Return To Flying After Hiatus

RETURN TO FLYING
AFTER HIATUS
BY PAUL GRETSCHEL, CORAM, NEW YORK

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Ihave the opportunity as a CFI to reacquaint many pilots who decide to return to flying after a lengthy layoff. There are many factors that cause a pilot to stop flying, such as health issues, divorce (from spouses and aircraft partners) and financial downturns. While flying demands clear thinking, the emotional tie to aviation is real. A return to flying can be similar to the process of mending a broken heart.

I have assisted many pilots in getting current after breaks ranging from three months to eight years. When a pilot finally overcomes the obstacle that nixed his or her flying days, that individual usually comes roaring back with an enthusiasm that is palpable. An interruption in your flying for a few months doesn’t usually require a long training syllabus to get current. However, when your layoff is years, it can be a lengthier road back to being a safe and proficient pilot. If you have been out of aviation only from a few months to two years, there is a possibility your flight review (biennial) is still current.

If that is the case, you and your instructor should decide on your training goals beforehand. Once a fight review has expired, however, it is the job of the flight instructor to decide when you’re ready to go solo. I recently flew with a pilot who had been away from flying for two years due to a medical condition. At our first meeting, he wanted to know how long it would take to complete both a flight review and an instrument proficiency check (IPC). I told him truthfully, "I have no idea." Probably not what he wanted to hear, but aviation is no place for fables.

In this case, the pilot needed to tune up his stick-andrudder skills, sharpen communication technique and relearn airspace rules. Given he was in his late 70s and progress was at a slower rate. We concentrated first on visual flying skills. When he is ready to become IFR current and work on his Instrument Proficiency Check, we will work on another syllabus. For most pilots, this process is exciting and fun. It is frustrating for those who have unrealistic expectations. For those pilots who have left aviation for any reason, it would behoove them to continue reading aviation magazines and keep flying with friends to stay in the loop as much as possible.

I suggest Bonanza/Baron owners attend a BPPP clinic ground school. BPPP allows anyone to attend the ground-only portion of our clinics at about half the cost. This course discusses Beechcraft issues and current IFR/airspace and regulatory items. Beyond that, be realistic. Consider your time away from flying and your current age and health. Most importantly, have
a thorough discussion with your flight instructor and ask him/her to explain what your best-and-worst case scenarios might be. Go over your entire syllabus and know what the instructor will expect for you to complete your flight review. Remember that safety comes first! Flying is truly a gift, but we all must work hard to retain our proficiency.

Paul Gretschel flies a Baron out of Islip, New York. He is a BPPP instructor who has been recognized as a Master CFI by the National Association of Flight Instructors and holds ATP and
CFI certificates with multiengine and CFII ratings. Established in 1983, the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program (BPPP) promotes aviation safety and is the most effective model-specific flight training available (www.bppp.org). Initial and recurrent programs are available for Bonanzas, Barons, Travel Airs and Dukes. There is also a Companion Clinic for right-seaters. BPPP has been approved as a recurrent training program by virtually every insurance company in the nation. See BPPP Clinic schedule on pg. 10887.

If you have been out of aviation only from a few months to two years, there is a possibility your
flight review (biennial) is still current. Once a fight review has expired, however, it is the job of
the flight instructor to decide when you’re ready to go solo.