Originally Posted by
Diesel Hog
I've been flying professionally both military and civilian for nearly 30 years and I'm getting ready to actually buy an airplane for the first time. I'm pretty well set on a Cessna 210 as the best option given my needs. I have lots of jet and retract time but no experience whatsoever with the 210 and very little in complex reciprocating engine aircraft. I'd like to find an instructor with experience in the 210 to give me a few hours of dual instruction sufficient to get checked out solo before I make any final purchase so I can fly it home. I live in central South Carolina. Any ideas on how you go about locating an instructor in my area with 210 experience? Do I just go out to the local flying schools and ask around? I'll need at least a few hours dual to get an insurance policy despite my overall experience level.
There should be a 210 type club with online resources, I'm sure the folks there would know instructors.
210 has some complexities, so systems study would be good. Also if you don't have recip experience, you probably want at least 20 hours dual with lots of instrument, pattern, and single engine work. Unless the panel is updated, steam gauges will take some adjustment.
GA AMEL do not have to be certified to climb or hold altitude on one engine. My solution to that was to always fly light so I could climb out on one. I would incur extra fuel stops if needed. I was also mentally prepared to idle the good engine if Vmc was evident, and land off airport. I'm not recommending that, just telling you what I would do.