Testimonials
The selection of a mentor pilot is probably the single most important decision made when planning for, and taking delivery of an Eclipse 500. Often, this choice is arbitrary and based upon a “list” provided by ECA with no personality description to be of help. It is, however, a fact that it is with this special person each pilot will bond and grow to depend upon, to make the successful transition from one’s present status and aviation background to the typed operator of a very unique jet airplane. It goes far beyond just learning to “fly” a jet. The process is one of evolution that requires patience and commitment with unyielding dedication on the part of both pilot and mentor to assure success. After all, the ultimate goal is to develop that special skill and mind set that will allow one to evolve into a safe, proficient and procedure-oriented “single-pilot jet pilot. You will quickly learn that the EA500 is a very challenging, yet wonderful plane to fly, but one that is definitely unlike any other.
My experience in becoming type-rated, along with that of my son, has been both unique as well as “the best” flight training of my life. I have never met, relied on, or have been as comfortable with a teacher and mentor as I have been in my association with Steve Cirino and his Rocky Mountain Sport Jets staff. Their support and influence on my perception and understanding of the concepts of flying a jet, and their help in developing the requisite skills, provided an exceptional and seamless preparation for the comprehensive type rating program at Eclipse (in Albuquerque). There is no parallel in any other training regimen. To put things into perspective, no other aircraft initial program requires the intense evaluation, preparation and training that flying the Eclipse demands – no matter what or how many other aircraft you have flown. Only when you have completed the entire program and have been “signed off”, will you fully understand your accomplishment and be able to appreciate the level of competence you have achieved. Owning the aircraft is the easiest part. The type-rating is the toughest in the business, and the achievement will only be understood and appreciated by the EA500 rated pilot.
The unique experience and coaching ability that Steve brings to the mentor/student relationship is an amazing value. He is extremely affable and easily engages you in his theory and approach to learning about and understanding the EA500. He listens well, and quickly develops an appreciation for your background and thought process that has lead to your interest in, and eventual ownership of, this VLJ. You easily develop confidence in the concept that he knows what you will need to accomplish, and how hard you will have to apply yourself to learn to safely and competently fly this jet. His standards are very high, and you understand that he will encourage you to work to achieve these standards, Your measure of success will be his single-pilot PIC write-off.
Steve exudes confidence, encouragement and patience while he carefully assesses your skills and understanding as you prepare for type-training (if you decide to train ahead of the ABQ type training) or during your requisite post-training mentoring. Should the desired progress not be made, or the ability to safely fly your aircraft comes into question, Steve will make that very sensitive determination at the appropriate time and develop a remedial plan to assure progress and ultimate success. With Steve’s help, for what ever time deemed necessary, you will be adequately prepared to make the giant step to PIC in an EC500. Once engaged, Steve will always be there.
Steve Cirino and his RMSJ crew provide the best in dependability, service and support of the new and transitioning EC500 pilot. This process is not only obligatory, but very necessary, to bring the greatest value to this comprehensive, challenging, expensive and time-consuming phase in Eclipse ownership and operation. They also provide excellent options for those EC500 operators in need of professional management support. He will never let you down. His innovative efforts to support the EC500 have brought recognition from ECA Technical Support staff. I have never met a person who is as capable of bringing out the “best” in everyone as Steve Cirino. There is probably no other Eclipse operator with more experience and intuitive understanding of the operation of this new and evolving technology. Over one’s aviation career they will come in contact with many “great” pilots. To find that “great” pilot that can also teach is the unique challenge in selecting a mentor. Steve Cirino is that person – he is “your man” – make no mistake about it!
Richard Mertz MD
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