I think that the notion that a waiver enables the bearer to be completely safe and competent with no further training is foolhardy.

I'm very lucky to be in an area where there are several Rep's and TCD's to learn from. I would much rather get my waiver on a propjet and get 15 to 20 flights (or however many) with my turbine on a buddy box than get my waiver and be on my own with my turbine and DF's.

I really think that the TCD's can be a huge factor in making evryone much more safe, especially in the area of continuing education. This is not withstanding the flawed waiver process. I am thinking that getting my waiver will allow me to get some very basic experience with speed, higher wing loading and complexity and allow me to get some real turbine training with a buddy box. I guess what I am trying to say is even though some (most) people have some issues with the whole waiver process, it did something that can be quite a boon to this facet of the hobby....it created the Turbine Contest Director. I'm gonna bug the hell out of mine until he teaches me everything!

Bob Convery