TWIN COMMANDER UNIVERSITY TO MARK
TENTH BIENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Nine times over the last two decades, Twin Commander owners and operators have gathered to talk about the one subject that is always top-of-mind among that distinguished crowd: Twin Commanders.
Buying them and selling them. Flying them. Servicing them, and upgrading them: And so it will be again April 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs on Southwest Florida�s Gulf of Mexico coast. For that is when and where the tenth such biennial gathering takes place. That's right�it's time for the Twin Commander University.
The 2011 University �will follow the tradition that was established at the outset�to enhance the ownership experience by bringing owners and operators together with representatives from authorized service centers, Twin Commander Aircraft LLC, and FlightSafety International and our other partner product and service providers,� said Twin Commander Aircraft President Matt Isley. �We�ll be talking about best practices in terms of flying Commanders, maintaining them, and upgrading them.�
The theme of the 2011 University is �Above All,� a reference both to the preeminent status of Twin Commanders among twin turboprops, and also to the importance attached to the University by those who have attended Universities over the years.
The Tenth University weekend formally begins Thursday, April 28 with two events. Erik Eliel of Radar Training International will present his highly regarded airborne weather radar seminar. This will be the third University appearance for Eliel, whose comprehensive program covers the tactics, techniques, and limitations of using airborne weather radar. Eliel has expanded the program to cover such critical topics as human factors and properly integrating Nexrad weather technology into your overall weather avoidance strategy.
The traditional University golf outing also takes place on Thursday, at the Raptor Bay Golf Club adjacent to the Hyatt resort. The University Welcome Reception will be held Thursday evening on the deck flanking the resort�s 2,700-square-foot waterfall pool.
The University seminar sessions get underway first thing Friday morning with a presentation on the latest engineering initiatives underway at Twin Commander Aircraft. A number of projects are in development that will enhance Twin Commander�s competitive standing with regards to performance, reliability, and technology.
Other seminar seminar topics planned for the University:
- FlightSafety International instructors will discuss techniques for flying WAAS GPS approaches.
- FSI also will repeat the successful right-seater safety course it debuted at the 2009 University for Commander spouses and partners who sit up front with their pilots and want to know more about the basics of flying the aircraft and talking to air traffic control.
- Dr. David Strahle will present his insightful two-hour program on flying with Nexrad data-link weather in the cockpit.
- Lou Meiners returns to the University to review the latest rules regarding estate taxes.
- Helmuth Eggeling will delve into the intricacies of the TPE331 engine from the pilot�s perspective. Eggeling will focus on two little-understood engine operational issues�use of Beta verses prop governor modes, and propeller shaft decoupling. He also plans to have an extensive Q&A session with Commander operators in attendance.
- A panel of representatives from authorized Twin Commander service centers will discuss the state of the aviation market.
- For the adventure traveler, Thierry Pouille of Air Journey will talk about flying to exotic destinations in a Twin Commander.
A special evening is planned for Friday evening�a visit to the Ngala Private Reserve in Naples. Ngala, Swahili for �Place of the Lion,� promises a memorable dinner experience under grand safari tents filled with authentic African safari artifacts, and strolling among tropical gardens populated by magnificent, rare, and exotic creatures including giraffe, camel, zebra, leopard, chimpanzee, alligators, and a rare Florida Panther.
�The University has been to lots of interesting places over the years,� commented Isley, �but the combination of the Southwest Florida location, the Hyatt Regency venue, and the exotic Ngala dinner experience promises to make the upcoming tenth University the best yet.�
The University will soon be upon us, so now�s the time to register, both for the University and for your accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Register now and receive discounted Early Bird pricing�just $199. The Early Bird spouse or guest fee is just $149, which also represents a substantial savings over the normal fee. The University registration fee covers attendance at all seminars (except Erik Eliel�s airborne weather radar class, which is an additional $99) and social events including breakfast, lunches, and dinners.
To register for the University, go here To book your accommodations at the Hyatt Regency, go here. You also can call Hyatt reservations at 888-421-1442, or the resort directly at 239-444-1234, or go here for online booking. Be sure to mention that you will be attending the Twin Commander University to get the special University rate.
Flying your Twin Commander to the 2011 University? Flight plan KAPF, Naples Municipal Airport, for the destination, and plan on parking at Naples Jet Center, an authorized Twin Commander service center and the host service center for the University.
You�ll be warmly greeted, and transportation will be provided to the University hotel, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Or, if you prefer, rental cars will be available. Also, Naples Jet Center has arranged for Commander owners attending the University to receive a discount on fuel from the airport.
For more information contact Naples Jet Center at 239-649-7900 or visit their website at www.naplesjetcenter.com.
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