Tom Rau, ATAC-Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting-Instructor Mentor

Tom Rau, ATAC-Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting-Instructor Mentor Flight and Ground Training both in the classroom environment and in the aircraft, conducted in a relaxed professional atmosphere.
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PA46 TRAINING & INS UW APPROVED MENTOR AND RECURRENT TRNG
TRAIN TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD’S, BRINGING THE AIR CARRIER SAFETY CULTURE TO THE GA COCKPIT
Ret USN DAL Tailored to meet each clients needs, abilities and budget.

01/25/2026

Adam Belle recommends Tom Rau, ATAC-Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting-Instructor Mentor.

Based on my in-depth, pre-purchase aircraft comparison questions in evaluating how the new Piper M700 Fury stacks up... the Piper dealer's sales rep encouraged me to engage Tom Rau's Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting services as a neutral resource who has flown a number of the planes I was asking about. He is a Ret. Navy/Delta pilot who has been giving in-depth ground and flight transition training to those moving up to the M600/M700 and Epic E1000.
Tom was very helpful in reviewing various aspects of each brand's previous model years vs the current one because of his direct, first hand knowledge in flying/training in them. He is based out of St Augustine, FL - KSGJ... and appreciated his reviews of air conditioning performance because we are in hot, muggy MS. When I was asking him about how the M350 piston performed in comparison to its turbo-prop cousins... he didn't know some of the M350 stats off the top of his head, but the next day he brought the AFM home to review Section 5 and got back to me with some clarification numbers. I had also compiled an example trip comparison in Excel using a free online Flight Planner of all the aircraft the company is looking into... and he was able to spot that someone had miss-entered the M600's flight profile numbers because it was burning way more fuel/hour than his own M600 does in real life. Checked another flight planning app and he was right!
Tom's pros and cons list about each aircraft model was very helpful, and steered us away from one that looked good on paper, but has some real world gen one issues you won't find mentioned in any of the online press articles written about it. He was also very generous in sharing some of his contacts for additional follow-up with other industry people... like his insurance broker for a 2nd opinion on what I was being told by others.
If you too are needing some unbiased pre-acquisition insights before you or your company plunk down that "big check"... I would highly recommend you first consultant with Tom Rau (ATAC) to avoid buyers remorse in buying the wrong aircraft. You won't be sorry you called him!
Adam B.
KSTF

Rob KasperultraturtleI attended the Tallahassee course as well. Tom gave us the rare opportunity to join him for an open...
10/30/2025

Rob Kasper
ultraturtle

I attended the Tallahassee course as well. Tom gave us the rare opportunity to join him for an open chest examination of his M600 PT6 with the cowling off. Spent a bunch of time teaching us all about all of the components of its anatomy - pulmonary, central nervous, sensory, and circulatory systems in particular. Very informative.

I would never consider myself qualified to perform surgery based on what I learned, but at least I can speak more intelligently when I bring my plane in for a doctor’s visit.

William Wallacedarrwall12dI attended this past weekend’s radar training course with Bill and Tom Rau, and I can confiden...
10/30/2025

William Wallace
darrwall1
2d
I attended this past weekend’s radar training course with Bill and Tom Rau, and I can confidently say it exceeded expectations. The session offered a deep, practical understanding of airborne weather radar systems, particularly in how to use them safely and effectively in real-world flight conditions.

Tom and Bill’s approach was operationally focused — not just theory. We covered radar fundamentals such as beam geometry, tilt management, gain control, and tactical vs. strategic weather avoidance. What stood out most was the clear connection between radar interpretation and real-world decision-making.

The material was delivered with clarity, experience, and a real-world mindset. They didn’t just teach how radar works — they taught us how to make it work for you in the cockpit. Their aviation experience, coupled with real examples from both corporate and airline operations, made the concepts stick.

The radar fundamentals session was an excellent value — concise, relevant, and packed with actionable insights. I’d highly recommend it to any turbine or high-performance aircraft operator looking to sharpen their situational awareness and get more out of their onboard weather systems.

Robert ConnellyN81RCI would like to add my voice of praise about Tom Rau and his training. I am a long-time Meridian own...
08/26/2025

Robert Connelly
N81RC

I would like to add my voice of praise about Tom Rau and his training. I am a long-time Meridian owner, and I just stepped up to an M600. I reached out to Tom, and he immediately began working with me to get the ball rolling on training. I completed a ground transition training course with him that was very comprehensive, and followed up with the flight training once I took delivery of my M600. Tom is unbelievably knowledgeable on most anything related to aviation, but most importantly with his military and airline background he did wonders in helping me polish my professionalism and skills to a higher level than I have experienced before. He owns an M600 himself, so he knows the aircraft intimately. He’s also a lot of fun to hang out with. If you’re looking to step up to an M600 or M700, or need recurrent training in either platform, I highly recommend working with him.

Mark Eskenazi

Ditto. I did my M600 initial training with Tom. Great instructor. Incredibly knowledgeable of all things aviation particularly the M600 as he’s an owner.

Lots of fun to hang out with, has a million aviation stories.

Mark

08/15/2025

Gary Bulzan
GaryB

Walter Zaverucha
May 2025
I’m having the same problem with Legacy. Can’t get a return call or email. I was introduced to Tom Rau through a mutual friend unfortunately he’s a little out of currency in the mirage but he’s gone above and beyond trying to help me find someone approved by the insurance companies even though we’ve never actually met , only spoke on the phone.
Tom Rau is a M600 owner and instructor, also approved by most insurance companies.
Contact .

08/15/2025

William Wallace

Walter Zaverucha
May 2025
Good morning Walter, I missed spelled Tom’s last name on my post but here is his contact information.

Tom Rau
ATAC -Aviation Training and Acquisition Consulting
[email protected]
904-377-7406

I’m sure if you reach out to him and get his training syllabus your insurance company will approve him and give you a 30-day extension.

08/15/2025

PA46 Recurrent Training
Skills, Safety and Training
training

William Wallace

Mar
Did my initial training at the insurance required facility in Florida. Great experience and loved the simulator since it was the first time ever in one.

One year and 300 hours later my recurrent was coming up in March. Started late December with an email to said facility. No response so I called and left a voicemail. A few weeks go by and several phone calls February is getting close. Finally, one day a guy answered the phone. I explained to him that I needed recurrent training by March 13th he said we have plenty of time can I call you back in a few minutes. That phone call never came so I reached out to Tom Rue in St Augustine.

I got Tom’s number last year because I needed 20 hours before I showed up at the facility in Florida. A few weeks before going to Florida Tom hurt his shoulder and wasn’t able to help me.

Went through 3 days of training with Tom last week and was blown away by his attention to detail and knowledge about the aircraft. Weeks leading up to the training he sent study material, videos, and case study of accidents. He sent me several videos from Garmin and the radar system. I don’t know how many times in the 3 days together I told him I was never taught that.

Completely understand the initial training because there are things you can do in the simulator and not in the aircraft.

My insurance carrier was Brown and they approved me to go through his class. Now I’m with Beacon and they also approved him. I highly recommend Tom for you initial or recurrent training.

Frank Lieppe

Tom Rau is my hangar neighbor at KSGJ and he’s a great guy. Former naval aviator and retired Delta captain. Lives and breathes aviation. I didn’t know he was on any of the carrier’s approved lists (I know he isn’t with Old Republic) but I am going to see if I can get him added for my next recurrent training session

08/14/2025

Tom Rau
Skills, Safety and Training

Gregory Hall
ghall1818

As a former owner/operation of a Phenom 100 I am excited to have purchased a 2022 Piper Meridian 600SLS (N98MK) as the plane for the right mission. If you are buying a Piper 600/600SLS – or want training from someone who’s flown it, owned it, and knows it inside and out - Tom Rau is the certified flight instructor you want in your corner.

Once I narrowed down the plane I wanted, Tom helped me locate and acquire the Piper 600 SLS. As an owner-operator, he knows every inch on the aircraft. His assistance with log book review and coordination of inspections was priceless in ensuring that I purchased the right plane for my objectives.

After acquiring the aircraft, Tom provided my ground training, which was extensive and thorough. He assigned homework and in-person instruction. The days were long but ensured that I mastered the material necessary to safely operate the plane.

Tom also provided my flight training. His unique background as a Navy and Delta pilot and owner-operator was invaluable. He was able to teach me the idiosyncrasies of the aircraft though personal experience. In addition, my insurance carrier “rubber stamped” my coverage based on his extensive flight background.

Tom made the process from deciding which plane to buy through completion of my signoff an enjoyable process. He was, and continues to be, available when needed to answer my questions and to give guidance.

Recent Recognition St Augustine Airport Pilots Association, what an honor.
08/01/2025

Recent Recognition St Augustine Airport Pilots Association, what an honor.

05/09/2025

Todd Yonteck
fyonteck
11h
Wanted to confirm what everyone else is posting – This was a great course and if it comes around again it should not be missed! Captain Bill and Tom are top notch instructors. They spent a lot of time flying professionally and thankful they shared their experience with all of us.

I am new to flying in the flight levels. Trying to soak up as much information as possible. Flew 200 hours in the M600 this past year and never felt comfortable with the radar. I didn’t trust my interpretation. If I couldn’t see through, I wouldn’t fly through it.

This course really cleared any confusion and gave solid foundation to support the safe use of radar in an environment where weather is present. I have had three flights involving weather since the course and used my new training extensively. Just yesterday the controller was perplexed when I asked for a deviation that took me right through the cells depicted on XM NEXRAD (Center sees the same NEXRAD, covered in recent article of flying and also in this course). No bumps and we didn’t even get wet. I was confident MY radar was accurate and I was interpreting it correctly.

This course covers a lot of what is missing in other courses. I had done the Garmin Radar Course which is good, but not enough. They added working through preflight weather review. Then using NEXRAD in conjunction with on board radar to truly be tactical in weather avoidance.

Really would love to see PMOPA expand and facilitate one day training/safety classes. This was a good format and sure could be expanded on.

Todd

Bill F HolmesTom Rau, ATAC-Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting-Instructor Mentor4h · I'm wanting to share my enthu...
05/05/2025

Bill F HolmesTom Rau, ATAC-Aviation Training Acquisition Consulting-Instructor Mentor
4h ·
I'm wanting to share my enthusiastic feedback on the Advanced Weather Radar course I recently completed with instructors Tom Ray and Bill Panarello. The program far exceeded my expectations, providing a truly transformative learning experience. It wasn't simply about operating the radar; it was a deep dive into its capabilities and, crucially, the common misapplications that can lead to safety risks.
The instructors, Tom and Bill, expertly guided us through complex concepts, making the material accessible and engaging for all participants. Their teaching style was remarkably effective, ensuring even those of us with less technical backgrounds gained a confident understanding of this vital piece of aviation technology. The hands-on elements were particularly valuable, allowing us to put theory into practice and build proficiency. I now feel much more comfortable and confident in utilizing weather radar effectively and safely in my operations.
I wholeheartedly recommend this course to all single-pilot operators. The enhanced understanding and skills gained significantly improve safety and operational efficiency, making it an invaluable investment in your professional development. The knowledge gained extends far beyond simple operation, encompassing a critical awareness of the subtleties and potential pitfalls associated with weather radar interpretation. This course is a must for any pilot serious about enhancing their safety and skillset.
Bill

PMOPA​​Training with Tom RauSkills, Safety and TrainingMark Eskenazi15 Apr 2025I just finished up a fantastic week of tr...
04/20/2025

PMOPA

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Training with Tom Rau
Skills, Safety and Training

Mark Eskenazi

15 Apr 2025
I just finished up a fantastic week of training with Tom Rau. Came out of an M350 into a 2018 M600.

If you’re not familiar with Tom, he’s a former Naval aviator, Delta captain, GA enthusiast, FAA inspector, etc etc. incredibly knowledgeable of all things aviation and a true professional pilot. Knows the PT6 inside and out. Actually owns an M600 so knows the various logistical issues of ownership. On top of that he’s a great teacher and has an infinite number of aviation stories.

I can’t recommend him highly enough for transition and recurrent training.

Mark

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32095

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