Turbine Intro: Type Chat

While doing research, I checked out the Embraer Jet Operators Association (EJOA) website (www.phenom.aero). This and other type association websites—such as the TBM Owners and Pilots Association, the Citation Jet Pilots Association, and the Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association—have a wealth of information for the member/owners they serve.

There’s no shortage of advice, either, in educational and often entertaining forums. In one forum AOPA Pilot contributor Neil Singer held forth about the options for pilots who have lost an engine, or had a decompression, at the equal time point along the route from Goose Bay, Labrador, to Keflavik, Iceland. Is passing up an airport in Greenland and landing at the destination with 500 pounds of fuel a wise idea? Is the weather well above minimums in Greenland? Then landing at Narsarssuaq or Kangerlussuaq might make sense. Otherwise, delaying the trip might be a good idea. Think if you had to do a single-engine missed approach at Narsarssuaq, where the airport is ringed by high terrain. Singer also posted Embraer’s new, higher maneuvering airspeeds for the Phenoms: now it’s 140 KIAS with full flaps (it used to be no lower than 125 KIAS).

Another member cited an apparent case of false economy in a TBM 700 accident. It seems the pilot took off in low IMC without deicing the airplane and removing a layer of snow from the airframe. He saved $1,000 or more by skipping the deicing, but the airplane was totaled in the post-takeoff crash. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

For experience, advice, and “been there, done that” perspective, you can’t beat a type association website. And a forum’s clash of opinions and barely muted insults are enough to sustain those of us who appreciate a healthy dose of sarcasm.—Thomas A. Horne, Turbine Pilot Editor