Orlando, Fla. – A rewrite of the VLJ training guidelines is expected from the National Business Aviation Association’s Safety Committee by year end after a meeting during the recent NBAA convention which reviewed the experience of the nearly 400 Eclipse 500sand Cessna Mustangs flying today. The committee met to revisit its training guidelines for single-pilot operations assessing how advice for mentor pilots can be improved for Section3.5.1. NBAA Transitioning Guidelines for Single-Pilot Operations of Very Light Jets and Technically Advanced Aircraft.
The current guidelines outline a minimum curriculum the organization believes is necessary to satisfy a VLJ transition and recurrent training program. The guidelines also may be applicable to single-pilot certified aircraft other than VLJs which share similar levels of automation.
Changes discussed addressed the basic instrument proficiency lacking in some prospective VLJ pilots. Also, efforts will be made to better define training outcomes, to explain the concept of "personal minimums" and to address the unique challenges of operating into airports with short runways and inhospitable nearby terrain.
After a request by the Federal Aviation Administration on planning for major sports and other events that attract large number of member aircraft, the Safety Committee is also undertaking a review to provide input in updating the current advisory circular on the subject. The review was prompted, in part by the 2004 crash of a King Air operated by a NASCAR race team. The rewrite will attempt to apply operational best practices for both ground and air operations, in order to enhance safety at smaller airports not accustomed to handling a large number of aircraft in a short period of time.