First Turbojet Ratings Issued by Embry-Riddle

Thomas J. Aude and Wade Wallace, graduates of the groundbreaking Commercial Airline Pilot Training (CAPT) Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach (FL) have become the first graduates of the program to earn their Boeing MD-90 EFD captain's type rating.

Aude, of Shawnee (KS), and Wallace, of Bristol (TN), each flew virtually flawlessly during their 4 1/2 hour FAA-administered check rides. Furthermore, because it was their first type rating, they performed the complete sequence of procedures and maneuvers required by the FAA's Practical Test Standards. It is the first time Embry-Riddle has issued type ratings for a transport turbojet.

"This is a watershed event for Embry-Riddle and aviation training in general," said Gary Morrison, manager of the Boeing MD-90 EFD training program. "Mr. Aude and Mr. Wallace demonstrated that 500-hour pilots, when trained in a specialized program like the CAPT Program, are capable of the same command and judgment necessary for the airline transport pilot certificate that pilots with many more hours have."

Only cadets who exceed airline-screening standards are accepted into the industry-leading CAPT Program. Once enrolled, cadets spend 12 months learning the specific roles of an airline pilot. All training is conducted in an airline environment with a captain and first officer. At graduation, cadets earn their captain's type rating in the Boeing MD-90 EFD transport airliner, demonstrating to the airlines that they are capable of commanding a modern jet aircraft with a fully computerized cockpit.

At a time when flight instructor experience is less relevant to the role of a newly hired jet pilot, the CAPT Program is creating the type of specially trained pilots that the airlines now seek.

FMI: www.erau.edu