REFLECTOR: Flight transition training - always a good idea

[nmflyer1 at aol.com]

Dave, Al, and whomever else cares to chime in: 



I plan on going to transition training, but have a question for you. Did your engine setups and more HP make much difference once you flew your own bird? I'll have significantly more power than a "stock" 173 Elite, am curious what differences you guys noticed?



Kurt 


-----Original Message-----
From: David Bertram <n350tx at tx.rr.com>
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Sent: Sun, 24 Jun 2007 4:12 pm
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Flight transition training - always a good idea








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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