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Since everyone seems to be commenting on
safety, I decided to add my comments. I don't consider myself to be a
safety expert, but here are my thoughts for what they are
worth.
As a preface I would like to say that I am probably
an average pilot. I have about 1300 hours, an Instrument
rating and most of my experience in Mooney's. I am not an airline pilot or
ex-military like some on this list. I don't do aerobatics and mostly use
my plane for travel. I would like to believe that I have lightning
fast reflexes, superb judgement and nerves of steel, but honestly that is
unlikely.
1) My insurance company required 0
hours of Legacy time before they would insure me to solo in my
plane!
Just plain CRAZY! I flew for a couple of
days in 99L with Josh Brungardt, and then for another day with Josh in my
plane before I felt like I could solo. Maybe I am a slow learner but that
is what it took for me. If I ran an insurance company, I would require
at least 10 hours of instruction with a HPAT (or equivalent)
instructor before solo. What are the underwriters at my insurance company
smoking ?!?
If you think spending several thousand dollars
training with HPAT (or equivalent) instructors in your plane is just a
waste of money, what is the value you put on your life?
2) I installed WSI weather on my plane.
(I have Cheltons so I couldn't use XM)
For those of you that use your plane for cross
country travel and particularly in the Midwest, South and East, I think
some kind of uploaded radar (or strike finder) is mandatory. Yes, if
you ask the controllers they will tell you what they see on their scopes, but as
someone else has pointed out, they assume that you have your own weather
avoidance system. Also they do not have complete coverage. Having
your own weather avoidance system is a big plus for safety. Recently on a
trip through S. Carolina (and the remains of Hurrican Fay) a controller would
have vectored me through some level 2 and above echos had I not
objected.
3) I don't do any aerobatic or aggressive
maneuvers and I don't screw around at low altitudes. I have never spun an
airplane - and don't want to.
I know, there are those out there who will think I
am a "weenie", but I believe in stall/spin AVOIDANCE.
4) Except when I am flying "around the
pattern" or locally for my $100 hamburger, I always file and fly
IFR
Flying the airways at MEA or above, always having a
controller to talk to, having other traffic called out to you, is (in my
opinion) a big plus for safety.
5) If you fly IFR, practice instrument
approaches in your plane with your instruments.
I flew my plane back from Oregon to the East Coast
with Josh and we did at least 3 approaches each day for 3 days. This was
extremely valuable. Know how to use your instruments in IFR!
D. Brunner
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