A Tale of Two Pilots

Pilots retiring from professional flying and downsizing into personal aircraft often want to fly something thats capable, yet simple and efficient. Thats understandable, as they want to use their extensive experience. Theyre also flying for themselves (and paying for it), so an airplane that economically delivers practicality and enjoyment is the goal. The following examples reflect the common downsizing profiles Ive seen.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Retired professional pilots, whether from airlines or military helicopters, frequently downsize to personal aircraft that are capable, simple, efficient, and economical for recreational flying.
Airline pilots transitioning from heavy, automated aircraft focus on adapting their advanced IFR and glass-panel skills to smaller, single-engine planes, learning differences in cockpit ergonomics and systems.
Military helicopter pilots, while adept at basic maneuvering, must obtain a fixed-wing rating and learn the distinct IFR procedures and flight characteristics of airplanes, often planning panel upgrades for older aircraft.

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Pilots retiring from professional flying and downsizing into personal aircraft often want to fly something that’s capable, yet simple and efficient. That’s understandable, as they want to use their extensive experience. They’re also flying for themselves (and paying for it), so an airplane that economically delivers practicality and enjoyment is the goal. The following examples reflect the common “downsizing” profiles I’ve seen.

Doug flew heavies for a major airline for 30 years and hasn’t flown a single-engine airplane in that time. He’ll be flying a club-owned Cirrus SR22 for trips to visit family. Highly proficient in automation, IFR ops and glass-panel navigation, most of his flight training in the Cirrus was spent getting used to a cockpit that sits just six feet off the ground, not 26. He also focused on differences in ice protection, engine management and the autopilot. He was disappointed to learn that the Cirrus rudder pedals are not adjustable, but he got over it.