For initial or re-current ground and flight training in your Piper PA 46 Malibu, Malibu Mirage, M350 or Matrix, American Air has one of the most comprehensive programs in the nation. You will receive thorough, in-depth training from a highly-experienced instructor on the latest procedures and techniques. Our training programs are not designed for the pilot who wants a quick brush-over, but rather for the pilot who demands the highest level of safety in knowledge and skill and who wants to feel comfortable and confident with the airplane. You will be trained and tested to a much higher level of safety and competency than the industry norm. You may take all of your ground training one-on-one at your own pace with a program custom-tailored to you personally. All ground and flight instruction is given by Steve Shaner, an aviation veteran with over 54 years as a pilot, over 48 years as a full-time instructor and 32 years as a former FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner for all pilot grades up through Airline Transport Pilot. Steve is type-rated in the Cessna Citation Jet. Steve completed Piper factory PA 46 instructor training in 1984. He is an active member in the Malibu M-Class Owners and Pilot’s Association (MMOPA). All training is conducted out of our training center at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK) in Atlanta, GA.
The ground school includes a thorough, practical analysis of the PA 46 systems, normal/abnormal and emergency procedures, avionics/autopilot operation, trip planning, performance and weight & balance computations, aeronautical decision-making (ADM), single pilot resource management (SRM), weather evaluation (low and high altitude), high altitude flight considerations, aeromedical, risk mitigation, risk assessment, the latest maintenance concerns, IFR procedures review, PA 46 accident analysis and much more.
The flight training program includes detailed training and practice in all phases of flight on normal, abnormal and emergency procedures. IFR procedures training and practice is also included. An exceptionally detailed preflight inspection is covered on the first flight and is evaluated on each succeeding flight. You will learn about checking several key items that aren’t covered in the POH.
The owner/pilot must be current and proficient in high-performance and complex airplanes for both VFR and IFR operations before enrolling in this course. The insurance carrier for the owner must name Steve Shaner as additionally insured on the owner policy. The owner/pilot will act as pilot in command on all of the flights. The airplane must have all pertinent maintenance inspections and equipment checks current and be in good airworthy condition. Maintenance records on the aircraft must be presented to Steve Shaner at the beginning of the course.
Three PA 46 training courses are offered at AAFT. Additional ongoing proficiency training is also available on an hourly basis.
PA 46 Initial Pilot Transition Course
This 5 day course includes up to 17 hours of ground school, 10 hours of flight training, 7 hours of pre and post flight briefing and 3 hours of cockpit ground training in your airplane with EPU power plugged in to give you complete familiarity with your panel and equipment. You will be provided with our course book (a 2.5″ thick binder full of helpful study materials and references), which is custom-tailored to your airplane and equipment. The cost for 1 pilot is $8,325.00. If 2 pilots attend together, the cost is $7,900.00 per pilot. ( for 2 pilots, the second pilot will need 3 more days to complete the flight portion).
PA 46 Initial Pilot Transition Course Plus Transition from Analog to Glass Cockpit
This 6 day course is for Pilots who are not familiar with glass cockpit, but who are transitioning to a PA 46 with a glass cockpit. The course includes up to 20 hours of ground school, 10 hours of flight training, in your airplane, 7 hours of preflight and post flight briefing and 3 hours of cockpit ground training in your airplane with EPU power plugged in to give you complete familiarity with your equipment and glass cockpit. You will be provided with our course book (2.5″ thick binder full of helpful study materials and references), which is custom-tailored to your airplane and equipment. The cost for 1 pilot is $9,000.00. If 2 pilots attend together, the cost is $8,600.00 per pilot. (for 2 pilots, the second pilot will need 3 more days to complete the flight portion).
PA 46 Recurrent Pilot Course
This 2 day course is for PA 46 pilots who are experienced and current in the PA 46 and who are taking an annual recurrency course as mandated by their insurance company. The course includes up to 4 hours of ground school, 3.5 hours of flight training and 2 hours of preflight and post flight briefing. Our PA 46 course book is provided to those who have not previously received it and it is custom – tailored to your equipment. The cost for 1 pilot is $2,250.00. If 2 pilots attend together, the cost is $2,150.00 per pilot.
If additional ground or flight training hours are needed, instructor time will be charged at $225/hour.