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I would delay my liftoff for a couple of seconds to get more speed and conversely, if I could afford the runway, tack on a few extra knots to my approach speed.
I believe that most Aerostar accidents occurred due to a combination of a few factors, including insufficient train- ing, nonstandard execution of engine out procedures and less than proficient airmanship. In some cases, these pilots flew manageable aircraft into disaster. Over the span of my career, I’ve witnessed training become more pronounced and standardized. Insurance companies have taken a greater interest in pilots having formal and practical training, steadily lowering accident rates.
While the internet has made the check-hauling business extinct, the ability to access information and connect has positively impacted aviation safety. I can quickly search and find pages and pages of information on operating Aerostars. I can watch hours of videos on how to preflight, fly and maintain Aerostars. Pilots will always be proud of the aircraft they fly, and the Aerostar community has been described as cultish, but it can be considered cultish in the best ways. Their sense of pride in the Aerostar is profound, and that strong sense of community has made it natural to share tips, tricks, and hard-earned tribal knowledge. The Aerostar Owners Association is a shining example of this in- formation sharing. These groups make all operators smarter and more knowledgeable, leading to greater fleet safety.
Fast forward thirty years and the bright-eyed and ambi- tious aviator has become a gray-haired Captain in corporate aviation. For the past 17 years, I have had the pleasure of flying the Bombardier Global Express to worldwide destina- tions and following through on my lifelong dream of being a professional pilot.
Now and then, though, when crossing an ocean on a long leg, I will gaze at the stars and think about my journey in aviation. While my period of flying the Aerostar barely paid my bills, and nighttime flying put a big damper on my social life, I always view it with a warm heart and cannot help smiling. Flying that sexy rocketship at such a high level of proficiency night after night fostered the discipline and confidence that made me the pilot I am today. I will always have a soft spot for the Aerostar – and you can take that to the bank!
Peter Ruskay, CAM, is a second-generation corporate pilot who holds ATP and FE certifi- cates with five jet type-ratings. He has over 11,000 hours of flight experience and has spent the past 25 years flying long-range, large-cabin business jets in extensive inter- national operations. Pete holds NBAA Certi-
fied Aviation Manager and NBAA Certified Safety Manager qualifications. He can be reached at airpedro@aol.com.
8 • TWIN & TURBINE / December 2023
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