Jumpseat: Flight Training for Clients

Friday, September 13, 2013 at 11:57 PM ET

Verified

** The FlightSafety training center at the
corner of Orlando International Airport is
conveniently located across the street from Cessna's maintenance and sales facility.**

Key Takeaways:

The author, an experienced airline pilot, underwent intensive Citation Mustang type rating training at FlightSafety, aiming to compare its methodology and environment with his airline's training.
FlightSafety stood out by cultivating a superior "client" experience, characterized by a highly supportive learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, a diverse international student body, and a positive, attentive staff culture.
While the professional quality of the instruction itself was comparable to his airline, FlightSafety's overall atmosphere, customer-centric approach, and emphasis on creating a conducive learning space set a new, higher standard.

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A few months back I wrote about flying a Citation Mustang, comparing its attributes to those of the 777. After the initial flight, thanks to my friend and Mustang owner Tom Torti, I became more familiar with the airplane, via a smattering of other trips. On those trips, informal instruction and a few doses of good-natured harassment were included at no extra charge.

When I was given the opportunity to attend a formal Citation Mustang course, through the magazine and FlightSafety, I couldn’t refuse. Two weeks of intensive study in Orlando? Absolutely. After almost 29 years with the airline, why wouldn’t I want to subject myself to the rigors of another flight-training facility for recreational purposes? My experience would allow a comparison between my airline and one of the world’s most respected flight-training organizations.