Cessna Conquest 425 & 441 Turboprop Training

Fellow Twin Cessna Pilots,

I just returned from Cessna 414A recurrent training at AST in Burnet, Texas. I am pleased to be able to confirm the countless positive comments that I had heard and read prior to attending. The atmosphere was casual with a professional aircraft systems presentation by the incredibly knowledgeable lead instructor Rick McGuire. The instruction was scenario based with an emphasis on the most common problem areas and “gotchas” associated with these complex aircraft. Chuck and Steve handled the simulator training and provided a relaxed, non- intimidating learning environment with a heavy emphasis on engine loss at low altitude. The AST 4-step approach to handling an engine failure at low altitude emphasizes aircraft control and rapid drag reduction that these aircraft require to keep flying. These procedures will, and have, quite literally save lives.

Jessica provided my flight-check and I could not have been more impressed with her knowledge, patience, and encouraging demeanor.

I have flown for over 50 years with the majority of that time in an airline career including 20 years as a check airman. Over that period I received and administered a great deal of training and checking. I can comfortably state that the two days of training that I received at AST was some of the most useful, pertinent, and enjoyable I’ve ever experienced.

Additionally, AST made provisions for my non-current, pilot wife to receive some simulator instruction that left her not only thrilled with the experience, but confident in her ability to fly, and land our aircraft.

Thank you AST for a sharpening, confidence building experience that all light twin pilots should receive. I look forward to next year.

My grandfather had a motto, “FIND A NEED AND FILL IT”.

Rick McGuire has accomplished that with AST. He found There was a significant need for good full motion simulator training in sims that “really work” with excellent instructors.

I have been to flight Safety four times, SimCom 10 times with various other programs in between.

I have been flying for 59 years, Twin Cessna’s for 50 years. I owned a 340 before my 421C that I have been flying since 2005.

If you are a Twin Cessna pilot that might be concerned about your flying skills then I would encourage you to go see Rick’s excellent instructors at AST and get some sim training. If you have just purchased a Twin Cessna then you should absolutely go to AST and fly their Sims.

Rick has used his “extensive knowledge” of instructing in and maintaining these planes to hire great Sim instructors. They have a different technique for handling engine outs that really works and provides an extra margin of safety.

If AST was closer to home I would go every 3 months just to fly their great sims. Rick and Staci McGuire have created an excellent training facility for Twin Cessna flyers.

My favorite AST employee is Jake, you will have to go there to find out who he is.

I just spent two days training with AST and I must say it was the best two day SIM course I have ever taken comparing to both SIMCOM and Flight Safety. I fly a Piper Navajo with similar characteristics of the twin Cessna and the characteristics of the Precision AATD simulator was amazing. One scenario that was a game changer was the the take off of a high elevation airport with a high density altitude. Losing an engine after takeoff at gross weight really gets your attention. Chuck was able to assist in making the correct decisions. We practiced this scenario several times.

I could not believe when they threw a bird strike at me. Extremely realistic.

If you are interested in safety then I highly recommend AST. They will show you some short cuts what will make you a much better pilot.