Testimonials
SHARING THE EXPERIENCE
I recently attended my first Bonanza Pilot Proficiency Program and would like to share my experience. Prior to attending, I studied my aircraft manual, flight manuals and all other aviation references I could get my hands on. I prepared myself for an intense pilot program, in hopes that I would not appear too stupid among the other pilots with years of experience. I also didn’t want to garner the wrath of the meticulous course instructors. I was mentally prepared for a dry, by-the-numbers series of lectures, given by instructors who would not tolerate even the slightest deviation of operational procedures. I could not have been more wrong.
What I found was a relaxed environment primarily centered on having fun and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Bonanza pilots. Within ten minutes of the first session, I was relaxed; all the self imposed stresses of the preparation were gone. The sessions were filled with humor. The environment and material was so professionally prepared and presented that learning was easy, natural and fun.
Of all the attendees at the course, my aircraft was by far the oldest. I was definitely in the minority. But every instructor went out of their way to address issues and techniques about my aircraft. No matter what the topic of the session was, the instructors made sure to address me directly, identifying the particular system of discussion as it pertained to my aircraft. This individual attention and expertise was paid every model of Bonanza at the session.
One of the incredible benefits of the BPPP course is the opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one walk-around of your aircraft. Don’t call it an inspection, for it is not. Again, I presumed the master mechanic would simply point out a bunch of deficiencies and quip “I can’t believe you fly this thing.” Boy, was I wrong! The walk-around was more of a one-on-one sharing of years of aviation maintenance experience. Not only did I learn how things should be done, but also why. The “why” is what you never get from your usual mechanic and what you most need. The maintenance discussion left me feeling good and confident about the actual condition of my aircraft.
My wife Tina attended the companion course. She continues to amaze me with the knowledge and sudden interest she has in flying our aircraft. Like many flying companions, Tina tolerated flying as a necessary evil of marriage to a pilot. Though I constantly tried to talk to her about the aircraft, the mysteries of flight and the inevitable report of a crash in the news of kept her from absorbing anything except the phrase “you can open your eyes now, we‘re on the ground.” Following her very first companion session at the BPPP, she met me in the hall with a huge smile and said “I know why the airplane flies!” She then explained to me in amazing detail the aerodynamics of flight and the effects of the flight controls. From that point on, it was impossible for me to share with her anything about the sessions that I had attended, because she couldn’t help telling me all about hers.
The companion course is specifically designed and delivered in such a way as to entertain, educate and excite the pilot companion. As we returned home from the course she turned to me and said, “Next time we fly I want you to pretend that you are injured and I will fly the plane.” I was amazed. Not only had she managed to deal with her dread of flying, but now she actually wanted to fly the plane! Though the information that I received at the BPPP is invaluable, the change in my wife’s attitude about flying is priceless.
Thank you to the staff and instructors of the BPPP. My wife and I can’t wait for next year!
Woodie and Tina Diamond fly a Bonanza N3269V
