Safety Spotlight: A Valuable Link
The importance of type clubs
Type clubs (clubs formed around a specific type of airplane) help pilots and aircraft owners elevate every aspect of their aviation experience. Pilots new to the type quickly fit in with a group of people who represent a full spectrum of experience, from the new and enthusiastic to the highly experienced—and enthusiastic. Members are usually anxious to share their experiences and flying techniques. They share type-specific techniques on procedures from hot-starting to crosswind landings and everything in between. Type clubs are a valuable link to take general flying skills and techniques and hone them for more specific application in the airplane. This kind of honing develops excellence, elevates skills, and as a by-product, enhances safety.
Type clubs are especially valuable to owners, or potential owners. Through type clubs and their online forums, aircraft shoppers can quickly learn about the critical elements to assess for a specific airplane type. Through the Piper Cherokee type club forum, I learned about the importance of Service Bulletin 1006 regarding wing-spar corrosion, for example. Depending upon the size of the club, someone on the forum may know the history of an exact airplane (by its tail number) for sale. Club members will also know the most-respected mechanics and other technicians especially skilled in the aircraft type.
Type club members began free-of-charge Airbnb-style rooms long before that became a fad.Type club members will often pool their talents and resources to dilute the expense of aircraft maintenance. “Annual parties,” where type members gather and perform owner-assisted annual inspections, often end up as skill sessions with experienced members teaching new owners techniques for optimum maintenance and performance. I’ve been a part of these parties in the SNAG group when they turned into hands-on training and fun for youth, who could run tools, or pull panels, and genuinely enjoy the tactile elements of touching and feeling an airplane with a sense of accomplishment at providing helpful assistance. It’s a meaningful family experience.
Type clubs also develop their own culture. Each is different, but each shares the elements of fun, support, and gentle guidance in the form of expectations for safety and support of the general aviation industry. Type club members willingly offer their airplanes to pick up a fellow member stranded with a maintenance issue, or a weather delay. They began free-of-charge Airbnb-style rooms long before that became a fad. They offer support with rides, instruction, and transportation for family members and friends. They develop a rapport that allows them to set expectations of each other, and they hold each other accountable in fun ways that elevate performance. Experienced type members will not hesitate to offer suggestions on flying techniques when they notice a sub-optimal performance. Although unsolicited, these suggestions are pearls of wisdom that newer pilots are wise to accept.
The SNAG flew a loose formation into Sun ’n Fun and, in addition to the camaraderie while airborne, we shared observations and comparisons on engine performance and navigation equipment. Upon parking, we realized we had forgotten that we loaned our tiedowns to another member, and thus had none. No problem; another SNAG member had some we could borrow.
Later that afternoon, over beer (provided by someone in the club; it just always shows up), we debriefed the flight. As number two, I had taken too long on the takeoff interval, which caused a delayed join up for the following wingman; I had flown too wide and in the descent slowed too quickly, causing some spacing issues. We debriefed the lead for a high-power setting, which delayed our join-up after takeoff, and we praised his stable cruise performance and pattern entry. Unstructured discussion in a hotel lobby, full of laughter and light-hearted jabbing, and full of learning. There were a lot of stares and smiles from onlookers nearby. We are a fortunate lot: flying, friends, and fun gained through the type club.
Next time we form up we’ll be a little better, we’ll continue to hold each other accountable in a fun way, and we’ll be there for each other. The more we fly, the better we fly, the safer we fly. Type clubs are an excellent avenue to make you a better, safer pilot. Now, go fly!
