Earning a type rating in the Beechcraft Premier I (RA-390) is a milestone in any pilot's career. Transitioning from a high-performance piston or turboprop into a swept-wing light jet brings a new level of speed, altitude, and system complexity. At The Jetstream Group, our in-aircraft type rating program is designed to make this transition as seamless, practical, and enjoyable as possible.
If you've opted for our “We Come to You” program, the training happens right at your home airport, in your own aircraft. Here is a day-by-day look at what to expect during your Premier type rating training.
Day 0: The Arrival
Your Jetstream Group instructor arrives at your home base the evening before training begins. This isn't just a polite meet-and-greet; it's the start of your mentorship. We take the time to review your logbook, discuss your previous flying experience, and understand your specific goals. If your Premier is hangared nearby, we often take a walk out to the aircraft to get acquainted with your specific avionics setup—whether it's the Collins Pro Line 21 or an upgraded suite.
Days 1 to 4: Ground School & Systems
The first half of your training is dedicated to ground school, but it's far from a sterile classroom experience. We conduct our ground school at your hangar, right next to the airplane. This proximity is invaluable.
Each morning, we dive deep into the Premier's systems: electrical, hydraulic, environmental, and the nuances of the Williams FJ44-2A engines. In the afternoons, we apply that knowledge hands-on. We power up the aircraft (using a GPU), program the FMS, and run through normal and emergency checklists. You'll learn the “buttonology” of the Pro Line 21 in the actual seat you'll be flying from, building muscle memory before we ever leave the ground.
Days 5 to 7: Flight Training
With the ground foundation solidly in place, it's time to fly. Over the next three days, you'll log significant hours in the Premier, mastering its handling characteristics.
We start with the basics: airwork, steep turns, and getting a feel for the swept-wing aerodynamics at altitude. Then, we move into the traffic pattern. You'll practice normal takeoffs and landings, single-engine approaches, and go-arounds. The Premier is a fast, capable aircraft, and staying ahead of it requires disciplined energy management and checklist usage.
Because we are training in your actual aircraft, you experience the real-world performance, control forces, and sight pictures that no simulator can perfectly replicate. We also integrate scenario-based training—handling simulated system failures while managing ATC communications in your local airspace.
Day 8: The Checkride
Checkride day is the culmination of your hard work. By this point, the maneuvers and procedures will feel like second nature. You'll meet with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), starting with an oral examination that tests your systems knowledge and flight planning.
Once the oral is complete, you'll head out to the Premier for the flight portion. You'll demonstrate your proficiency in normal operations, instrument approaches, and emergency procedures. Because you've spent the last week practicing these exact maneuvers in this exact aircraft, the checkride is simply an opportunity to show the examiner what you've mastered.
Upon landing and shutting down, you'll be handed your temporary certificate with the RA-390 type rating. You are now a jet pilot, fully qualified to command the Beechcraft Premier.