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Jet Journal
Behind the Scenes: Pilot Training
What qualities are training providers looking for when they hire in an instructor? How is the volatility of the pilot market altering the training business? What tips do instructors have for pilots preparing for a training course? During a recent visit to TRU Simulation + Training in Tampa, we got specific in our exploration to uncover a
behind-the-scene look into the training market. The goal: learn more about the people who enable owner-pilots to operate their equipment safely and efficiently.
TRU Simulation + Training
TRU was introduced in 2014 when parent company Textron acquired and combined the capabilities of several companies in the flight simulation and pilot training industry, one of which in- cluded ProFlight, a Cessna CitationJet and Conquest training provider based in Carlsbad, California. The 50,000-square foot Tampa facility is now the company’s largest, offering programs for all Citation 525 variants (except the CJ4, which is available at the Carlsbad location) as well as the Citation Latitude, Sovereign+, the Beechcraft King Air 90/250/350, and as of just recently, the XLS+.
The company has grown significantly over the last few years, with owner-pilots vocally appreciating the online ground school option, on-site ground simula- tors (referred to as the IntegraTM) and knowledgeable instructors.
“When we purchased ProFlight, it was firmly established that we wanted to pre- serve the quality of instruction, which meant pilots with applicable real-world experience,” said David Smith, vice presi- dent of training centers. “Our instruction is geared toward active flyers and GA pilots – we want our people to bring more to the discussion than just the systems.”
Smith added that instructors are encouraged to continue building time once they join the company. Typically, this is achieved through contract cor- porate jobs or flights with the demon- stration team from sister company, Textron Aviation. “We work hard to make operating the actual aircraft a normal part of their job. Because of this experi- ence, our instructors are able to be active in forums and discussions even outside of the classroom. They can weigh in on operator’s decisions and SOPs (standard operating procedures).”
Like the rest of the industry, TRU is experiencing challenges recruiting instructors as the airlines continue to ratchet up their efforts to attract pilots. But the company seems to have struck an effective balance in their hiring methods, focusing on retirees and young, family-forward pilots seeking
more time at home than the typical airline schedule would allow. With their convenient lo- cation in Florida, TRU smartly offers various retirement pack- ages to draw those pilots ready to settle down, but not ready to fully retire. The years of valuable real-world experience they bring
nicely aligns with the company’s mission to retain quality instruction. Instructing is not an easy job, however. It requires considerable attention and energy.
“I think the job of an instructor like this is one of the most challenging ones,” said Smith. “You are someone’s world for the period of time they are here. And like a parent, you are constantly taking care of their needs, correcting bad behaviors and instilling knowledge. But at the same time, it can be a very rewarding one.”
Meet Two Instructors
To better understand life as an instruc- tor and gather some insider tips, Twin & Turbine visited with two TRU instruc- tors: Darrell Pope (King Air instructor; 15,000+ hours) and Larry Provenzano (Citation instructor; 13,000+ hours).
22 • TWIN & TURBINE
by Rebecca Groom Jacobs
December 2018
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRU SIMULATION + TRAINING