EMERALD CLUB
A pilot is invited by AFTII to join the Emerald Club if they have accomplished at least one recurrent course with this company within the past 13 months and have also flown the airplane at least 100 hours in the past 13 months. These individuals will have shown a high level of knowledge of the airplane; regulations and instrument approach procedures and have demonstrated a high level of skill and judgment in flying the airplane.
Members in the Emerald Club may request a one day recurrent course and will be expected to complete the workbook prior to attending the course.
High Level of Skill = Is consistent in correcting for crosswinds properly during takeoffs and landings, is able to land at or within 100 ft of desired touchdown point consistently and gently lower the nose to the runway with the nose wheel straight. Maintains desired altitude within 100’ consistently, airspeed within 10 knots during maneuvers and in the traffic pattern and during instrument approaches and missed approaches. Knows proper power settings for reference airspeed with the aircraft in specific configurations. Anticipates how the aircraft will respond when power, pitch or configuration changes are made.
During instrument approaches, has good situational awareness, is at the proper altitude, airspeed and heading and knows what he’ll be doing 5 miles ahead of where he is now. He knows the rate of descent required to descend or climb to next waypoint by the desired altitude. Can identify the missed approach point and arrive at the MDA, +75’ or -0’ on a NPA at least 1 mile prior to the runway threshold. Does not descend from current minimum allowed altitude until established on the next segment’s leg.
During a circle to land, maintains circling MDA, keeps the runway in sight and does not begin a descent to the runway unless within the minimum visibility distance to the runway, has the runway in sight and is within 30º of the extended centerline.
Properly corrects for crosswind effect during landings, using the rudder to align the aircraft with the centerline, using the ailerons to maintain the aircraft position on the centerline in the flare and throughout the touchdown. This pilot is also able to straighten the nosewheel with the track of the aircraft prior to nose wheel contacting the runway. After touchdown, rolls the control yoke toward the direction the wind is blowing from and maintains directional control with the rudder nose wheel steering and/or brakes.
If this description represents your level of skill – welcome aboard the Emerald Club! If you are not yet able to attain to this level but desire to, please schedule an initial or recurrent training course with AFTII.