Aviation insurance underwriters require recurrent training annually. Pilots must demonstrate continued competence in all skills acquired in successful completion of the initial course. At times where the pilot has minimal experience and is flying a more complex and high performance aircraft, the underwriter may require additional hours.

The curriculum for recurrent training covers all legacy and newer avionics suites from Garmin, Avidyne, Collins, etc. Where the pilot may have acquired additional equipment in the aircraft, such as a glass panel, we will integrate this new equipment into the instrument panel training. Pilots need to become familiar with the entire operation of such new equipment before employing it under instrument operating conditions.

Recurrent training usually takes one day to complete (depending on experience), including both ground and flight training. In rare instances, such as pilot's lack of recent experience or additional underwriter demands, an extra day of training may be required (see Pricing). The ultimate goal again is demonstrated pilot proficiency under normal, emergency, and instrument flight conditions. The training company, such as In Flight Review acts as the surrogate of the aviation insurance underwriter, ensuring that the pilot trainee possesses the required skills to safely conduct flight operations, to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition, and to exercise good judgement in flight.

Pilots successfully completing recurrent training receive a course completion certificate, biennial flight review, and instrument proficiency check.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Generally, this type of training requires pilots to attend a course, which incorporates a specific number of ground and flight hours. The initial course is normally one to three days in length, depending upon pilot's experience and aircraft complexity. Insurance underwriters approve only training companies which offer training by certified instructors along with a course of instruction that meets their criteria.

GROUND SCHOOL

This portion of the program includes subjects on the specific aircraft systems, such as engines, propellers, electric/electronics, environmental, icing, and landing gear. There is instruction on aircraft performance, weight and balance, and emergency operations as well. Special aircraft flight characteristics are covered in the curriculum and unique maintenance requirements are specified.

INITIAL AND RECURRENT FLIGHT TRAINING

The flight portion requires between 1 - 5 hours in the aircraft, depending on pilot's overall and recent experience. Transition into the aircraft consists of normal take-off, climb power settings, steep turns, slow flight, stalls, and drag demos if the aircraft is a twin-engine model. In a pressurized aircraft at least one flight to altitude is made to familiarize the pilot with the flight characteristics of that environment and include the use of on-board weather detection equipment. We demonstrate emergency and rapid decompression exercises during these flights. All GPS, AP/FD, and other integrated flight operational equipment are operated during the high altitude flight to ensure operational compliance at altitude.


We teach pilots judgment on weather decisions, choice of flight altitudes considering wind and turbulence, and the appropriate engine power settings depending upon range or aircraft speed requirements. We demonstrate descent planning and ATC high altitude arrival procedures, such as STARs. In order to ensure pilots can operate in IMC conditions, we teach a variety of instrument approaches, holds, partial panel, and unusual attitude recoveries.

Pilots will demonstrate proficiency in all areas of aircraft operations, at the discretion of the instructor. He must be convinced that the client pilot possesses the ability to handle the aircraft in a multitude of situations where the safe outcome of flight is never in doubt.

Upon completion of the initial training course, client pilots receive a certification of completion, biennial flight review, and instrument proficiency check.

TRAINING AIDS

For each aircraft a PowerPoint presentation will be emailed to the pilot and it is expected that this is reviewed prior to training. Additionally, the Pilot's Operating Handbook, Manufacturer's Service Bulletins, Service Letters, Airworthiness Directives, and IFR manuals are used as necessary.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

IFR's only business is training pilots. Our standards are high to assure the maximum potential for safety. Evaluation is accomplished by written, oral, and practical testing. Every trainee that receives an IFR completion certificate has demonstrated that he or she has a thorough understanding and proven ability in the following areas:

•  Understanding the systems of their airplane, including GPS & weather radar

•  Demonstrated competence to perform all practical maneuvers required for the level of pilot certification held by the client

•  Demonstrated ability to make decisions showing the good judgement that will enable the pilot to act as a safe pilot at all times

IFR's training programs are designed to make safe, competent, and proficient pilots. It is IFR's policy never to compromise its standards. If trainees are unsuccessful in meeting the set standards, IFR will continue to work with them for the additional time needed to meet the standards. IFR has never and will never issue a completion certificate to anyone who does not meet these standards.