Jet Transition Training

By Kyle Garrett

The majority of jet transition training occurs in flight simulators at many type rating training operations and at larger flight training academies who either own simulators or contract out simulator services. Some turbine transition courses for helicopters and turboprop aircraft include time in the actual aircraft. In all cases, jet transition courses are designed to get transitioning pilots checked out and proficient in jet and turbine powered aircraft and to satisfy employer and insurance company requirements. Learn about turbine transition training.

Turbine Engines Are Less Forgiving than Piston Engines

One of the primary reasons for specialized training in turbine aircraft is that turbine engines are much less forgiving of mishandling than piston engines. Turbine engines are more difficult to manage on engine start, easier to over-torque, and must be shut down properly to prevent overheating damage. Turbine pilots must manage engine temperatures, fuel flows, and pressures much more carefully than their piston engine counterparts.

Helicopter Turbine Transition Courses

Typical helicopter turbine transition courses include 10 hours of flight time and 10 hours of ground instruction (although more time may be needed to meet insurance requirements for owners) from experienced certified flight instructors. More advanced courses for commercial pilots include more than 30 hours of flight time in a commercial helicopter operation environment.