Gadget Addiction

I chuckled reading Mike Hart's comments on reverting from his in-cockpit gadgets to paper (Addicted To Gadgets? June 2017). I fly my Cirrus with a Garmin Perspective, but just attained my commercial license using a 1967 Piper Arrow II, since I needed a retractable-gear airplane. These good friends keep their planes in top shape, but it was a similar experience to Mike's 135 challenge. The club has three retracts and I would move between each one until I decided which one to test in. Between the Arrow IV, 172RG and the Arrow II, I finally decided on the II.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots must recognize a proficiency lapse and exercise extreme caution when transitioning to unfamiliar aircraft, even with extensive experience in their primary, gadget-equipped planes.
A critical F-4 accident caused by a misplaced tool jamming the control stick highlights the vital importance of meticulous tool accountability in aircraft maintenance for flight safety.
The magazine is praised for its ability to present useful, practical, and thoroughly covered aviation safety topics in an informal, playful, and engaging manner.

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I chuckled reading Mike Hart’s comments on reverting from his in-cockpit gadgets to paper (“Addicted To Gadgets?” June 2017). I fly my Cirrus with a Garmin Perspective, but just attained my commercial license using a 1967 Piper Arrow II, since I needed a retractable-gear airplane. These good friends keep their planes in top shape, but it was a similar experience to Mike’s 135 challenge. The club has three retracts and I would move between each one until I decided which one to test in. Between the Arrow IV, 172RG and the Arrow II, I finally decided on the II.