a lot of time developing the correct sight picture,
approach profiles, and speed.
I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT A LOT OF PRACTICE IS NEEDED
TO LAND A NEW AND DIFFERENT AIRPLANE, BUT IT WOULD
SEEM THAT TAKEOFFS WOULD BE SIMPLE. IF THE TAKEOFF IS
QUICK, THERE IS LITTLE TIME FOR ANYTHING TO GO
AWRY. RIGHT?
MIKE IT’S NOT QUITE that simple. Because of their
relatively high power, the RVs have a pronounced
P-factor and require more right rudder than many
pilots are accustomed to. Also I find that many pilots
subconsciously try to steer with the control stick.
This can result in an out-of-coordination liftoff,
yawing to the left with the right wing low. It just takes
some practice to get it right.
YOU’VE REFERRED TO BAD HABITS OR POOR PILOT SKILLS.
THESE ARE PRESUMABLY AVERAGE PILOTS WHO ARE COMING
TO YOU. DO YOU THINK THAT THEY HAD BEEN POORLY
TRAINED OR HAVE JUST REGRESSED OVER THE YEARS?
MIKE SOME OF MY students are good pilots with
good habits. With them I can start at a higher level
and raise the bar even more before we’re finished. But
more often their skills are lacking for both reasons
with some added rust because they have spent more
time lately building than flying. When pilots schedule
transition training with me, I always encourage them
to become more proficient in the basics before they
arrive. It makes it easier for both of us. If a pilot can’t
or won’t do that, I never turn him down. It will just
take longer if I have to bring him back up to speed at
the same time he is learning to fly a new airplane.
