Tag Archives for " Aviation "
Save Valuable Time with FltPlan.com Pre-Departure Clearances
What’s the most valuable asset to a pilot? Many would probably tell you time, especially when there’s a business interest involved. For most pilots, getting from point A to point B as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible is the main objective. Fortunately, we have a tool that can help. Our built-in Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) services on FltPlan.com were created to help flight crews and passengers save valuable time, allowing them to get airborne, and ultimately to their destination, faster and more conveniently.
What’s the Advantage of PDC?
Our PDC services can add convenience and help reduce time on the ground prior to departure. Instead of the conventional method of calling ATC for departure release, our FAA-approved PDCs are natively integrated into FltPlan.com and eliminate the need to call clearance delivery from the cockpit. These PDC services are currently available at more than 70 airports throughout the United States.
Pre-Departure Clearance within FltPlan.com
How It Works
It’s easy – simply submit a flight plan for approval within FltPlan.com, and an approved PDC will appear for an active flight approximately 20-30 minutes before your filed departure time. PDC notifications can be received via email, text or as a pop-up that opens in a separate window when the PDC message is displayed on a pilot’s active flight plan list within FltPlan.com.
PDCs include:
- Your filed route
- Amendments to your route
- Your cleared altitude
- Your transponder code
- Your departure frequency
- Any special instructions
No Datalink? No Problem.
PDCs are a great solution for aircraft that aren’t equipped with controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC). Pilots have access to PDCs on a mobile device running FltPlan.com, or by receiving PDC information via text and email notifications.
PDC services are available with FltPlan.com and a $199 per year subscription, per aircraft. For more information and to sign up for service, visit https://www.fltplan.com/pdcinfo.htm.
The post Save Valuable Time with FltPlan.com Pre-Departure Clearances appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/save-valuable-time-with-fltplan-com-pre-departure-clearances/
G1000 NXi Upgrade for the Citation Mustang Now Certified
The G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade for the Cessna Citation Mustang is now certified and available. G1000 NXi offers a number of new and enhanced features, including wireless cockpit connectivity, split-screen capability, SurfaceWatch, visual approaches, map overlay within the horizontal situation indicator (HSI) and more. The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade in the Citation Mustang is available immediately through Textron Aviation Service Centers.
“In 2003, the Citation Mustang was the first aircraft to announce the G1000 integrated flight deck and today, we’re excited to offer the next-generation G1000 NXi upgrade to the Mustang – an aircraft that defined the very light jet category,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Today’s milestone positions the Mustang for continued success as we continue to provide new, unprecedented levels of performance, capability and reliability to some of the most loyal Garmin customers and their aircraft.”
Garmin G1000 NXi upgrade for Cessna Citation Mustang aircraft.
A robust feature set accompanies the G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade for the Citation Mustang. Aiding in situational awareness, SurfaceWatch runway monitoring technology provides visual and aural cues to help prevent pilots from taking off or landing on a taxiway, on a runway that is too short or on the wrong runway based on flight plan data entered during preflight. Visual and audible runway distance remaining annunciations are also available via SurfaceWatch.
Visual approach capability integrated within the G1000 NXi system also offers pilots enhanced guidance in visual flight conditions based on a three-degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway. Pilots can select the runway for which they have been cleared to land, set customized minimums, select vectors or straight-in for the final approach intercept and fly a visual approach coupled with the autopilot.
HSI mapping is available on the primary flight display (PFD), which also supports the overlay of SiriusXM aviation weather, Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather, weather radar, SafeTaxi airport diagrams, traffic, terrain and more1. For example, pilots can display SafeTaxi on the HSI map while utilizing the multi-function display (MFD) for charts or other tasks. Available as an option, the G1000 NXi system also supports the display of various Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS B) In benefits on the flight displays. Customers also have the option to upgrade to a Bluetooth® audio panel. Additional G1000 NXi features include the option to view IFR and VFR charts, split-screen functionality and more.
Cessna Citation Mustang featuring Garmin G1000 NXi.
Connext cockpit connectivity with added Database Concierge and wireless flight plan transferring is also available with the G1000 NXi. Using a compatible tablet or smart phone, pilots can easily upload and sync flight plans and database information using the Garmin Pilot app. Additional features include the streaming of traffic, weather, GPS information, back-up attitude information and more1, from the G1000 NXi to the Garmin Pilot, FltPlan Go or ForeFlight Mobile applications.
Modern, state-of-the-art processors support smoother panning throughout the displays and faster map rendering within the G1000 NXi. The flight displays initialize in seconds so pilots have immediate access to frequencies and flight plan data. The G1000 NXi integrated flight deck also offers new LED back-lighting, offering increased display brightness and clarity, reduced power consumption and improved dimming performance.
The G1000 NXi integrated flight deck upgrade for the Citation Mustang is available immediately through Textron Aviation Service Centers. Citation Mustang owners and operators can easily upgrade to the G1000 NXi with minimal aircraft down time and disruption of the panel as the displays preserve the same footprint and connectors, so panel and wiring modifications are minimized. The upgraded components of the G1000 NXi also come with a two-year limited warranty, which is supported by our award-winning avionics product support team. For additional information regarding the G1000 NXi upgrade for the Citation Mustang, contact Scott Frye at scott.frye@garmin.com or (913) 440-2412, or contact Tom Heck at theck@txtav.com or (316) 761-0161. For additional details, visit: www.garmin.com/businessaviation.
The post G1000 NXi Upgrade for the Citation Mustang Now Certified appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/g1000-nxi-upgrade-for-the-citation-mustang-now-certified/
Garmin® announces availability of the GPS 3000, enabling ADS-B and WAAS/SBAS operational capability
Recently certified as an ADS-B position source for the Embraer E135/E145 and Legacy 600/650
We’re excited to announce the availability of the GPS 3000, a high-integrity GPS position sensor that seamlessly interfaces to existing avionics to help meet Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out requirements. Also, targeting the air transport and defense markets, the GPS 3000 is designed as a WAAS/SBAS position source for select Flight Management Systems (FMS). Aircraft that are eligible to utilize the GPS 3000 as an ADS-B position source include the Embraer E135/E145 and the Legacy 600/650. Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GPS 3000 in these aircraft is currently available from FTI Engineering, in cooperation with Atlas Air Service in Germany, and can be installed throughout the entire Garmin dealer network.
“Garmin continues to lead the industry with the most fielded ADS-B solutions that span all segments of aviation, including a wide-range of commercial, defense, regional and business aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to provide these aircraft with a solution that is cost-effective and is an easy to install alternative to the existing avionics manufacturer’s service bulletin.”
Garmin GPS 3000.
A rugged, standalone and certified Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)/Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) GPS, the GPS 3000 meets DO-160 and DO-178B standards and is designed specifically for the harsh environmental conditions encountered by commercial aircraft. This compact and remote-mount solution utilizes enhanced WAAS/SBAS GPS satellite signals to provide precise position data through a standard interface. It also meets applicable high-integrity ADS-B position source standards, including TSO-C145d Class 3.
The GPS 3000 is also designed to interface with select FMS to support GPS guidance throughout terminal, enroute and approach navigation1. When configured appropriately, the GPS 3000 is capable of providing position information to an existing FMS to meet requirements for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and can support GPS-based vertical approach navigation, such as Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) approach guidance.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) STC of the GPS 3000 in the Embraer E135/E145 and Legacy 600/650 is available from FTI Engineering, in cooperation with Atlas Air Service, as well as Garmin dealers. FAA validation of the STC is pending. For additional information regarding the most comprehensive suite of ADS-B solutions for commercial, defense, regional and business aircraft, visit www.garmin.com/BusinessADSB or contact businessADSB@garmin.com.
The post Garmin® announces availability of the GPS 3000, enabling ADS-B and WAAS/SBAS operational capability appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/garmin-announces-availability-of-the-gps-3000-enabling-adsb-and-waas-sbas-operational-capability/
New Enhancements and Features within FltLogic Scheduling Program
We’ve incorporated new enhancements and features within FltLogic, a comprehensive scheduling program that integrates with FltPlan.com. New to FltLogic, an enhanced reporting tool allows customers to apply filters and develop reports that can be sorted by date, aircraft, passenger and more. Also new for FuelerLinx subscribers, FltLogic can now help pilots identify the best FBO for fuel at the departure and destination airports with the display of contract fuel pricing. Additionally, company logos can also be uploaded and displayed on all emailed itineraries. These features are available immediately within the web-based FltLogic scheduling program.
FltLogic incorporates enhanced reporting that organizes and categorizes flight department activities in a customizable, easy-to-read report. For example, users have the option to develop a yearly flight report for a specific pilot within the department, detailing total and average hours flown, number of legs or total distance. Aircraft reports can also be generated within FltLogic, displaying detailed information like hours, distance and legs flown, fuel usage and more and sorted by a user-selectable date range. Additionally, expenses can be organized within FltLogic and exported to other data sources so operating costs and invoicing are easier to manage. This new, enhanced reporting tool within FltLogic furthers flight department efficiencies and gives customers greater insight into pilot, aircraft and passenger activities.
The initial phase of the new contract fuel pricing feature within FltLogic helps customers more easily identify the best fuel prices at the departure and destination airports. With a FuelerLinx subscription, customers can log into FltLogic to view fuel pricing from over 70 contract fuel providers and compare fuel prices between Fixed Based Operators (FBO’s). FltLogic then displays the FBO with the best fuel price based on the departure and destination airports specified, offering additional cost savings.
FltLogic has enhanced the available reporting functions by adding departmental breakdowns and the ability to export information in .csv format. For example, a company can view and export a yearly flight report for a specific pilot within the department, detailing total and average hours flown, number of legs or total distance. Aircraft reports can also be generated within FltLogic, displaying detailed information like hours, distance and legs flown, fuel usage and more and sorted by a user-selectable date range. Additionally, expenses can be organized within FltLogic and exported to other data sources so operating costs and invoicing are easier to manage. This new, enhanced reporting tool within FltLogic furthers flight department efficiencies and gives customers greater insight into pilot, aircraft and passenger activities.
FltPlan.com is a free website that offers electronic flight planning, flight plan filing and many premium services to enhance any flight department. FltLogic is the only scheduling program integrated directly with a flight planning and filing website. FltLogic provides complete trip coverage, including trip requests, trip creation and post-flight reporting.
These new FltLogic software enhancements are available immediately. New customers and flight departments can learn more or schedule a FltLogic demonstration by contacting support@FltLogic.com or 203-262-8500. Visit the FltPlan.com exhibit at the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2019) Jan. 29 – Feb 1, 2019 in San Antonio, TX. for additional information, or visit www.fltplan.com or www.fltlogic.com.
The post New Enhancements and Features within FltLogic Scheduling Program appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/new-enhancements-and-features-within-fltlogic-scheduling-program/
Terminal Environment Safety: Visual Approach Guidance
Imagine you’re flying a VFR flight plan, or you’ve just been cleared for a visual approach from an IFR flight plan. You’ve been enjoying a relaxing flight thus far in cruise – chatting with your passengers or listening to music, and periodically checking in with Flight Following and ATC. As you approach your destination and prepare for descent into an unfamiliar airport over a region you’ve never flown before, you realize the workload is starting to increase – significantly. As you precisely manage your engine, airspeed and get instructions from approach and air traffic control, you start to wish you had some additional information and guidance as you head into this new region.
Visual Approach Guidance within GTN 750/650 series navigators.
That’s why we created visual approach guidance, available within our GTN 750/650 series navigators and G3X Touch flight displays for experimental aircraft – so pilots can receive helpful navigation information during the landing sequence of VFR flights. Here are a few ways it can help.
Fly A Controlled Descent
With visual approach guidance, pilots can manage the descent to landing in visual flight conditions. Vertical guidance is provided based on a published glide path angle or a three-degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway.
Terrain and Obstacle Avoidance During Approach
The vertical guidance provided during the descent to landing also takes into consideration terrain and obstacle clearance. This is especially helpful if you’re flying over unfamiliar regions. Get added awareness on potential hazards that may lie within the approach area.
Avoid Landing on the Wrong Surface
Visual approach guidance can also help ensure you’re headed toward the correct runway and avoid a wrong surface event. Larger airports often times have parallel offset runways and aligned taxiways, and If you’re unfamiliar with the airport, the layout could be confusing. Once a runway visual approach is selected within the GTN 750/650 or G3X Touch, it will help you remain on track to the runway for which you’ve been cleared to land.
To learn more about our suite of Terminal Safety Solutions including SurfaceWatch and SafeTaxi visit garmin.com.
The post Terminal Environment Safety: Visual Approach Guidance appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/terminal-environment-safety-visual-approach-guidance/
TeamX Introduces GTR 200B Comm Radio with Bluetooth Intercom Designed for Experimental Aircraft
We’re excited to announce the GTR 200B, a comm radio and Bluetooth-enabled intercom designed specifically for experimental and amateur-built aircraft. In addition to advanced auto-squelch, stereo intercom, alert inputs, standby frequency monitoring and more, Bluetooth connectivity allows pilots to connect a smartphone or tablet, adding even more capability to the cockpit. Additionally, superior integration with G3X Touch provides more features and benefits that further reduce pilot workload.
“TeamX, our dedicated team for experimental and amateur-built aircraft, continues to raise the bar with the introduction of the GTR 200B, the industry’s first, all-in-one comm radio with built-in intercom and Bluetooth,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Based on the successful adoption of the first-generation GTR 200, we’re excited to bring the GTR 200B to the market to serve as the industry standard in comm radios.”
Garmin GTR 200B
The Bluetooth-enabled GTR 200B combines state-of-the-art features from a comm radio and two-seat intercom to reduce pilot workload. Bluetooth connectivity adds more functionality to the cockpit, giving pilots the option to wirelessly connect a smartphone or tablet to the GTR 200B. Pilots can easily make phone calls and listen to audio entertainment, or call Flight Service to obtain a take-off clearance at an uncontrolled airport – all through the radio. The GTR 200B also incorporates 3D Audio processing to provide an exclusive in-flight experience. With stereo headsets, incoming audio is spatially separated to reflect how people process sound and conversation by differentiating audio sources and their unique locations or seat positions within the aircraft. Using stereo headsets, listen to a demonstration of 3D Audio by visiting this website: http://www.garmin.com/3daudio.
Advanced integration with G3X Touch sets the GTR 200B apart from other radios on the market. For example, the GTR 200B can receive a frequency in the comm directly from the G3X Touch flight display or a compatible Garmin portable. The airport identifier and frequency type are also displayed alongside the frequency. For example, “KOSH TWR” is displayed below the Oshkosh tower frequency so it’s easier to confirm the correct frequency is in the active or standby positions.
The GTR 200B has a bright, sunlight readable display and an intuitive interface that features built-in shortcuts and configurable softkeys. Pilots can configure the softkeys to provide one-touch access to emergency frequency tuning, pilot audio isolation, saved frequencies list, music mute and more. Home theater-like music effects add to the innovative sound quality provided by the GTR 200B, allowing pilots to select bass boost levels, as well as equalizer effects, including rock, classical and pop. Optionally, pilots can also install switches on the flight controls to perform common functions like swapping a frequency from standby to active without moving their hands from the controls. The GTR 200B also saves the 20 most recent frequencies used and conveniently stores up to 20 pilot-selectable frequencies.
The GTR 200B boasts a slim design (1.35-inches tall) so it can easily adapt to a variety of aircraft panels. The powerful 10-Watt comm also supports 14 and 28-volt aircraft and offers 25 kHz channel spacing.
The GTR 200B is available immediately for a suggested price of $1,395. Visit www.garmin.com/experimental for additional information.
The post TeamX Introduces GTR 200B Comm Radio with Bluetooth Intercom Designed for Experimental Aircraft appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/teamx-introduces-gtr-200b-comm-radio-with-bluetooth-intercom-designed-for-experimental-aircraft/
Andreas Hermansky Receives Appareo Pilot of the Year Award
Andreas Hermansky is recognized as the 2019 Appareo Pilot of the Year, an award presented annually by Helicopter Association International (HAI) as part of their Salute to Excellence program. This award recognizes an outstanding single feat performed by a helicopter pilot during the year or extraordinary professionalism over time.
Hermansky was recognized for his work with the Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering staff, mobilizing the park’s helicopter to fly mountaineering rangers to an accident site with an elevation of 11,000 feet. Hermansky flew several reconnaissance flights to the area because of deteriorating weather conditions. The nominator noted that the series of short-haul flights highlights Hermansky’s exceptional flying ability and his ability to work in concert with the ranger team to accomplish critical missions. Read more about his heroic efforts in Vertical Magazine.
The Appareo Pilot of the Year award will be presented to Andreas at HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta, Georgia this March.
https://www.appareo.com/2019/01/11/andreas-hermansky-receives-appareo-pilot-of-the-year-award/
Aviation Icon meets Next Gen Avionics Technology
Over the past four decades the Sikorsky S-70/UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has established itself as an icon of versatility in aviation. It can be found in the service of nations all around the world. It’s a symbol of rescue for those in an emergency at sea or in remote locations, and a warrior against wild fires. This medium-lift utility helicopter excels at being, well, utilitarian – excelling at many different missions. An aircraft this valuable shouldn’t simply be retired, it should be utilized, and with utilization over any period of time, comes the need to upgrade – the type of upgrades that can carry a proven airframe into a new generation of service. That’s exactly why we teamed with Ace Aeronautics in Guntersville, Alabama – to combine the advanced capabilities of our G5000H integrated flight deck with the now legendary Black Hawk airframe. This modernization is known as the ACE DECK VL-60.
Garmin G5000H Integrated Flight Deck
The G5000H installation in the ACE DECK VL-60 helicopter incorporates four 12-inch high resolution widescreen displays along with two touchscreen controllers that serve as the pilot interface to the flight deck. On the primary flight displays (PFD) and multifunction displays (MFD), pilots can view flight information alongside maps, checklists, weather, geo-referenced charts and more across all four displays. Our Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology can also depict 3-D terrain, obstacles, wires, traffic and the terminal environment for increased information throughout every phase of flight.
G5000H upgrade for Sikorsky S-70/UH-60 helicopters.
Flying the G5000H-equipped ACE DECK VL-60
The G5000H not only represents a modern upgrade for the Black Hawk airframe, it’s also designed to ease pilot workload and enhance situational awareness from inside the cockpit. “The 4K displays are clean, crisp, and provide an exceptional viewing area for the [Primary Flight Display], Synthetic Vision, video, and custom ship synoptic pages. And, the geo-referenced approach plates and procedure cueing completely simplify instrument approaches,” said Randy Nolin, Ace Aeronautics Vice President of Engineering/Test Pilot and retired US Army UH-60 Black Hawk pilot.
The G5000H provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness in the cockpit.
Pilots transitioning from older style analog gauges and legacy instruments in a S-70/UH-60 shouldn’t be too concerned learning to fly behind the next generation flight deck. “It was a very easy transition [flying with G5000H]. The controls are extremely intuitive, and the touchscreen works much like a smartphone. With the Garmin [G5000H] all of the functions are easy to access,” added Nolin.
We’ve built the Garmin aviation brand on providing safety enhancing features in all of our avionics solutions—everything from portable navigators through our fully integrated flight decks. “The Synthetic Vision coupled with the worldwide terrain and obstacles database give the G5000H an awareness that legacy Black Hawk pilots have been asking for since the Black Hawk began. Now it’s here,” said Kenneth Czarnecki, Ace Aeronautics Chief Pilot and retired US Army UH-60 Black Hawk pilot.
Garmin G5000H
A Medium-Lift Utility Helicopter for the Future
The G5000H-equipped Ace Deck VL-60 helicopter is a great example of combining a proven airframe with modern avionics—a platform with increased capabilities and safety-enhancing features. “It is a generational and technological evolution for helicopter flight,” said Nolin.
For more information about our G5000H integrated flight deck for medium-lift helicopters, visit garmin.com/helicopters. To learn about Ace Aeronautics and the ACE DECK VL-60, visit aceaero.com.
The post Aviation Icon meets Next Gen Avionics Technology appeared first on Garmin Blog.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/aviation/aviation-icon-meets-next-gen-avionics-technology/
Garmin GNS 480 Navigator Approved GPS Source for Stratus ES
The Garmin GNS 480 navigator has been approved and added as a WAAS GPS source for our Stratus ES transponder. Stratus ES was built without GPS in order to provide affordable ADS-B Out option for aircraft owners who have already invested in WAAS GPS. Stratus ES is FAA ADS-B rule-compliant when paired with any of the following navigators:
-
- Garmin 480, 430W, 530W, 6XX, 7XX
- Avidyne IFD440, IFD540
Stratus ES and Stratus ESG are both certified 1090 Extended Squitter (ES) transponders designed to replace aging transponders while also equipping an aircraft with ADS-B Out. Stratus ESG includes built-in WAAS GPS for one-box 2020 compliance, while Stratus ES will make an aircraft rule-compliant when paired with popular models of Garmin and Avidyne navigators. “We have continued adding to the AML-STC since the initial certification in 2016, based on market demand” said Kris Garberg, Appareo Aviation President. See our AML-STC list.
Both of our transponders qualify for the newly re-introduced $500 FAA ADS-B rebate program, which lowers the retail price to $1,995 for Stratus ES and $2,495 for Stratus ESG, plus the cost of installation. Like all Stratus products, they were designed for simple installation and configuration. With the common 1.65” form factor, they easily replace existing transponders without requiring costly panel modifications.
Stratus transponders can be connected to a Stratus ADS-B In receiver for the complete ADS-B In/Out experience. They are the only transponders that can share an aircraft’s external antenna with a portable ADS-B receiver in the cockpit, which greatly enhances the signal strength of the receiver by utilizing the external aircraft antennas. This feature is compatible with many popular brands of ADS-B receivers; a variety of interface kits are available.
Find an authorized Appareo dealer to install your Stratus ES.
https://www.appareo.com/2018/12/03/garmin-gns-480-navigator-approved-gps-source-for-stratus-es/
Pilots of Appareo: Matt Dondoneau
One of the secrets behind how we create great aviation products for pilots is this: many of us are pilots ourselves! While only 0.5% of the U.S. population has a pilot’s license, more than 5% of Appareo employees do. That’s 10 times the national average!
Collectively, our pilots log hundreds of flight hours in their free time. Let us introduce you to one now: Matt Dondoneau, Aviation Key Account Executive.
Matt been a pilot for just under 20 years and describes it as, “absolutely defining my life.”
First introduced to aviation through the movie Top Gun, Matt attended the University of North Dakota when he earned a scholarship into UND Aerospace to pursue a degree in Aviation and Aerospace Engineering. After his first flight, he was hooked. Matt graduated with an Aviation degree but did not get his degree in Aerospace Engineering. His time and degree from UND Aerospace has been extremely helpful for his career at Appareo.
Matt started working at Appareo as the Key Account Manager for Aviation in March 2018. Matt describes his job as, “Acquiring new business and managing the relationships for Aerospace companies, whether it is an engineering project, OEM products, or both. I’m not responsible for the aviation products that Appareo sells directly to consumers, but I’m always on the hunt to find different ways to use those products in the industry.”
Throughout his career, Matt has been involved in nearly every aspect of professional flying, so when we asked him two big questions about being a pilot he had a lot to say.
What was your proudest moment as a pilot?
I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in nearly every aspect of professional flying, so finding a single proudest moment is really difficult. I’ve spent time flight instructing, flew charter and medevac, flown for Northwest and Mesaba Airlines, and also was the chief pilot of a corporate flight department that flew domestically and internationally. Each area of aviation that I’ve spent time in has its own prideful moments.
As a flight instructor, I was able to see the look on students faces as they flew for the first time. I also have been fortunate to teach my kids how to fly. Each one has flown a jet, including my youngest who first flew a jet when he was 6 (with dad’s help, of course)!
In the airlines, I was a test pilot for a new aircraft type and got to pick up brand new aircraft from the factory and put them through acceptance flights. Most people don’t know what “new airplane smell” is, especially in airliners. Flying in the corporate world was extremely exciting and allowed me to see the world, but it was an incredible experience the first time I flew non-stop across the Atlantic. Such a small fraction of pilots get to do that in their flight careers.
With all of the time spent in the air, I may still have to choose my medevac flying as the proudest, however. I experienced some terrible situations and saw some horrible things, yet there were happy moments. The most memorable instances were when your pager would go off at three in the morning and you’d find out a child on a heart transplant list finally got the call that a match was found. Often, when someone gets a call of an available organ, you have as few as 4 hours to pick them up and get them across the country and into an operating room. It is an incredible feeling to pick up someone that didn’t know how many tomorrow’s they had left and to get the opportunity to help them have a new lease on life. Some of those flights I’ll never forget.
How does being a pilot help your work at Appareo?
Aviation is an extremely complicated business. With the amount of jargon, requirements, and procedure, it really takes someone who has been there to understand a customer’s needs. Sometimes, the customer doesn’t even know what they need, but my background can fill in the blanks. Aerospace companies often can be difficult to navigate if you don’t talk the talk or walk the walk. I think my background lends itself to some instant credibility that would take longer to acquire without my time in the industry. I hope that my experience also helps others at Appareo understand what the customer is looking for, or why something is significant in aviation. Knowing the things I had access to in my flying days, but more importantly, the things I wish I had access to, is really exciting to bring to a company where we can bring those ideas to life.
https://www.appareo.com/2018/11/20/pilots-of-appareo-matt-dondoneau/