensive to reach:
Amsterdam, Aruba, Cancun, Copenhagen, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Jeddah, Johannesburg SA, London, Manchester UK, Mexico City, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Montreal, Munich, Nassau, Ottawa Canada, Panama City Panama, Paris, Punta Cana DR, Rome, San Juan, PR (SJU), San Salvador, Toronto, Zurich
What should I do in advance to prepare for the training?
- Review the Pilot Information Manual for your aircraft. If you do not have a PIM please contact me with your make/model and serial number and I will see to it that you get one.
- Read and study the Standard Operating Procedures for the PA46 Aircraft and give careful consideration to them. During your training with me we will be discussing the SOP and I will be encouraging you to adopt them as your own.
- Consider browsing the Training Reference Library. This page has a lot of specific information for owner pilots including excellent training videos, articles of interest and photographs. There is a lot of information on a variety of specific topics which will help you become a better pilot.
- Also, consider looking through the News and Information section.
- You will need all of the charts and procedures for the areas we will be flying over. There are many ways to accomplish this, however, I recommend Foreflight (in the US and Canada) on the latest model iPad available with 128 G and cell data service. I believe the iPad 10 1/2 inch with a Logitech keyboard/cover works best in the cockpit.
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 also send a copy to your insurance broker on your behalf.
- FAA Flight Review Endorsement
- FAA Instrument Proficiency Check Endorsement
- FAA Physiology Training (High Altitude Operations) endorsement.
What should I expect from the training?
Training is a two way street. Your expectations should be honest and realistic and I promise to help you meet them. I will endeavor to provide excellent training designed specifically for you. I am experienced and able to provide tactical, practical training which will make you a more confident, competent pilot. This may require you to unlearn some things that you thought you already knew. Here are 7 basic tenents which will serve to outline my philosophy in this regard.
Are there any terms & conditions I should know about?
Yes; when you submit your application you are agreeing these terms and conditions.
How Do I Get Started?
Fill out and submit the online application form and I will contact you with a proposal. Once I have your non-refundable retainer we can schedule your training. Thank you. I look forward to working with you.