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jrh · August 22nd, 2007, 13:46

A little follow up...I did the BFR/IPC last night and everything went well.

The pilot in question is very experienced. Former USAF pilot, been flying since 1977, was on track to become an astronaut before the Challenger explosion in the mid-80s, current CFI/MEI, went through FlightSafety's Baron course, flies his Baron weekly for both business and pleasure, also owns a Pitts that he flies and teaches aerobatics in regularly....he was a pleasure to fly with in general.

I held him to high standards and he easily exceeded all of them without any prompting. And it wasn't a short, easy little flight, either. We did stalls, a Vmc demo, drag demo, single engine ILS, single engine landing, partial panel ILS, VOR hold, GPS autopilot coupled approach, and much more...1.7 hours total. So yes, although I wasn't familiar with Baron operations, I can definitely say he demonstrated competency in every area I asked of him. He would have passed a commercial or instrument checkride without a doubt.

Had he been a low time private pilot looking for a BFR I would have been much more hesitant to agree to give the BFR.

When I first posted my question I was looking for tips more along the lines of Baron-specific problem spots that pilots can get in to. Particular scenarios where they might face a Vmc rollover in a Baron when they wouldn't in another type of twin, or something like that. I just wanted to tailor the check to his Baron as much as I could without having ever actually flown one. But thanks anyway.

August 22nd, 2007, 13:46	#12
jrh Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,289	Re: Baron 58 BFR/IPC tips A little follow up...I did the BFR/IPC last night and everything went well. The pilot in question is very experienced. Former USAF pilot, been flying since 1977, was on track to become an astronaut before the Challenger explosion in the mid-80s, current CFI/MEI, went through FlightSafety's Baron course, flies his Baron weekly for both business and pleasure, also owns a Pitts that he flies and teaches aerobatics in regularly....he was a pleasure to fly with in general. I held him to high standards and he easily exceeded all of them without any prompting. And it wasn't a short, easy little flight, either. We did stalls, a Vmc demo, drag demo, single engine ILS, single engine landing, partial panel ILS, VOR hold, GPS autopilot coupled approach, and much more...1.7 hours total. So yes, although I wasn't familiar with Baron operations, I can definitely say he demonstrated competency in every area I asked of him. He would have passed a commercial or instrument checkride without a doubt. Had he been a low time private pilot looking for a BFR I would have been much more hesitant to agree to give the BFR. When I first posted my question I was looking for tips more along the lines of Baron-specific problem spots that pilots can get in to. Particular scenarios where they might face a Vmc rollover in a Baron when they wouldn't in another type of twin, or something like that. I just wanted to tailor the check to his Baron as much as I could without having ever actually flown one. But thanks anyway.