Hey NdrFrSpeed,

You're right to go for someone with plenty turbine stick time if at all possible. Right now that aint me ... I have 20+ years of all-round stick time, but am I'm really low time on the turbine just now - but working hard on it !

I took on the TCD job for now simply because no-one else in the area can do sign-offs, thanks to the requirement that to be on this list you must be a CD - and some of the very best turbine pilots aren't (yet!). There was a geographical hole that needed to be filled at least for the short term, and I just happened to be available, experienced as a CD, and holding a piece of paper that says I know how to run a turbine.

I agree with Johnny about Tony ... and pretty soon local hotshot Chris Huhn may become a CD too, and be able to do TCD sign offs. Guys like these are *much* more qualified than I will ever be, so if you're going to make a trip all the way from AK, you'd be best to call them rather than me. I'll be more than happy to help out too if you wish, but I want to be absolutely clear that I am not a turbine expert by any stretch of the imagination.

Later,
Gordon