In Flight USA Article Categories
In Flight USA Articles
Tips from the Pros - March 2012
Upgrading to Jets
By Mitchell Ange
President, Arizona Type Ratings
More and more, we see private owners of light jets deciding to upgrade their personal flying skills and obtain the training and ratings needed to operate their jet aircraft personally. Doing so allows them to lower operating cost and enhance schedule flexibility. But, what is it like to move up to these high performance, turbine aircraft. Let’s take a quick look at speed control.
One jet characteristic that takes getting used to is the amount of thrust lever movement required to effect a significant airspeed change. Pilots transitioning from anything with propellers, whether piston or turbine powered, are accustomed to gently “tweaking” thrust levers, with the correct expectation of being rewarded with a rapid response. This gentle thrust lever movement makes the flying experience in propeller-driven airplanes smooth and comfortable. In turbocharged piston-powered aircraft, being smooth with power changes is desirable from a maintenance point of view as well, reducing shock-cooling concerns. In addition, the cabin altitude of many pressurized piston aircraft responds uncomfortably to brisk thrust lever movement. None of these “comfort” concerns apply to small, modern, civilian jets. But speed changes in a jet may require significant movement of the thrust levers. Fortunately resulting acceleration or deceleration will be gentle and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to aggressively move the thrust levers on a small jet, nothing bad will happen.
Tips from the Pros - March 2011
Tips from the Pros - February 2011
“Tips from the Pros” is a new feature dedicated to allowing the In Flight USA family of aviation professionals to share tips and information regarding flying skills, airframe care and engine operations.
Are you a pro? Send in your tips for consideration. Please send 400 to 600 words describing your tip to editor@inflightusa.com.
Reduce the Risk of Hypoxia
Do you or your passengers sometimes arrive after your flight feeling tired with a headache? Rest easy, you are not ill with some weird virus but more likely are suffering from the insidious effects of hypoxia. Between 5,000 and 12,000 feet, hypoxia may cause the first signs of fatigue, drowsiness, sluggishness, headache, and slower reaction time. At 15,000 feet, the hypoxic effect becomes increasingly apparent in terms of impaired efficiency, increased drowsiness, errors in judgment, and difficulty with simple tasks requiring mental alertness or muscular coordination. These symptoms become more intensified with progressively higher ascent or with prolonged exposure