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:

Pilots returning to an aircraft after a long break should expect significant skill degradation, especially for complex maneuvers, and plan for dual instruction as they will not simply pick up where they left off.
Thorough preparation, including reviewing the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for normal and emergency procedures and familiarizing oneself with potentially updated avionics, is crucial for safely regaining proficiency.
Specific aircraft types, like helicopters, have unique handling characteristics and mandatory training requirements (e.g., Robinson SFAR 73) that necessitate understanding differences from fixed-wing flying to prevent dangerous situations.

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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.