PIPER SARATOGA PA-32 TRAINING

The Piper Saratoga PA-32 is frequently the first high performance, complex airplane for many new owner pilots. This results in many low time pilots owning and operating this high performance single. Although the Piper Saratoga has statistically the same accident rate as comparable single engine, regular recurrent training has proven to be a significant factor in reducing accidents. Many insurance companies require recurrent training and several of them offer discounted premiums to pilots that complete a yearly training program. Unfortunately, many Piper Saratoga training programs make you choose either training in your airplane or training in a simulator. I offer a program that combines both training in the Piper Saratoga simulator and in your airplane.

GROUND SCHOOL

Often overlooked, this is an important element of your recurrent experience. I use a PowerPoint presentation to review the following systems:

• Aircraft Fuel System
• Engines/Propellers
• Environmental Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Landing Gear
• Anti-ice/Deice
• Flight Controls

As an A&P mechanic, I can explain the airplane’s systems in more detail than other instructors.

TRAIN IN THE SIMULATOR:

Most instructors and Piper type specific clubs do not delve into emergency procedures deep enough during recurrent training to be an effective learning experience. Prudence and common sense dictate that you do not fly a partial panel ILS to minimums in IMC to see what will happen. Merely reviewing the Piper Saratoga’s systems on the ground and then flying the airplane while practicing under the hood is not thorough training. Only a Saratoga simulator can safely replicate an engine failure at gross weight just as you lift off into IMC. I use the simulator in my program to practice all the emergencies that are too dangerous to review in the airplane. Some of the emergencies include:

• In flight engine failure in IMC
• Engine failure on takeoff/climb/enroute (Visual and IMC)
• Emergency descent
• ILS with HSI inoperative
• Non precision approach with attitude indicator inoperative
• No flap approach and landing
• Missed approach attitude indicator inoperative
• Engine fire
• Severe ice accumulation
• Vacuum pump failure

Of course, non emergency system failures are also reviewed in the simulator:

• Electrical failures
• Gear failure
• Autopilot failure
• Smoke control
• Avionics failures

The simulator is also used for normal procedures including:

• Holding
• ILS/VOR/LOC/GPS approaches (Garmin 430)
• Stalls
• Steep Turns
• Rejected landings/Go-arounds

TRAIN IN YOUR AIRPLANE:

Although the simulator is a great tool, it does not replicate the actual avionics in your airplane. In order to complete your training, we will fly in your Piper Saratoga and review the following items:

• Flight Director
• Autopilot usage
• Nexrad (if equipped)
• WAAS approaches (if equipped)
• Navigation/Avionics systems
• Normal instrument approaches
• Unusual attitudes
• Take-offs and landings

I do not introduce emergencies during the flight phase. I have found that this is too hard on the engines and is too choreographed to be a productive training event.

TRAIN WITH AN EXPERIENCED SARATOGA INSTRUCTOR:

It is rare to find an instructor who has the experience in a Piper Saratoga and the teaching skills to help you operate your airplane efficiently and safely. Here is my experience:

• I flew as a Chief Pilot and Check Airman for a charter company for 2 years in a Saratoga.
• I am the Chief Pilot of a restaurant chain flying a Kingair 90.
• I took an early retirement from the airlines to offer my students a professional, peer-to-peer training environment.
• My experience includes 20,000+ hours as a Captain with US Airways.
• I am licensed in Single and Multi-engine airplanes as an ATP, CFI, CFII-MEI. My type ratings include Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing 767/757/737, DC-9, Fokker F100/F28, EMB-110 and the Cessna Citation CE-500. Also, I have obtained a Flight Engineer rating and an A & P mechanic's license.
• I have 30 years of instructional experience in twin engine aircraft. As a former check pilot and flight instructor on the Boeing 737, my responsibilities included reviewing the abilities of Captain and First Officer's for competency to fly passengers in airline operations.
• I am an FAA Lead FAAST Team Safety Counselor for the SC/NC area.
• I have been awarded the FAA's "Gold Seal" and I’ve been named a Master CFI by the National Association of Flight Instructors.
• I have authored nine aviation textbooks published by McGraw-Hill.
• I do all the training and have given over 1000 hours of Piper Saratoga instruction.

View Doug's Resume

COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM

Once you complete my program, you have earned a flight review and instrument competency sign off as well as a certificate of recurrent training for your insurance company.

FEE $695

Duration: 8 Hours ( 1 Day)