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and we try to remember past experiences or the experi- ences of others. We stay within operating limitations, properly manipulate the flight and engine controls and we avoid letting the airplane touch anything other than rubber to runway. Initial and recurrent training helps to point out and correct our weak spots. The MU-2 folks are very happy with the results that SFAR 108 (Special Federal Aviation Regulation) have produced in their pilot commu- nity. Perhaps we could follow their lead and accomplish the same type of training regimen. The CJP (Citation Jet Pilots Association) recommends we attend six-month re- current training whether our insurance requires it or not. Most of us that fly turbines for hire already do.
And not necessarily to comply with or avoid further government-imposed regulation or to satisfy underwriters, but in order to stay proficient and to stay alive. Maybe we can increase the frequency of our recurrent training to every six or nine months instead of once each year. If noth- ing else, we should grab a buddy every couple of months as a safety pilot and fly some approaches – including the missed. Throw in an unplanned diversion as well. Have your safety pilot select an airport without telling you in advance, and let them also decide after which approach you should divert. It will force us into a short-notice reac- tion as we assess runways, the weather, approaches, and make the fuel computations.
Full Diapers
A pilot’s reaction time is based on experience, knowledge, our ability to access memory, forecast outcomes and, un- fortunately, our age. Distractions, fatigue, complacency and lack of understanding are detriments to decision-making and reaction time. What may have been a manageable flight in the past may now peg our fun meter or fill our task- management diapers. If this type of apprehension occurs when we go flying, the “old organism” in us tells the “young organism” that the demands of the task may be too high.
We can avoid the areas of discomfort by a re-route, re- schedule or cancellation. Or we can take a chance and continue with the hairs standing up on the back of our neck. Remember the adage: “Better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground.” Let’s use our age, experience and wisdom to avoid the need to react quickly in the first place. No one wants a full diaper.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737, DC9 and CE-650 with 25,000 hours in his logbook. A retired Air Force major, he flew the F-16 and later performed as an USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organi- zation Wings of Mercy, is retired from a major airline, flies the Cessna Citation for RAI Jets, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke.Contact Kevin at dinger10d@gmail.com.
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January 2023 / TWIN & TURBINE • 27