Familiarity in flying has several components. There is the foundational element of general familiarity with airplanes and how to fly them. There is familiarity with systems; this may be of a general kind (knowing how to lean the mixture or adjust a constant-speed propeller, for instance) or specific to a particular airplane or type (such as knowing to use the left main tank of an old Beech Bonanza for takeoff when both mains are full because all return fuel from the injection pump goes to the left tank).
A Pilot Gets Caught Between Procedure and Instinct
Mistakes breed in the shadowy land between the systematic and the instinctive.
Key Takeaways:
- Familiarity in flying is a multifaceted concept, crucial for safety, encompassing general flight knowledge, specific aircraft systems, handling characteristics, and muscle memory.
- Insufficient familiarity, or the unconscious transfer of habits from other aircraft types, can lead to critical errors, particularly with sensitive controls, unique trim systems, or complex fuel management.
- Several fatal accidents are presented as case studies, including a Lancair pilot's struggle with pitch control, Piper Comanche pilots misusing unique overhead trim systems, and a pilot mismanaging aftermarket tip tank fuel, all linked to a lack of aircraft-specific familiarity.
- To mitigate the risks associated with unfamiliarity and unconscious errors, pilots must consciously employ systematic procedures, such as methodical checklists and critical crew attention, over sole reliance on instinct.
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