lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Posted for "ckohler1" <ckohler1@cfl.rr.com>: Good morning all, I have been digesting the material posted by the Dave's and Brent. Many thanks for all you guys do. Brent has the right idea re; insurance, I think. For my 2 centavo's worth-- The skill set that makes a good pilot of the Lancair IV contains several factors. The hand eye coordination skills which make a good "stick" can probably be best demonstrated by a 14-year-old who has been playing Nintendo games for years. The cognitive skills of seeing, interpreting, analyzing, making corrective action, are important elements which develop over years. High-temperature, power back. Overboost, power back. Speed low, power up. Automatic, and without thinking. I heard recently of a pilot (trained by me) who flew an airplane after an inspection and could not get to gear down. After hours of lengthy discussions, such as foaming the runway, a mechanic asked if he was using the Left Handle. Miraculously the gear came down. The mechanics had switched flap and the gear knobs. Were the mechanics at fault? Sure... But! I doubt that he will forget this again. (Maybe) Can you train these skills? Sure, but to what degree? What is your capacity to hear a lean mixture rumble? Can you round out on final, and miss seeing three green lights NOT ON? Can you ignore a baggage door open light and start the engine anyway? Can you take off with an alternator amber "off" light burning? Organizing a disciplined cockpit are also skills that must be developed to fly a high performance airplane. Cockpit organization means checklists are followed, and charts are available, etc. etc.. As recently as this week, I had a 5000 hr. FedEx pilot forget to put the gear down. Many a high time pilot has been killed scud running into the mountains trying to continue VFR in IFR conditions. Setting personal limits. Does "get home itis" factor into our accident record? The last major element would be judgment. Many factors influence judgment. Who among us has not, with a full bladder pressing us, made a straight in approach to an uncontrolled airport, in lieu of a 45 entry to downwind? Can "good judgment" be trained? In my opinion, maybe, but probably not. Can cognitive skills be improved with training? Yes. The recent experience with good skills honed to perfection coupled with good judgment make the best of pilots. Brent calls this being a coward? I call it being smart! Charlie K. LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.