Transitioning To Different Aircraft

Most pilots look forward to the challenge involved in qualifying to fly a new make or model aircraft. They anticipate the ritual involved in the checkout and are understandably proud when they receive a signoff from a flight instructor. That ritual may involve one flight and three touch-and-goes, or multiple flights and several instrument approaches, among other operations. Regardless, managing the risks of introducing yourself to a new aircraft is at the core of this…

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning to a new aircraft model, even if not legally required by the FAA, presents significant risks that necessitate thorough risk management and mitigation strategies.
• While a self-transition may be undertaken by highly experienced pilots with rigorous risk analysis, it is generally recommended to engage a qualified flight instructor, especially for complex aircraft, specialized operations, or unfamiliar avionics, and is often required by insurance.
• Regardless of instructor involvement, a safe transition requires a comprehensive risk assessment (e.g., PAVE), in-depth review of the pilot operating handbook (POH), cockpit familiarization, and conservative initial flight planning.

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