Single Pilot Jet Safety Tips, with David Miller

By John Zimmerman
Sep 9, 2025
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Pilot's Discretion Podcast, episode 112

Flying a turbine airplane like a Citation Mustang requires a new approach to training and procedures. Longtime jet pilot and safety expert David Miller shares what he’s learned over 50+ years of flying, including how to fly stabilized approaches, preparing for simulator training, and the value of a lead passenger. David also offers advice on the insurance process and when to fly with a second pilot. In the Ready to Copy segment, David talks about the Sabreliner, the Special Olympics Airlift, and detailing clay for cars.

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Quotes:

How an accident made safety real: “When I saw the effects of bad decision-making, it made an indelible place in my memory.”
The Safe to Land mindset: “We will wait until 200 feet to make that go-around decision. And then at that point, there is no discussion. There is no thinking. There is no rationality. It is an automatic go-around.”
Flying with an instructor before sim training: “We have had a number of members who bought their first jet and then hired a professional pilot, flew in the right or left seat, got instruction for maybe even a year. Yes, it's expensive, but it is certainly a way to reduce the stress.”
Joining a type club before buying an airplane: “You can develop a huge knowledge base about any airplane that you might be interested in.”
The value of a lead passenger: “So instead of me being diverted from my attention of flying the airplane, she can handle that anxiety, and it also relieves the passenger stress somewhat.”
Being realistic about passengers: “I think we discount the fact that there are a lot of passengers that fly with us that would prefer not to. They don't like to fly. They're flying with us because they love us, because they know it's our passion.”
Telling your story to insurance underwriters: “When it gets competitive, especially when you get above 70, you need to go back to the college days and write the essay. And by that I mean, you need to write a full page of everything that governs the way you fly.”
The future of insurance: “In the next five years, you're going to see insurance premiums based on ADS-B or some kind of performance capture data.”
Flying with a pro pilot in the right seat: “If you're to pay someone to fly with you, you need to learn something on every flight.”
How to approach safety: “I think trying to make every flight as perfect as you can and then taking the time to reflect on it after.”
The rewards of the Special Olympics Airlift: “It's just an incredible experience to see what joy you can bring with your airplane.”