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 fly an aircraft after a long break requires significant retraining, as proficiency diminishes, and pilots should expect to dedicate substantial time (e.g., one hour of instruction per year away) to regain skills.
Thorough preparation is crucial, involving meticulous review of the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for normal and emergency procedures, practicing control motions, and familiarizing oneself with potentially updated avionics.
Pilots transitioning between aircraft types or returning to complex ones like helicopters must understand their unique handling characteristics and specific safety regulations, such as SFAR 73 for Robinson helicopters, which highlights dangers like low-g maneuvers.

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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.