Back In The Saddle Again

After a hiatus from the left seat, how can you get back into your groove? Flying something that’s not typical for you might help.

Jim Wolper

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 05:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipovic

Textron's new single-engine turboprop. Textron

Key Takeaways:

Returning to an aircraft type after a long break requires significant re-familiarization and dedicated training, as skills degrade, especially for complex operations like helicopter hovering.
Thorough preparation is crucial, including reviewing the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for normal and emergency procedures, practicing cockpit flows, and familiarizing oneself with updated avionics.
Pilots should not expect to immediately regain proficiency and should plan for flight instruction hours proportionate to the time spent away from the cockpit, recognizing that unique aircraft characteristics (e.g., Robinson helicopter SFAR 73) demand specific attention.

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The instructor looked at me out of the corner of her eye and said, “Okay, you try the cyclic, I’ve got the collective and the pedals.” I hadn’t flown a helicopter for almost 10 years, and I really didn’t know how much I remembered.

We went through the usual three-step exchange of flight controls. “You have the cyclic.” “I have the cyclic.” “You have the cyclic.” Positive exchange of controls is important in every aircraft.