I actually agree with you. I know quite a few 20,000 plus hour GA
pilots who can take experience in dozens of other airplanes and do
just fine in an airplane they've never flown. Even myself (with less
experience) I cannot think of any of the last dozen or so types I've
checked out in, every needing anything other than the sign off. I
can't ever remember doing something with the airplane that required
the CFI to touch the controls. My J-3 checkout was .6 hours and I was
on the controls the entire time. My Mooney checkout was the 2.0 the
insurance required but again, the CFI never touched the controls or
really said anything not in the POH. I'm pretty sure that 90% of the
active GA pilots could fly anything on the standard GA field without
problem. The difference is that 10% that causes all the checkout
requirements. Hell, I know guys that the first time they ever flew a
plane was from the right seat as the CFI.

-Robert, CFI



"Mike O'Malley" wrote in message ...
"Nathan Young" wrote in message

snip

I also kept thinking how incredibly stupid it was for a pilot with no
time in type to get in and fly a completely unknown aircraft,
especially a high-performance experimental.

I don't see what the big deal was/is. Insurence companies have brainwashed us
all into thinking you are hazard to yourself and everyone on the ground if you
don't have 5/10/50 (you pick) hours in type and a CFI checkout before flying
something.

BS- Is it safer to have a checkout with an instructor or experienced pilot
before you fly a new airplane? Yes, maybe. Can you also check yourself out in
a new airplane if you're careful and do your research. Of course you can.

Familiarize yourself with the POH/operators manual. Memorize emergency
procedures and systems. Pay attention to the airspeeds and limitations, then go
fly. Get to altitude and get a feel for the airplane. See how if handles in
the landing configuration. After awhile, an airplane is an airplane. They all
fly the same, some just have a few little quirks.

I'm not advocating this for everybody. If you have access to a CFI for a
checkout it is MUCH better. But it is not impossible to check yourself out in a
new type. I've done it more than a few times, some with "there's the Green
tail, it's a little heavier than you're used to and not as quick, go fly" Hell,
that plane didn't even HAVE a POH or operator's manual.