Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #9029
From: <VTAILJEFF@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Learning to fly in a Lancair - Really stupid idea?
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 09:25:05 EST
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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Chris,

It sounds like you have thought out most of the ups and downs of purchasing a
235 to complete your flight training. And there have been a few good
responses. Here are a few thoughts from another flight instructor, designated
pilot examiner, aircraft accident investigator, Lancair builder-- all rolled
into one.

You can learn to fly this aircraft and get a pilot's certificate in it IF you
are willing to invest consiserably more time in it than you would in a Cessna
150 getting a pilot's certificate. The military teaches new pilot candidates
in high performance aircraft all the time-- but their system demands you
train every day, 10-12 hours a day,  studying and flying until you get your
wings. It is a "feed from the fire hose" system and most GA guys don't learn
to fly that way.  

If you are flyinig every week then you are only a month away from a private
pilot's license now. If you switch to a 235 your instructor is going to have
to reteach a whole bunch of stuff because a 235 is different than a C-150.
For example, pattern speed for a C-150 is 65 mph -- what is it for a 235?
What is the difference in Vx, Vy, best glide etc. What are the procedures for
"engine out" in a 235? All of these things you already know or should know
for the C-150. You will have to relearn all that stuff for a check ride in
the 235 and you are so close to taking one now it would probably be better to
take the rest of your training in the C-150, pass your checkride, then do a
transition in the 235 with your instructor without the checkride hanging over
your head.

I'm not saying this is an impossible task, but you will spend more time
getting proficient in the 235 in order to pass the checkride.  BTW, your
flight instructor will probably want to spend a few hours with a 235
owner/pilot getting checked out in it before he starts giving you instruction
in it. It would be the wise thing to do. My recommendation would be to finish
up in the C150 because that will be the fastest route to the private pilot
certificate and then transistion to the 235.

The comments about insurance are correct. You will probably be uninsurable
for the next 100-200 hours of flying, simply because of your limited flight
time/ experience.

Jeff Edwards
ATP/ CFII/ MEI/ DPE
Aircraft Accident Investigator
AvSafe.com

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