About Doug

My PA-46 Initial Training is designed to transition you quickly and safely into the Malibu, Mirage, Matrix or Meridian. The 3 Day scenario based syllabus is approved by the leading aviation insurance companies. The program is intended for current IFR rated pilots who are upgrading to the pressurized Piper. The training includes local area airplane familiarization flights prior to embarking on short cross country flights in your Malibu, Mirage or Meridian. The program also includes ground training to proficiency in aircraft systems and procedures. The cross country flights are planned to expose the new PA-46 pilot to a myriad of "real world" scenarios. Short field operations, high altitude flight, changing weather patterns, and late descents all happen in normal operations. Why should your training be any different? As an A&P mechanic, I delve a bit deeper into the airplane's system than the average flight school. I utilize PowerPoint slides and maintenance manuals to give you an in-depth understanding of your new airplane. Of course, we will review all the systems on your plane, but we will pay particular attention to correct engine operation. Upon successful completion of the initial PA46 or PA46T course you will receive a Certificate of Completion and endorsements for the Bi-annual Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency Check and High Altitude Operation (Meridian only). The cost is $2500 for the 3 day initial program.

I'm a retired airline captain/check pilot that got tired of paying exorbitant rates to the large simulator schools. I believe that a good instructor and a good training program produce safe pilots. So I started a small niche business training Piper Meridian/Malibu pilots over 7 years ago. Here is my experience:

I am the retired Chief Pilot of a restaurant chain flying a turboprop. I took an early retirement from the airlines to offer my students a professional, peer-to-peer training environment. My experience includes 30,000+ hours as a Captain with US Airways.

I am licensed in Single and Multi-engine airplanes as an ATP, CFI, CFII-MEI. My type ratings include Airbus A319/320/321, Boeing 767/757/737, DC-9, Fokker F100/F28, EMB-110 and the Cessna Citation CE-500. Also, I have obtained a Flight Engineer rating and an A & P mechanic's license.

I have 30 years of instructional experience in turbine aircraft. As a former check pilot and flight instructor on the Boeing 737, my responsibilities included reviewing the abilities of Captain and First Officer's for competency to fly passengers in airline operations.

I am an FAA Lead FAAST Team Safety Counselor for the SC/NC area.

I have been awarded the FAA's "Gold Seal" and I've been named a Master CFI by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

I have authored nine aviation textbooks published by Mc Graw-Hill, one by Professional Press and two King Air Training Workbooks by SafePilot Publishing.

I do all the flight training.

My Piper Malibu and Meridian flight training programs are approved by all the major insurance companies.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT how you can take advantage of my flight training programs, please call me at 843-521-9412.