Transitioning to Different Plane

[WDD]

So, I got my PPL with a Sky Hawk. But I think it would be fun, and more practical for longer X Country to fly the school's Tiger.

When moving to a different plane (not complex or HP), how many hours should I expect flying with a CFI to get oriented?

 

[RyanB]

Probably 1-2hrs tops.

 

[WDD]

What should I ask for? Power on / Power off stalls, - landings and departures of course. Anything else?

 

[Ravioli]

School policy and insurance requirements will dictate. Ask the operator of said airplane.

 

[RyanShort1]

So, I got my PPL with a Sky Hawk. But I think it would be fun, and more practical for longer X Country to fly the school's Tiger.

When moving to a different plane (not complex or HP), how many hours should I expect flying with a CFI to get oriented?

Enough that the CFI thinks you'll be safe and proficient. Expect to practice taxiing with the different steering setup in the Tiger, maybe some low wing vs high wing thoughts, look at the POH on what you can and can't do with the canopy, see if there are any differences with the engines, and make sure you know it's low speed and stall characteristics, and then make sure you're drilled on emergency procedures and where things are in the cockpit. Also if fuel management is different.

 

[chemgeek]

What should I ask for? Power on / Power off stalls, - landings and departures of course. Anything else?

Emergency procedures and airplane systems. Unlike the C172, you have two separate fuel tanks, and being a low wing aircraft, you also have a supplemental electric fuel pump. In addition, use of carb heat is different in the AA5 series, etc., etc.

Transition training should especially focus on proper landing operations. RLOC during landing is probably the most common accident type in the AA5X planes, usually because of poor approach speed choices resulting in proposing or overruns. The castering nosewheel is also an adjustment for taxi ops. Fly by the POH and these planes are utterly easy to operate. They are much different than Cessnas. 1-2 hours should be sufficient with a Grumman-savvy instructor.