FlyRight, a Part 142 training center in Charlotte, N.C., is offering free landing currency and flight review programs to professional pilots during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“FlyRight was looking for a way to give back in this time,” said Andy Bauer, VP of sales and marketing.
“We know that people from all over this country are being affected, especially the aviation industry,” added Lauren Cravotta, sales representative. “As a company, we try to look at things differently and think outside of the box. We’re trying to do our part to reach out and help those who need it.”
The pair note that while the FAA has relaxed certain regulations for pilots, that may not be enough to allow many to launch into the skies when travel restrictions are lifted and it’s time to fly again.
The half-day FAA-approved program is accomplished in a multi-engine or single engine Level-C or D full flight simulator at the company’s training center at Concord Regional Airport (KJQF), just outside Charlotte.
The free review, which is offered through May 15, 2020, is open to all professional pilots, whether they are customers of FlyRight or not, according to Bauer.
“This is for the pilot who makes a living flying airplanes,” Bauer emphasized. “Rather than them having to incur an additional expense, we’ve put this out there to help them.”
“If pilots are sitting on the sidelines for 45 days or 60 days, they’re not current. They don’t need a full recurrent, but they need the currency in order to carry somebody on the airplane.”
FlyRight officials note that many of their customers are pilots who fly for military contractors. If they are not current, they will not be able to do their jobs once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
“We also wanted to extend this to pilots who may be flying to do relief for what’s happening with COVID-19,” he continued. “There may be pilots who are flying air ambulances or food supplies and maybe they’re not able to get night landing currency because of some of the restrictions or where they’re flying.”
“The other thing is we have sim availability because a lot of our clients are international clients who cannot travel here right now,” Bauer added.
In business since 2003, FlyRight boasts a number of simulators, including a Level-D Caravan 208 (Classic and G1000), Level-D King Air 200/350 G1000, Level-C King Air B200 (Classic), Level-D King Air 350 Pro Line 21, and Level-C Dash 8 (100/300).
But the free program is open to all professional pilots who fly a multi-engine or single engine turbine aircraft, Bauer said.
“A pilot who flies a Gulfstream and is sitting at the house because their company parked the airplane can come and use our King Air simulator because it’s a multi-engine,” he said.
He explained that training isn’t by makes and models, but by category and class.
“It’s not just for King Air, Caravan or Dash operators,” he said. “It applies to any professional pilots who fly single engine or multi-engine turbine.”
Pilots who want to take advantage of the free offer must have a minimum of 50 hours PIC in the previous 12 months in turbine-powered aircraft.
To schedule a free landing currency or Flight Review Program, call 800-596-3054 or email sales@flyrightinc.com.
