Page 20 - TTFebruary2018

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As the session goes on, the instructor is quick to point out one of the features that has made Citations so popular for first-time jet owners: the aircraft fly exceptionally well at low airspeeds. When slowed down, the CJ is no different from the familiar turboprop, or even some high-performance pistons.
I prepare for the next few days in the same manner as the first. I reference the syllabus, chair-fly all procedures, practice flows backed up with a checklist and if time permits, I study my notes regarding systems. Following each session, I am grateful for extra allotted time to practice additional procedures recommended by the instructor.
The last day of simulator training is used as a “mock check ride.” There are no practice runs or redo’s. Throughout the three- hour session, I note maneuvers I know I can perform better. A slight altitude deviation here, an opportunity to better maintain directional control there. At the end of the session, we again have extra time to practice a few select maneuvers.
The Check Ride
The day has arrived – check ride day. It’s time to prove I have what it takes to fly a jet.
The two-hour oral test sails by smoothly. I am then briefed by my examiner about the standards for successful completion of each maneuver before leaving the briefing room. Next thing I know, I’m strapped in the left seat of the simulator.
I feel the familiar jostling of the simulator as it comes to life. As I look through the windscreen in front of me, I see we are suddenly on a foggy ramp at Memphis (KMEM).
We start the flight with a low visibility taxi to runway 18R. First, the examiner simulates an engine failure prior to V1 on takeoff. Next comes a minor electrical failure, stalls and steep turns. As I hand-fly these maneuvers, my confidence builds and I am reminded that no matter the type of airplane, it will fly like an airplane.
Unfortunately, next up is the really tough stuff: an engine failure after V1, a single-engine precision and non-precision approach and a single-engine go-around. Fortunately, I am feeling prepared. I can almost hear my instructors talking me through each procedure.
The remainder of the flight passes by as practiced. Before I know it, I am touching down for the last time on 18R at Memphis International following a hydraulic system failure causing a manual gear extension and flap-up landing. The check airman, acting as tower controller, informs me that he has noticed smoke and flames coming from my aircraft. I perform the emergency shutdown procedure and yell to my imaginary passengers to exit to safety through the main cabin door.
Now, a few months remove•d from the experience, I’ll never forget what came next. As the simulator assumed its parked positon, the check airman looks up from his paperwork and says: “Congratulations, you’re officially a jet pilot!”
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Jacob Tyler is an ATP-rated turbine pilot, instructor and mentor. He currently flies corporate aircraft both single-pilot and as crew for a Fortune 500 company.
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