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

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots transitioning from professional flying careers to personal aircraft prioritize capable, simple, efficient, and economical planes that leverage their extensive experience.
Transition training for these pilots often involves adapting to fundamental differences in aircraft size, systems (e.g., ice protection, engine management), and cockpit layouts, even for those highly proficient in automation.
Pilots may also face challenges learning new flight procedures, particularly IFR specifics when transitioning between rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, or adapting to traditional "steam gauge" panels before modernizing.

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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.