With some advance planning, bringing your new airplane home can become an instructional adventure. [Photo: Jason McDowell]
Key Takeaways:
A new airplane owner faced significant logistical challenges, including ferrying his newly purchased Cessna 170 from Seattle to Wisconsin, compounded by his lack of currency and proficiency.
He initially planned to combine the ferry flight with instruction and familiarization over a tight three-day weekend, but this was identified as a high-risk scenario for "get-home-itis" due to the distance and time constraints.
The author ultimately scrapped the ambitious plan for safety reasons, regretting the lost opportunity for an extensive training and adventure experience across the country.
He advises future owners to secure flexible, longer time off and plan thoroughly with a CFI to transform the ferry flight into a comprehensive and memorable introduction to their new aircraft.
Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.
