My Experience at White Air

[getrad]

I went down and completed my multi-engine commercial(initial) at White Air and figured some of the folks here on JC would appreciate a first hand account of what the guys in Chanute are all about. So here it goes:

Instruction: I would have to say that they have one of the hardest working flight instructors around. I came to White Air in a perhaps “unique” situation and they worked with me from day one to create a training program specific to what I needed to accomplish. Before I arrived in Kansas they sent me some study material specific to the aircraft I would be training in. I found their “Twin Comanche Study Guide” extremely valuable because I was able to familiarize myself with the aircraft and the commercial maneuvers (and procedures specific to the twin) before I even got in the airplane.

Aircraft: The Twin Comanche is a blast to fly. I was concerned at first about the “non standard” arrangement of instruments for the hood portion of the Practical but I honestly didn’t notice any difference. It is a clean airplane and as far as I could tell the Mx is excellent (the few squaks I had were remedied almost immediately). This article is a great source of practical info (especially the “Undeserved Bad Reputation” paragraph) http://www.fergworld.com/articles/article_twin_comanche.php Their TwinCo also has the Robinson STOL kit which is pretty cool and drops Vmc down to 80mph as well.

Price: They are very reasonably priced. In all honesty that is why I first looked into training at White Air.

Lodging: They have a bunch of single rooms with shared Bathroom and a Kitchen, built into a Hangar. If you are expecting 5 star accommodations you would be disappointed. But hey, you’re there to fly and they aren’t exactly expensive. I thought it was neat that you literally walk out of your room, onto the ramp and go fly.

Chanute, KS: It is about what you would expect for a small town in Kansas. I found everyone I met to be very friendly. One of the local pilots even let Rob and I take his brand new 496 for a few days on my X-countries.

Well back to the books for my MEI. If anyone out there has questions about the training at White Air, feel free to ask.

[desertdog71]

It was good having you here, I will see you again next week I am sure. Just don't be too impressive on that MEI ride Pal. I have to follow you remember.