With some advance planning, bringing your new airplane home can become an instructional adventure. [Photo: Jason McDowell]
Key Takeaways:
New airplane owners face immediate logistical and training challenges, particularly if they lack currency or experience with the specific aircraft type.
The author's plan to combine a cross-country ferry flight with extensive flight instruction was appealing but was constrained by a tight three-day schedule.
This tight timeline was identified as a significant safety risk due to potential "get-home-itis" if adverse weather or mechanical issues arose.
The key takeaway is that with thorough advance planning, flexible time off, and early coordination with an instructor, the ferry flight can be safely transformed into a comprehensive training and adventure experience.
Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.
