Yes we need training and the training we now have is eyewash
according to some . Doesn’t seem to be any mandatory skill levels on
flying instruction taken and no failed rides like a check ride in the insurance
program . Several that I talked to after taking the insurance course think it
is just eyewash. No test no real flight training with a pass or fail no
real high altitude class work on weather , winds and center communications
instructions . If you think about the radar issue there aren’t many
planes that fly above 20k without it and the weather charts instruction for all
pilots needs to be addressed. I don’t know the % but most of the pilots I’m
guessing don’t even actually look at winds aloft charts and high
altitude charts that show weather movement across there intended flight path. Most
of this is a phone conversation and maybe a computer look at present weather. A
lack of weather training at altitudes we fly is needed.
It has always been an issue that some pilots know of bad
weather but have that I got to get there program and think being fast makes up
for being stupid . I’m really at a loss to why more haven’t written
about there thoughts covering my accidents piece. Jeff had some thoughts and Russell
explaining his problems getting instruction btw [what was the mechanical
with 99L] you didn’t say Russell
Lancair doesn’t want to restrict pilots for lack
of flight skills for it will lose sales . It is like back when I trained out of
San Jose , Ca in the early 70’s there was a person looking for a 421 and
our sales at the fbo turned him down after he presented a new private pilots license
and only 70 hours and wanted the plane so he could fly it now without any
instruction . Well 2 weeks went by and a news bulletin on tv had
this plane a 421 totally smashed on a hill in the Tahoe crater area with 3
people dead and the names were this guy and his friends , no instructor aboard .
No multi- license no instrument training other than the private basic . He
found a sales office in the bay area that sold the plane he wanted and this
accident was a lack of training and the willingness to get it . My thoughts are
we need better training and more involvement with these issues . hay just my
thoughts