The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new course to help pilots safely make the switch from flying a familiar airplane to one they’ve never flown before — or haven’t flown for a long while.
“Transitioning to Other Airplanes” gives pilots factors to consider as they step from one airplane to another, no matter if the transition is from a trainer to a complex single-engine, an airliner to a tailwheel airplane, or from an airplane with traditional analog instruments to one with a modern glass panel.
While transitioning to a different airplane is a rewarding achievement, statistics show that one of the most vulnerable times for pilots is during the first 10 hours of flight in a new, unfamiliar airplane.
Like all ASI safety courses, this new transition course is available to all pilots, not just AOPA members. It was made possible with the support of private and public partners, including the FAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association GAMA and AOPA.
“Transitioning to Other Airplanes” explains both the obvious and subtle nuances that can trap pilots of any level. The course offers pilots the option of selecting any of the five tracks aimed at the type of transition they are planning, and recommends ways to find a qualified flight instructor to support a safe transition.
The course also includes illustrative accident case studies involving pilots who transitioned to different aircraft. The interactive course is also optimized for use on mobile devices.
Find the course here.