Each time you step onto a PlaneSense, Inc. aircraft, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you have two of the most highly trained pilots in the cockpit to guide you safely and comfortably to your destination. PlaneSense® pilots are recognized in the industry for their extensive training and customer service excellence. During training, candidates not only learn how to be better pilots, but also how to be great representatives and ambassadors of PlaneSense, Inc. The world class service for which the PlaneSense® program has become known is expected at every level of the company, including the pilots of your aircraft.
Candidates are thoroughly vetted before being invited to participate in one of PlaneSense, Inc.’s ground school classes. Each pilot must have a valid pilot license with substantial hours of flight time and experience prior to being considered for the PlaneSense® program. During the three and a half week ground school, candidates learn about operation of the PC-12 turboprop with detailed focus on aircraft systems, emergency training, owner service, crew resource management, and company procedures. It’s important to note that PlaneSense® instructor pilots lead the ground school program. Their intimate knowledge of the programs, aircraft, and company procedures are an invaluable resource to the development of exceptional pilots that may not be gained through an outside resource.
PlaneSense® ground school is followed with instruction in the PlaneSense simulation training device, which resides at the company headquarters in Portsmouth, NH. This state-of-the-art simulator was built exclusively for PlaneSense and provides a very realistic environment for pilots to train on operation of the PC-12 aircraft, depicting the exact cockpit they’ll find when flying the PlaneSense® fleet. Afterward, the candidates then participate in a week of full motion simulator training at FlightSafety International in Dallas, TX. Here, PlaneSense pilot candidates train on more complex scenarios, which involve weather and emergency situations. The final step of training at FlightSafety is a check ride to prove their skill level and exceptional proficiency in safe operation of the aircraft.
Finally, candidates begin a month of training with PlaneSense instructor pilots. During this time, they fly alongside the instructor pilots and apply all they’ve learned during their extensive training. If they continue to demonstrate proficiency in aircraft operation and provide exceptional customer service, they are considered fully qualified and enter the pilot ranks.
But training doesn’t stop there. Each year, every PlaneSense® pilot must complete “recurrence training.” Pilots review real world scenarios, spend time in the simulator, and prove proficiency with another check ride. First Officers being promoted to Captain undergo a new round of training, as do pilots moving into the jet program.
PlaneSense, Inc. is proud to place such important focus on pilot training as part of our commitment to providing the highest level of safety and service to fractional owners.