It is with a heavy heart that BPT announces the passing of Dave Monti, BPT Director of Maintenance, on Friday, September 27, 2019. Many of you knew Dave through the numerous lectures he presented at BPT Clinics throughout the U.S. Dave conducted walk-arounds with more than 250 BPT pilots every year, helping them complete a … Continued
How to better communicate with ATC – and handle re-routes! By Mick Kaufman In this issue of BPT TAKEOFF is a topic that I thought might be of interest to our readers. How to better communicate with ATC and avoid misunderstandings or worse yet a VIOLATION. A side note topic explains how I amend … Continued
Jim Gruneisen, ATP, CFI, CFII, SES 8,100 hours BPT Ground and Flight Instructor Jim Gruneisen is PIC for numerous political dignitaries and celebrities, as well as air ambulance flights for critically ill patients. BPT TAKEOFF visited with Jim about his career in aviation. BPT: Jim, tell us about your start in aviation. JG: I … Continued
FAA FACT SHEET Pilots may not be aware of the ubiquitous presence of sedating antihistamines in many over‐the‐counter (OTC) treatments for allergies, coughs, colds, sleep aids; or may not discuss the side effects of prescription medications with their treating doctor. In addition to the sedative effects from many medications, another significant concern is impairment of … Continued
By Kent Ewing, Vice President, BPT INC A few months ago, my friend Todd Ericson, President of Society of Experimental Test Pilots called and asked if BPT (Bonanza/Baron Pilot Training) could provide some hands on training of the eight pilots who were flying the Virgin Galactic Baron…a BE58TC. Of course the answer was YES and … Continued
“First and foremost, the excellent staff of instructors affiliated with the BPT. Next, the ability to have a Beechcraft expert examine a customer’s aircraft, and give serious feedback to the owner. The companion program: won’t get that on line. The total passion that the group has to offer, combined with the collaborative collection of many … Continued
Get That Clearance Right: Some Tips on Handling Difficult IFR Clearances PART II By Mick Kaufman I have found an interesting human factor when training new instrument pilots, which you may relate to and I will describe it this way. When training pilots for an instrument rating, a common example is using the “Five Ts” … Continued
Richard Bennett “R. B.” Hirsch, III, CFII, MEI: 10+ years with BPT; Type Rated in a CE-560XL; 6,000+ hours BPT: How did you get your start in aviation? HIRSCH: For me, aviation was a bit of a different story than for most people. I went to a boys’ Catholic high school. During my junior … Continued
Meet BPT Companion Course Graduate Stephanie Stone Horton BPT: How many BPT Companion Clinics have you attended? Stephanie: This is my fourth. BPT: Why do you come to the BPT Companion Clinics? Stephanie: I come every year for refresher training — for, you know, the worst case scenario. God forbid something should happen to … Continued
Gear-up Accidents: They Can Happen to Anybody! By Steve Petrich It is well known within the General Aviation community that gear-up landings have been a problem ever since the invention of retractable landing gear. In spite of the legendary “GUMP” checks, etc, these inadvertent events happen across a broad spectrum of pilots and continue to … Continued