Navigating Your Return to General Aviation
By Avemco Insurance Company
Transitioning from flying in the military or for the airlines to general aviation (GA) is an exciting journey filled with new challenges and opportunities. While the skills and discipline gained in high-performance flying environments provide a strong foundation, the realities of flying a light aircraft differ significantly. In this article, we share essential insights and advice for former airline and military pilots making this important shift, highlighting the unique aspects of GA flying that require careful consideration and respect.
You’re on Your Own
Transitioning from airline or military aviation to civilian flying brings with it a vast difference in support systems during critical or emergency situations. In the airline world, pilots benefit from extensive training programs such as the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), which emphasizes scenario-based training and evaluation. In most every emergency situation, an airline captain can rely on a “circle of friends” to assist in decision-making—this could include the co-pilot, dispatcher, maintenance team, air traffic control, and even flight attendants.
In contrast, a single-pilot GA operator often has only themselves and air traffic control to determine the best course of action. This stark difference underscores the need for airline / military pilots transitioning to GA to understand, respect, and train for the increased individual workload that comes with handling light aircraft emergencies.
Back to the Basics on Systems Training
It is crucial for transitioning airline / military pilots to obtain training on what are typically vastly different avionics systems found in light aircraft cockpits. While modern GA avionics boast impressive capabilities and safety features, they can be anything but intuitive for those unfamiliar with them. For instance, launching into IFR in a modern GA glass cockpit without knowing how to do something as simple as switch from GPS mode to localizer mode can be hazardous. Many pilots might shy away from studying manuals, so consider seeking out comprehensive training from an instructor experienced with the specific avionics suite.
It is also crucial to remember that even though you may have flown some of the highest-performance fighters or airliners, a light GA aircraft can pose just as great a risk — if not greater. It is essential to approach light aircraft with the same respect and professionalism as one would have in prior operations. Overconfidence can be deadly - a “little” airplane in the hands of an oversized ego can spell disaster.
The Power of Choice
Another critical aspect of GA flying is the understanding that, unlike some military operations, a GA pilot “never has to go.” Deciding to cancel a trip or divert to an alternate due to weather can save your life - no matter how urgent a meeting may seem, none of us ever truly “have to go.”
Understanding Power Differences
A key safety factor often overlooked is the significant difference in available power during critical situations when comparing airline or military aircraft to light GA aircraft. Take a go-around in a Cessna 172 on a hot summer day in Albuquerque; the Cessna might struggle to climb at 300 feet per minute, while Boeing, Airbus, or military aircraft typically have power to spare. Understanding and respecting these differences is critical for safe operations.
Other Considerations
Before committing to buy or operate a light aircraft, it is always wise to consult with an aviation insurance company. Having thousands of hours in jets does not guarantee a low insurance rate or a seamless transition to a GA aircraft. Furthermore, a military pilot without a civilian pilot certificate will be considered a student pilot until passing an FAA check ride and obtaining their civilian license. In a lot of these cases, the pilot is very high time, and starting as a “student” results in premium rates that are the highest that insurance companies charge. After getting their private it often drops to the best rates (because of their high military time). Avemco allows this to occur mid-policy period.
In summary, while transitioning to civilian flying can be exciting, it requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with it. Embracing training and maintaining a respectful approach will pave the way for a successful and safe flying career in general aviation.
