ATP provides D-Jet training

Airline Transport Professionals will provide initial and recurrent type rating flight training for the Diamond D-Jet, Diamond Aircraft has announced. Because the D-Jet is designed primarily for the owner/pilot market, the type rating training needs to be different than conventional business jet type training, said Diamond Aircraft President Peter Maurer. “ATP has a well-proven track record in transitioning piston pilots to jet aircraft,” he said, noting that ready access to instructors and safety pilots is very important.

In November 2006, ATP announced the purchase of 20 D-Jets, plus options for others, as well as five Diamond Simulation D-Jet flight training devices. ATP initially will offer D-Jet training at its centers in Atlanta, Dallas, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

“ATP chose the D-Jet because it will provide cost-effective actual jet experience to our U.S. and international career pilot training market,” said Derrick Dennis, ATP’s president. “By integrating the D-Jet into our career training programs, D-Jet buyers will gain access to a preestablished network of training centers, maintenance centers, dispatch capabilities, and ATP’s Pilot Network. This level of access will make the D-Jet even simpler and more convenient to own and fly.”

On October 5, Diamond flew the D-Jet for the first time with its new Williams FJ33-5A. “This is an important milestone for the D-Jet program as we will be using this and subsequent aircraft for actual certification flights,” Maurer said. D-Jet S/N 003, flown by Chief Test Pilot Daniel Ribeiro and Flight Test Engineer Gerard Struthers, performed a successful 1.4-hour flight and completed all intended test points.

YourJet, a startup air taxi company, has ordered six D-Jets to inaugurate jet air taxi operations within a 700-mile radius of Louisville, Kentucky. The company has options for additional aircraft.