REFLECTOR: Flight transition training - always a good idea

[David Bertram]

I am a CFIIand had over 20,000 hours of flight time and went to Velocity for
a checkout.  
Dave Bertram
N350TX 
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Date: 06/23/07 20:04:59
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: REFLECTOR: Flight transition training - always a good idea
 
This note is not directed to any one individual - but to those who feel that
Velocity flight transition training (i.e. aircraft checkout) is considered
an option rather than a 'requirement'.  I am probably like most CFI's and am
predisposed to preaching that flight training is a good thing - and that 
good' pilots are always learning.
 
When it comes to flying a new model aircraft, I feel a majority of pilots
see the wisdom of benefiting from the experiences of someone  (a check pilot
or CFI) who has 'been there, done that'.  The military insists on aircraft
checkouts.  Flight schools insist on aircraft checkouts.  FBO's that rent
aircraft insist on aircraft checkouts (even if you have 'gobs' of time in
the aircraft being rented!).  Insurance companies insist on aircraft
checkouts.  There is a reason for this of course - to help ensure flight
safety and minimize risks.
 
It therefore never ceases to amaze me when experienced pilots jump in an
unfamiliar aircraft for the first time - and without familiarization
training - somehow feel that they are 'qualified' (that is to say, safe to
fly) that aircraft.  How wrong is that?!  I have personally observed a CFI
with an 'all knowing' attitude - and without any previous Velocity
experience or instruction, and against advise to the contrary, perform a
high speed 'runway hop' in a Velocity, become airborne, crash, destroy the
landing gear, puncture a fuel strake, destroy the propeller, and damage the
underside of the fuselage ... and it wasn't his aircraft!  The owner hired
this 'professional' pilot to bring the aircraft safely to its new home!  Why
would anyone build or purchase a $100,000+ aircraft and then decide it is 
too expensive' to travel to Sebastian, Florida for two-days to attend the
Velocity Flight Transition Training Program - and risk breaking the aircraft
or themselves?
 
I have checked out about 50-pilots in Velocity aircraft.  Pillots by their
nature have a high confidence factor (who wants to accompany a pilot who
questions the safe outcome of a flight?).  I am here to tell you that in
that number of highly confident pilots, only one was a 'natural' at flying
the Velocity from the get-go (Dugas is his name).  Everyone else, regardless
of their total time, flight background and experience, you name it - had to
experience, learn and adjust to become a safe pilot in the Velocity.  All
were able to master flying the Velocity - but it took an hour or two, and
sometimes more, to get the hang of things ... and a few hours more of
coaching and practicing to get it right.  The aircraft is not difficult to
fly - however it _is_ different, and these differences must be learned to
become safe in the aircraft.
 
I'll get off my high horse now.  Please, for those who 'think' they can fly
their new Velocity without flight transition training ... I urge you to
reconsider, do the right thing, do the safe thing, and hire an experienced
Velocity pilot to provide a check out.  I truly believe that the best check
out is offered by the Velocity Flight Transition Training Program at the
factory in Sebastian.  Training is done one-on-one.  To schedule flight
training at the factory, please call 772-589-1860, and ask for John Abraham.
 
Thanks for listening.
SB
 
 
 
 
 
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