VLJ Training Research
Courtesy Jetwhine.com
Ensuring the Safety of Very Light Jet (VLJ) Operations
Activities of the International VLJ Training Stakeholders’ Discussion Group
This discussion group began in December 2006 with a simple white paper (“Achieving VLJ Training Standardization”) that was circulated to a few aviation professionals. This simple conversation between people interested in aviation safety grew into an on-line discussion that included more than 300 aviation professionals representing VLJ training stakeholders from around the world. Their comments made it possible to identify and discuss significant global concerns regarding very light jet (VLJ) pilot training. And, it generated more than 300 pages of discussion summaries that identify key stakeholder concerns relating to VLJ pilot training with the ultimate goal of helping to improve VLJ operational safety (see links below).
As this discussion approached its third anniversary in December 2009, one of our original group members made the following observation:
We have made people aware of the challenges posed by a low time pilot moving into jet operations. Primarily, the target for that message was the manufacturer of those jets. I think we’ve done that. All the current manufacturers have taken some responsibility for their training programs, not just passed it off to a third party. On a broader scale, the pilot community in general is also more aware, thanks to the publicity generated by our committee and others. There has been much written in the trade magazines, by the organizations that represent manufacturers, owners and pilots, and training companies. We can be proud of what our group has achieved. If the group dissolved now, that would not diminish its contribution.
Therefore, it was decided to end this discussion in December 2009.
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Obviously, the issue of VLJ pilot training best practices remains a concern for international aviation professionals. Many of whom now feel that this discussion should be broadened to include all Light Turbine Airplanes (LTA). Perhaps a new discussion group or even an international working group should be formed. That’s entirely up to you. We know that our efforts regarding VLJ pilot training have been meaningful to many over the past three years. The future is in your hands.
DISCUSSION SUMMARIES AND PAPERS
The following papers are currently available. If you would like a copy, simply click on the link. For more information, please contact Robert Barnes (RBarnesAZ@att.net).
Final Paper: “Simulation and Training Strategies for Tomorrow: The Cost-Effective Application of Flight Training Devices in Non-Airline Pilot Training,” Royal Aeronautical Society, London, September 2009.
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“Achieving VLJ Training Standardization,” 4 December 2006 — a white paper with appendices representing the initial work of the International VLJ Training Stakeholders’ Discussion Group (83 pages).
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“Ensuring VLJ Operational Safety: Learning to Ask the Right Questions,” SAE Technical Paper Series 2008-01-2239, SAE Wichita Aviation Technology Congress & Exhibition, Wichita, KS, 19-21 August 2008.
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“Developing & Maintaining Pilot Competence: The Use of Simulation in Very Light Jet (VLJ) Training,” WATS 2009, Orlando, FL, April 2009.
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“Cost-Effective Very Light Jet Training Practices for Developing and Maintaining Pilot Competence: Use of Simulation (Rev 3.0),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders Discussion Group, 25 March 2009.
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“The VLJ Training Experience to Date: Failures and Successes,”Royal Aeronautical Society, London, March 2009.
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“On-demand Jet Travel for All: Embracing the VLJ Revolution,” Journal of Civil Aviation Training (CAT 6-08), Halldale Media, 8 December 2008.
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“Cost-Effective Very Light Jet Training Practices for Developing and Maintaining Pilot Competence: Hypoxia, Simulation, and Upset Training (Rev 4.0),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders Discussion Group, 30 November 2008.
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“Cost-Effective Very Light Jet Training Practices for Developing and Maintaining Pilot Competence (Rev 2.0),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders Discussion Group, 30 November 2008.
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“Emerging Very Light Jet (VLJ) Mentoring Practices (Rev 5.0),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders Discussion Group, 13 June 2008.
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“Very Light Jet (VLJ) Single-Pilot Air Taxi Discussion (Rev 2.0),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders Discussion Group, 15 April 2008.
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“Ensuring the Safety of Very Light Jet Operations: Is mentoring the solution for developing VLJ pilot competence?” WATS 2008, Orlando, FL, April 2008.
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“Ensuring the Safety of Very Light Jet Operations: The VLJ Training Safety Audit Checklist,” WATS 2008, Orlando, FL, April 2008.
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“Very Light Jet (VLJ) Training Issues Workshop,” WATS 2008, Orlando, FL, April 2008.
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“Very Light Jet Aircraft Certification and Training Best Practices,” Royal Aeronautical Society, London, March 2008.
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“VLJ Training Stakeholder Perceptions (On-Line Survey 2008-01),” International VLJ Training Stakeholders’ Discussion Group, February 2008.
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“The Global Need for Very Light Jet (VLJ) Training Best Practices,” EATS 2007, Berlin, October 2007
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“Achieving Very Light Jet (VLJ) Training Standardization—a progress report,” WATS 2007, Orlando, May 2007.
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