Completion of this course fulfills the requirements for the Basic, Advanced, and Master Phases of the FAA Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGs).
Day 1 Ground
Period 1: Administrative Functions:
Review pilot information and history. Review the aircraft inspection status and documents for completeness. Discuss human factors, risk management, decision making and review the personal minimums process.
Period 2: Lecture
Airframe: A history of the PA-46 and the evolution of the line. It includes a discussion of the early certification issues. It's a broad overview of the airframe, flight controls, cabin entry/exits, inspections items, circuit breaker panels and annunciation systems.
Period 3: Lecture
Performance: Every flight involves a performance evaluation. We'll work through a series of performance charts using the owner's aircraft in a scenario from a high altitude airport to a low altitude short runway. This will balance the owner's expectations with aircraft performance capabilities.
Period 4: Lecture with Computer Support
Weight and Balance: The aircraft data will be presented in a graphical computer program to demonstrate the possible loading scenarios within the aircraft's weight and balance limitations.
Period 5: Lecture
Virtual Preflight: We preflight a typical PA-46 highlighting the points to inspect and some of the problems which occasionally occur.
Day 1 Flight 1 (One session per pilot)
Flight 1: VFR orientation:
The purpose of the flight is to introduce the aircraft and its systems to the pilot. The pilot will refer to the appropriate checklist during all phases of the session.In this scenario, we are conducting a VFR flight in the local area to evaluate a new avionics installation and how it interfaces with the autopilot. At the conclusion of the flight the pilot will be able to explain the normal operation of the aircraft systems and typical power settings during normal operations. We will explore the envelope to include slow flight, stall recoveries, steep turns, unusual attitude recoveries, descent planning, normal landings, maximum performance takeoffs and landings and post flight procedures.
Day 2 Ground
Period 1: Lecture
Power plants: The ground session will explore the engine and associated systems.We examine the induction system, turbo charging, and the upper deck system and fuel servos. We'll also cover the ignition system, engine monitoring, and leaning techniques.
Period 2: Lecture
Electrical and Fuel Systems: The presentation covers the electrical systems to include: battery capacity, alternators, a breakdown of the electrical busses, system metering, protection and lighting systems. Fuel system layout, fuel management and system capacities will be reviewed.
Period 3: Lecture
Radios, Autopilots, and Traffic:This session looks at automation management. We identify common aircraft antenna configurations and review equipment interfaces to include audio and navigation systems. There is a discussion of the HSI/VDI presentations from a mechanical and electronic viewpoint and the various scale differences between En-route, Terminal, Approach and LPV phases of flight. Different traffic systems are presented, including TIS and TAS equipment.
Day 2 Flight 2 (One session per pilot.)
Flight 2: IFR orientation:
(Note: for VFR only pilots, this flight will review avionics integration and operation.)
The purpose of this flight is to review strategies for operating in the national airspace system in IMC. The pilot will refer to the appropriate checklist during all phases of the session. We'll review the air work exercises from Flight 1 by reference to instruments. We'll emphasis SRM techniques using automation management during high workload conditions. In this scenario, the pilot will practice programming the aircraft navigation systems and executing the approach/missed approach(s). Procedure turns, holding, circling and diversions will be integrated into the session. The session will be considered complete for instrument rated pilots when the pilot fulfills the requirements for an IPC per FAA-S-ACS-8. Additional flights will be scheduled as necessary to achieve proficiency. VFR only pilots will complete the session successfully when he/she can effectively manage the automation systems installed in the aircraft.
Day 3 Ground
Period 1: Lecture
Hydraulics and Landing Gear: We open with a review of runway excursion causes. The presentation continues with a look at the Gar-Kenyon, Parker-Hannifin, and Frisbee operating systems. We also review the nose gear system, engine mount issues, landing gear control and annunciation systems and emergency gear extension procedures. We cover hydraulic and electric flaps, the electric flap over current sensor, bell crank problems and finish up with the aircraft braking system.
Period 2: Lecture
Pressurization and Environmental Systems: We examine the theory of pressurization and how it is implemented in the PA-46. It includes a review of the heating and air distribution system and covers the air conditioning system. We cover pressurization control, emergency procedures and the sources of pressurization leaks.
Period 3: Lecture
Pitot Static, Pneumatics, and Icing systems: The presentation covers the pitot static primary and alternate systems.We also review the vacuum system and the surface de-icing system.The icing discussion looks at icing accident statistics and addresses the FIKI limitations of the PA-46. We examine the different anti-ice/de-icing systems, the operation and maintenance issues and the importance of proper testing prior to flight into known icing conditions.
Period 4: Lecture/Video
High Altitude Operations: Video presentation on the physics of the atmosphere, respiration and circulation, hypoxia, hyperventilation, cabin pressurization, and other related high altitude topics.
Day 3 Flight 3 (One session per pilot.)
Flight 3: Emergencies: The purpose of this flight is to introduce the pilot to the various abnormal conditions which may present themselves during flight. Emergency simulations will be limited to the extent necessary to prevent any compromise of safety. It includes a ground review of the emergency procedures section of the aircraft's POH. Except for immediate action items, the pilot will refer to the appropriate checklist during all phases of the session. Specific areas include but are not limited to: Engine failure after take-off and the impossible turn, power off landings, no-flap landings, pressurization system malfunctions, smoke evacuation, a high-altitude emergency descent and an emergency gear extension. Electrical failures and in-flight fires will be reviewed. If additional time is available, the pilot may review any area presented thus far including pattern and instrument work.
Day 4 Ground
Period 1: Lecture
Weather Systems: Modern technology offers a wide choice of in-flight weather tools. We'll review Spherics (Strike Finder) and downlink weather services such as XM and WSI. We'll take an in-depth look at radar, its theory, radiation hazards, and modes of operation. Finally, we'll evaluate a strategy for the effective use of those tools.
Period 2: Lecture
GPWS, EGPWS, TAWS, TAWS B and SVT: The problem of Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) continues to challenge many of our fellow flyers. Today's tools would make the risk seem remote, but tools must be understood and used properly to be effective. We take a brief look at each system and how they interface with the pilot.
Day 4 Flight 4
Flight 4: Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT). This period will be used to validate your single pilot resource management skills and judgment. For this flight, you will prepare and execute a cross-country flight. We will review departure procedures, en-route climbs, cruise flight, descent planning and the arrival phase at the destination. If possible, it will be conducted at or near the service ceiling of the aircraft.
Day 5 Ground
Period 1: Discussion
Graduation: The pilot will review the aircraft systems with the instructor and complete the aircraft systems test. All answers will be corrected to 100%. In this final period we cover the items required to complete a flight review. We take a look at recent accidents involving the PA-46 and we spend time evaluating/creating personal minimums for VFR/IFR operations.
Day 5 Flight 5
This flight period is available for the pilot to review any area presented thus far including pattern and instrument work.This flight may also be used to meet additional insurance requirements for flight time.
