Pilots Too Slow For Next-Gen Planes?

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Or Maybe It’s The Training…

A recent “General Aviation Technically Advanced Aircraft FAA-Industry Study” says, “The traditional GA training system has inadequate methods, [and] does not specifically include training to exploit the additional safety opportunities of new technologies” found in so-called Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). According to the study team, made up of FAA, industry, insurance and safety group representatives, many pilots flying these Technically Advanced Aircraft could use some upgrading. The study focused on 11 accidents involving Cirrus 20 and 22 aircraft over the past three years. Cirrus was chosen because it has the largest fleet of new-generation TAAs (an upgraded older aircraft can also be termed a TAA). There’s been a lot of speculation in the aviation press that putting relatively inexperienced pilots in the left seat of fast, capable, comfortable, long-range aircraft might be inviting disaster. The study seems to agree and says the bottom line is more training (read, expense) and an attitude shift are necessary to “exploit the opportunities and operate within the limitations inherent in their TAA systems.”

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