Register

The Final Moments of Checkout Training Bring an Unexpected Fear

Flying his own Cessna 170 makes this pilot look inward and face his own insecurities.

A rainy day and challenge-filled dual lesson beckons. [Photo: Jason McDowell]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • New airplane ownership significantly increases a pilot's emotional attachment and fear of damaging the aircraft, making initial training more challenging than flying a rental.
  • The author's checkout training involved confronting these anxieties through demanding scenarios, such as landing on a very short grass strip, guided by his instructor.
  • Ultimately, facing new, complex challenges like poor visibility during rainy landings shifted the author's focus from his fears, helping him build confidence and earn his solo endorsement.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Among life’s unwritten rules, one seems to hold true regardless of culture. Spanning continents, political borders, religions, and eras, it is one that exists in every corner of the globe. The rule is that, when driving a rental car, one may beat the ever living hell out of it solely for one’s amusement.

Fortunately, when it comes to general aviation, more respect is afforded to a rental airplane. We make every attempt to finesse our landings. We’re reasonably careful with switches, levers, and knobs. Generally, most of us tend to make an effort to leave the machine in as good or better condition than that in which we found it.

Jason McDowell

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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE