IT'S TIME TO MATRICULATE AT THE
TWIN COMMANDER UNIVERSITY
In a few short weeks the 2011 Twin Commander University gets underway. The University is by far the most important event on our calendar involving the people and companies that operate Twin Commanders, and there is a one-word reason why that is the case: education.
From the first such gathering nearly two decades ago�this will be the tenth University�the primary emphasis has been on learning, on educating ourselves about how best to fly our airplanes, how to care for them properly, and options for upgrading them with the latest bells and whistles. We're learning something about each other at the Universities as well. For example, owners want to know who the people are at the factory and the authorized service centers that are responsible for supporting the airplanes in the fleet. And from the factory and service center perspective, what do owners and operators want in terms of service, parts, upgrades, and training?
It is very important for us at Twin Commander Aircraft to get together with you so that we understand the needs of the end customer and maintain our focus on who and what we are working for, and the University is the ideal venue to do that.
That emphasis on education, on learning, on face-to-face interaction between owners, operators, and the people and companies that support you, is why it's called the University.
What else could you call three days of seminars on such topics as understanding your airborne weather radar system, Beta versus Prop Governor modes and Prop Shaft Decoupling on TPE331 engines, proper interpretation of Nexrad images, and how to fly a WAAS non-precision approach. These are just some of the hands-on flying topics that will be covered at the upcoming University.
Owners of piston-powered Commanders will find plenty to chew on as well, including sessions on Garmin tips and tricks, using Nexrad weather radar, and an engine session featuring a representative from Textron Lycoming.
It's not all about flying airplanes and operating engines, however. We'll also be talking about practical matters including insurance for Twin Commander owners, and tax issues. We'll have a panel of factory and service center representatives analyzing the present state of affairs and prognosticating about the future, including conditions in the aviation market.
Educating ourselves better about Twin Commanders is not just an inherently good idea; it has financial implications as well. Our insurance advisers tell us that underwriters look favorably on owners who attend the Twin Commander University. This, along with other factors such as having an authorized service center maintain the airplane, can make the difference between obtaining the most comprehensive insurance coverage at the best possible price, or something less.
One measure of the value of the University that I take seriously is the number of owners and operators who are repeat attendees, who come to their first University, and based on their experience make a commitment to attend the next one wherever it is held. The fact that we see many of the same faces at every new University is, in my mind, pretty solid evidence that you find the event worthwhile.
I also find it compelling that a number of people who are contemplating the purchase of a Twin Commander come to a University to learn more about the airplane and the people and companies that support it, and most go on to purchase one. That, too, speaks highly of the important education role the Twin Commander University fulfills.
Like the traditional university experience, our version has a social side as well. From the Welcome Reception to the gala dinner planned at the exotic Ngala Private Reserve--�The Place of the Lion�--there will be lots of relaxing opportunities to get to know your fellow Twin Commander owners.
So, just like you told your kids when they were juniors and seniors in high school, it's time to get serious about higher education. It's time to matriculate at the Twin Commander University.
See you in class!
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