Originally Posted by
Timbo
No matter what airplane you buy, step one should be to take it out with an experienced (in type) Instructor and learn how to fly it.
I'm not talking about just doing pattern work, I'm talking about extensive air work; slow flight, steep turns, stall recoveries, upset recoveries, etc. all done at a safe altitude of course.
And if the weather is 'marginal' and you have no instrument time, or very little, or have your ticket but haven't flown any actual IFR in a while, bring an IP with you there too!
Just ask Jon Jon Kennedy what can happen if you don't.
Like you said with a new plane take an instructor and learn all the quirks and specifics. A good instructor would have told him if he was ever overwhelmed, unsure, needed time, too busy, etc etc..... All he had to do was push 3 buttons. AP, Hdg, Alt. if that was drilled to him he would have done just that and flown straight level until over Martha's Vineyard.