Altitude adjustment

From my first awe-inspiring flight decades ago to the countless hours spent charting courses across the skies, each moment airborne has been a testament to this enduring passion. Yet, as any seasoned aviator knows, the sky is as much a domain of unforeseen challenges as it is of freedom and adventure. It was in this spirit of continuous exploration and growth that I embarked on a new aviation venture: obtaining my multiengine rating.

A Beech Travel Air, recently acquired by our local FBO, was to be my companion in this new challenge. Sleek and capable, this aircraft promised a thrilling expansion of my flying repertoire. However, the journey to mastering this magnificent machine was riddled with complexities far beyond my initial expectations. What I had envisioned as a straightforward progression in my aviation education quickly transformed into a series of unexpected turns, each demanding adaptability, perseverance, and a renewed commitment to the aviator’s path.

My journey into the realm of multiengine aviation began under the skilled guidance of Logan Hutchin, a flight instructor whose reputation and expertise are as formidable as the aircraft he commands. As we delved into the intricacies of multiengine flying, his teaching methods proved enlightening and challenging. Each session was a mix of rigorous training and insightful lessons, making me appreciate the complexities of handling such a sophisticated aircraft.

As we began preparing for the checkride, we encountered an obstacle. Despite our network and diligent search, we discovered a startling gap: there were no designated pilot examiners (DPEs) in our area authorized to conduct a multiengine checkride in the Beech Travel Air.

Either I had to pause my training indefinitely or seek out a DPE in a distant location, which would entail additional expenses and logistical complications. It felt as though the very system meant to facilitate progress had become a roadblock. It was a bitter pill to swallow. This taught me an invaluable lesson about the unpredictable nature of flying, not just in the air, but also in pilot training. It was a reminder that in aviation, as in life, not all plans unfold as expected, and the skies we navigate are often filled with unforeseen challenges.

The unavailability of a DPE for the Beech Travel Air was a call to rethink and restrategize my approach. The Piper Seneca, a beloved aircraft that my wife and I had acquired two years prior, was my beacon of hope. This aircraft, which had undergone a significant transformation from purchase to avionics retrofitting and an autopilot supplemental type certificate, now presented itself as a new chapter in my aviation story.

But our new strategy soon encountered another twist—the limited availability of DPEs for the Seneca in our area. The only readily accessible examiner had a less-than-ideal reputation, presenting a dilemma that went beyond logistics and into the realm of ensuring the integrity and quality of my training. This situation reinforced the importance of not only having a plan B but also a plan C and D.

This led me to T3 Aerosports in Salisaw, Oklahoma. Discovering this flight training organization was a turning point, symbolizing the transition from navigating roadblocks to charting a new, hopeful course. At T3 Aerosports, the program they devised for me was intensive, focusing not only on the practical aspects of flying a multiengine aircraft but also on the theoretical underpinnings necessary for a deep understanding of multiengine operations. It was a holistic approach, one that promised to equip me with both the skills and knowledge required for proficient and safe flying.

A pivotal part of my experience at T3 Aerosports was my time with Mason Dozier, a flight instructor whose reputation for excellence in both teaching and flying preceded him. Mason, despite his relatively young age, brought a level of expertise and experience that was both inspiring and reassuring. His teaching style was a blend of rigorous practical training and comprehensive theoretical education.

Finally, the checkride with Charlie Tilghman marked the culmination of this transformative journey. Charlie’s calm and relaxed presence in the cockpit was infectious. His method of walking me through the various aspects of the airmen certification standards was as natural and reassuring as his conversational style during the oral exam. The checkride, under his guidance, became an opportunity to validate my skills and learning in a supportive environment. The right examiner, much like the right instructor, can profoundly impact not just the outcome of a test, but the entire learning experience.

Looking back, I realize that every turn in this journey, every decision to explore uncharted territories, was a step toward not just a certification, but towards a deeper, more profound understanding of what it means to be a pilot. It reinforced the idea that aviation is not just about controlling an aircraft; it’s about continuous learning, exploring opportunities to amplify safety, adapting to new situations, and embracing the vast and varied experiences that flying offers.

In the end, this wasn’t just about earning a multiengine rating. It was about growing as an aviator and as a person. It was about understanding that in the world of aviation, like in life, the ability to adapt and embrace change is as vital as any skill learned in the cockpit.

Leland R. Johnson is a private pilot with a multiengine rating and owns a Piper Seneca and Cessna 182.