Pilot Proficiency

Sky Kings: Polishing the Rust Off

Tuesday, September 05, 2017 at 07:26 PM ET

Verified

Getting back to the left seat of a complex airplane such as the Falcon 10 after a lengthy hiatus is not an easy feat. John King

Key Takeaways:

A pilot returning to flying a high-performance jet after a year-long hiatus experienced significant loss of proficiency, struggling with basic maneuvers and forgetting standard operating procedures.
The pilot's successful return to proficiency was largely due to the diligent coaching and monitoring of their experienced co-pilot/instructor, Martha, who provided timely guidance and a structured re-training plan.
The experience highlights the importance of finding a knowledgeable and current instructor for pilots returning to the cockpit after a layoff, even for those with extensive prior experience.
Despite initial struggles and "humiliating" performance, the pilot regained skill, noted an unexpected improvement in flying smoothness, and found renewed joy in every aspect of flying.

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“Making power … airspeed alive … 80 knots … V1 … rotate … positive rate.”

John King started King Schools Inc., with his wife, Martha, in a spare bedroom of their home. Today, the school operates out of a dedicated complex in San Diego, California, that includes a video and software production facility. John and Martha have shared flying and teaching aviation for more than 50 years.