Airwork: Moving Up

Airwork: Moving Up – or Down

Tom Benenson

Monday, August 22, 2011 at 08:32 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Transitioning to any unfamiliar aircraft, whether higher performance or "downsizing," poses significant accident risks, often stemming from insufficient pilot training and underestimation of the challenge.
Effective transition training requires comprehensive study of the aircraft's POH, systems, and extensive practical airwork covering various flight regimes, maneuvers, and emergency procedures.
Pilots need hands-on familiarity with the specific aircraft's cockpit layout, unique taxiing characteristics, and a deep understanding of all installed avionics beyond basic functions.
Insurance providers often recognize these inherent risks by mandating specific transition training hours or requiring mentor pilots before allowing solo operation in a new aircraft type.

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_(August 2011) _The Cessna Cardinal RG was sitting forlornly at the edge of Montgomery Field in San Diego with a “for sale” banner hanging from its propeller. As we came out of the parking lot after having lunch at a sushi restaurant across from the airport, Judith pointed at the Cardinal. Isn’t that one of the kinds of airplanes you’re considering? she asked.

We had been looking to upgrade from a Cessna 150 and were considering either a Cardinal RG or a fixed-gear Cessna 182. The presence of the Cardinal seemed propitious. It took only a phone call to the FBO for details about the airplane and a short test flight for us to decide to buy it.