In-Flight Training for My ATP / PIC Type [Op-Ed]

As spring quickly approached us this year, I was eager to start and complete my King Air 300 ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) and PIC (Pilot In Command) type rating. When it came time to move forward, my only clear option was to work with Mr. Dave Garvey from Aviation Training Management.

Prior to training with ATM and Dave, I had attended various simulator-based training programs in the past. All the instructors I’ve encountered during these training events were very knowledgeable and I learned a lot, however the simulators I trained in were marginal at best. Unfortunately, the simulators were not level D so they were not close to mimicking the aircraft. Nevertheless, it was good to practice instrument approaches and replicate failures you simply can’t practice or replicate in the real airplane.

Coming into my initial for the BE-300 with Dave, I already felt I had good background on the systems for the airplane having been exposed to them for few years as a Co-pilot. What I did lack though was confidence, especially facing the possibility of doing an FAA Checkride in the airplane. I mean let’s face it, there’s always a nervousness and uncertainty surrounding FAA checkrides. For me, this checkride added the pressure of becoming an ATP rated pilot as well as PIC in one of the most incredible built machines in aviation, the Beechcraft King Air!

What helped solidify working with ATM was the fact that Dave came to us in Florida to train in our aircraft. Prior to Dave arriving, I was hard at work studying the airplane inside and out. Our first day of training was a lot of fun as we went through ground school. Dave brought a lot of new experience and knowledge about this airplane to the table. By the second day, we wrapped up most of the ground school, and although this may not be the case for everyone, I probably felt more comfortable with the aircraft than normal because I had been exposed to the material for some time.

Day three came to us with a beautiful day and the fun part, flying the airplane. Needless to say, I fell in love with the airplane all over again and my confidence shot through the roof when I saw what this airplane could do in emergency situations. However my legs sure got a workout! Learning to really step on that rudder during V1 cuts became second hand nature due to the fact that we did so many of them. We did it all, including V1 cuts, engine shut downs, steep turns, circling approaches, short landings and take offs, single engine approaches (well simulated which is harder), approaches, glass cockpit failures, and emergency descents. Along the way, Dave taught me the “why’s” of those questions pilots face when we encounter emergency situations. One example was why we do single engine approaches with flaps approach only until a landing can be made safely without the possibility of going around on one engine. But in the rare case that you do have to go around, it is simply easier to add power, raise the gear and the flaps, and off you go again for another approach. Amazing.

At the end of day three, I felt even more confidence in my abilities of handling an emergency and most definitely felt ready to do my checkride. Day four really just felt like an added bonus. Having Dave as an instructor and mentor was extremely helpful. He’s a very professional, knowledgeable, and helpful instructor. Thanks to God first and foremost and Dave from ATM. My ATP/ PIC type checkride was simply the easiest checkride I’ve ever taken. If I had to do it all over again I would choose Dave and ATM for my training needs.

Michael C.

Michael is a corporate pilot based in Southern Florida.  BE-300 typed / ATP with 2200 hours total time and a member of KingAirNation.