Five Minutes with David Miller
CJP Member Since: 2008
Occupation: Retired from the car polish manufacturing business
Current Aircraft: 1990 C90A King Air
Home Base: KDAL
Number of Years Flying: 50-plus
Total Time: 6,300 hours
- Can you summarize your background in aviation?
I had the flying bug from age 10 and earned my private pilot’s license in high school, which probably attracted my wife, Patty to me. I used airplanes in my business to expand our customer base, starting with a B55 Baron, Duke, B100 King Air, Sabreliner 40 and 60, Falcon 10 and Falcon 50. After retiring in 2005, I purchased a C90B King Air, followed by one of the first Citation Mustangs (#008). Later a CJ1+ then one of the last Mustangs (#445), and now my C90A as our travel needs have lessened.
- What led to your involvement with CJP as a member/Safety Committee?
I guess I am just passionate about flying and why we do things in the cockpit. I talk too much, which led to me writing too much, which led to me asking “why” too much. The folks at CJP thought if they could put me on a committee, perhaps I would talk less. That hasn’t turned out so well!
Seriously, I have been studying aviation accidents since my father’s business partner died flying his Beech Bonanza in 1974. I try to communicate the non-technical side of flying. The “why and how” we make mistakes as well as things to think about when challenges arise. I came up with the idea of a video series, “What Good Looks Like,” where I could be the example of a pilot who might not be on top of their game. I think our members relate to this. We all want to fly like professionals. Our videos conclude with safety consultant Neil Singer demonstrating the “right way” to operate the aircraft. It’s been fun to develop the series.
- In your opinion, as an owner-pilot, how and why is membership with an organization like CJP valuable?
It’s more valuable today than ever. Just the cost of operation, from insurance to engine programs, can be staggering. Now with over 1,000 members, CJP has the clout to negotiate better programs for our members. Our yearly membership fee is the best investment in the industry. And the efforts of our Safety Committee, led by Charlie Precourt, have produced an impressive library of standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for each model of Citation. Our motto is, “We don’t tell you how to fly your airplane, we just give you some things to think about when you do.”
- You recently accepted a new role within the organization – can you describe the duties and responsibilities of your position?
With all of the new activities and initiatives at CJP, Andrew Broom asked the board of directors for help executing these ideas. The board decided we need additional fulltime help to assist Andrew’s full plate. It’s a great fit for what I like to do. Some of my duties include working with FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training (FSTAT) and coordinating CJP’s presentations at regional and national meetings. A huge amount of effort is expended by our board members to make Citation ownership safer and more valuable. I will be staying current in Citations and hopefully can be a resource to our members.
- What are your top focuses/goals in 2020?
- Help implement new programs currently being investigated by our board that provide member benefits. Insurance is a major focus now.
- Revise and improve the companion training experience both at the convention and with a new simulator course at FSTAT.
- Help the team provide “wow” safety and education programming at our events.
- Work with our partners to provide meaningful training, including avionics and simulator training. It’s going to be fun!