I never published this for some reason: now a few years ago. I am privileged to be flying an Ultra now and hope to get back to active writing (it helps me learn this stuff- there are lessons every day!) I became "captain" officially for Part 135 operations after my 135.299 ride with the FAA … Continue reading Being a Captain

It is embarrassing to realize as I progress on the PC-12NG that I am still probably using about half of the available features in the Honeywell automated flight deck. We utilize an SOP-driven series of activities and do not always innovate or explore in daily flight. To be fair this is the sensible and safe … Continue reading The Amazing Honeywell Apex on PC-12NG

We fly for both Jetsmarter and Blade and try to make dreams come true; "Escape the city" is the promise and (effortlessly) get transported to the islands. Our schedule populates onto a phone app. through dispatch as the customers schedule. We also pick-up business from other Pilatus outfits (Tradewinds and Plane Sense are big ones) … Continue reading Making Dreams Come True

The incredible variety of experiences and challenges is what keeps charter flying so  interesting. Flying with good people makes it fun and worthwhile. If you personally thrive on stability and consistency in your life, you might not be suited for charter flying; this life is full of surprises and I confess this might be what … Continue reading “Bush Flying” in the Bravo

As you saw from the last post, what makes the entire Pilatus experience (and business model) possible is the fantastically reliable Pratt and Whitney PT-6 engine. The PC-12NG is equipped with a PT6A-67P model engine. This is capable of about 1800 thermodynamic horsepower but is de-rated to 1200 shaft horsepower for normal operation on the … Continue reading The Amazing PT-6 Engine!

The economy, utility and safety of various aircraft, be they private singles or corporate carriages, are hotly debated subjects on the ramp among pilots and in boardrooms among CFOs. This controversy also fuels the sale of many flying magazines. (See this recent Flying Magazine article). There are a huge number of variables to consider when … Continue reading “Selling” a Single…Pilatus PC-12NG Vs King Air B200GT

My Flight Safety training and check ride was in this amazing "PC-12 NG" with the Honeywell APEX system (max T/O weight 10,450 and fully redundant systems). This plane is a masterful, fully realized expression of automated flight control. You can program it from 500' on T/O to 200' AGL decision height and it will fly … Continue reading The “Fleet” Challenge and Legacy PC-12s

It has been a very busy week with Memorial Day and many charter runs to Nantucket and the outer Long Island airports. All these flights inevitably originate in the NYC metro area with an intense pace in the air and then coordinating catering, passenger loading, fuel, luggage (and wheelchairs) on the ground. If you get … Continue reading Learning and Burning (Jet A): Teterboro Challenge!

So far my life in charter has been a pretty charmed existence. Piloting brand new planes with luxurious interiors for pampered part 91 owners is not too tough. Additionally, except for dodging a couple of TSMs and a bit of ice, we have been mostly in clear air. Today was a test by fire piloting … Continue reading Flying Instruments (in Pilatus #2) to “The Rock”

So as you might imagine, flying clients is much easier and more fun than training with every possible emergency being continuously hurled at you! So far at this writing, I've made four trips and I am currently sitting in Chicago waiting for clients to return to KSYR as I type this. Then we reposition to … Continue reading Finally Flying (Flight Levels!)