Cirrus or Columbia Transition Training

Cirrus and Columbia Transition Training
Transition training consists of FITS based curriculum and courseware designed specifically for the Columbia or Cirrus aircraft. The transition course is designed to acclimate pilots to the unique operating experience of the aircraft. The course is a combination of ground and flight lessons which provide a comprehensive introduction technically advanced aircraft operations. This introduction is tailored to the specific aircraft model and avionics
configuration of the customer. Additional elements included in the course are a review of aircraft performance and procedures training to ensure the highest levels of safety while deriving the highest aircraft performance for pilots. After successful completion of the transition course the participant will be issued a Certificate of Completion.

You will be given a training kit that includes all the documentation and training materials that you will need for the course. It includes all the publications required for the course such as the training manual, PFD manual, MFD manual, GNS 430 Product Info Kit, CATS CD. You will be expected to understand the information covered in these materials, as well as complete the training guide's make and model questions prior to beginning transition training. If these are not completed, you can expect additional ground instruction required to bring you to the required level of preparedness.

Below is an outline of the Cirrus Course

Lesson 1:	This ground lesson will cover the following: • A review of the training guide will ensure that the Cirrus Pilot has an understanding of the POH. • Stall theory • Introduction to aeronautical decision making (ADM) and development of personal minimums. • Introduction to the advanced cockpit of the Cirrus and CAPS training. During this lesson the student must either correctly answer 70% of the training guide questions or complete a written quiz covering materials from the POH achieving at least a 70% score

Lesson 2:	Aircraft/FTD lesson 2 is an introduction to the Cirrus aircraft covering: • Intro to scenario based training • Preflight procedures • Cockpit orientation • Taxi procedures • Cruise procedure (Leaning) • Automation Management • Autopilot operations • Shutdown procedures

Lesson 3:	The pilot will focus on operational characteristics in the Cirrus aircraft, and complete maneuvers such as steep turns, slow flight, stalls, and a variety of landings.

Lesson 4:	The pilot will correlate systems and system malfunctions in a scenario based format through a PowerPoint presentation. These scenarios will be based on a VFR or IFR rated pilot. Methods to reduce risk will also be introduced.

Lesson 5:	The pilot will be introduced to abnormal and emergency procedures in flight. He will also demonstrate automation competency in a Cirrus aircraft while conducting a cross country scenario. Autopilot operation and Garmin GNS 430 will be the major emphasis.

Lesson 6:	The pilot will review abnormal and emergency procedures and demonstrate flying the aircraft manually.

Lesson 7:	The pilot will fly a cross country flight and will review various abnormalities/emergencies while utilizing the autopilot and hand flying.

Lesson 8:	.This is the final evaluation flight that will take into account previously learned material, conducted on a planned cross country scenario

This aircraft is not difficult to fly, however the avionics require dedication to understanding their operation and limitations, which is best accomplished by studying the materials on the ground, then putting your understanding to work in the aircraft. Keep in mind that the most difficult piece of equipment to learn in Cirrus aircraft is the Garmin 430, and study accordingly.

To fly under instrument rules in our rental Cirrus, you must have a total of 25 hours in the aircraft, in additional to a type-specific instrument proficiency check. Normal IFR flight in a Cirrus is fairly simple, but it can be a handful to deal with abnormal situations such as unexpected holding patterns, ATC reroutes, and recognizing unsafe conditions. We incorporate simulation technology to best prepare Cirrus pilots for this type of flight.