Ewfflyer

Call me crazy, but the only two time's I've flown one, I literally jumped in and went away. I read the checklist a few times before I fired up just to cover everything, but 25hrs to become comfortable? I can get guys up to speed in TBM's that fast.

USMCFLYR

I was checked out in a MK58 Hawker Hunter in 2.8 hours and some of the words in the cockpit are in FRENCH! I'll admit that even after 40 hours there are many capabilities in the Garmin 430s that I still have yet to figure out, but I have it down enough to be able to perform my missions and fly a cross country.

CFItillIdie - in a previous post you wondered the value of the course:
What is it about the training that you have undergone that seems to have changed your mind about the training? Are you know of the opinion that you couldn't be an effective CFI in the airplane unless you have taken the CSIP course or are you just learning valuable skills as a CFI in general?

USMCFLYR

AtlCSIP

Comet,

Most of the reason it takes so long is the avionics, assuming you already know how to fly. The avionics have many layers of functionality.

The factory will provide training, but I would recommend getting your private before buying one as the training time will be much shorter.

AtlCSIP

Ew,

First of all, remember that you are a professional pilot, and as such, should be able to be up to speed quickly.

Secondly, the first guy was asking about training in them, and I let him know what my EXPERIENCE was. It really takes that long for MOST pilots. Professional pilots are actually the minority in the overall pilot population.

Third, while you might be able to FLY the airplane safely within your personal minimums in 4 or 5 hours, you probably won't really KNOW it in 25. You will keep learning things about the functionality of the avionics for a long time.

Finally, if you're offering, I would love to get comfortable in a TBM!

Fly safe!

ATL

USMCFLYR

But don't you agree AtlCSIP that many of the things learned within the depths of the avionics have little to do with actually flying the airplane, therefore are wasted learning them while actually in the airplane flying?
I could see having quite a few hours of ground instruction, simulator time (on the computer like the Garmin sims on-line) or even sitting in the cockpit with power applied, but I don't need to be airborne for much of this and could put it to use during flights where I am actually learning the intricacies of the airplane itself.

USMCFLYR

AtlCSIP

USMCFLYR,

The syllabus requires about 8 hours of ground, which I do with each student. I also plug the aircraft into ground power and have the student touch every button and knob, and go through every layer of functionality on every piece of equipment, but it usually doesn't sink in very deeply. On top of that, most of the transition students have never flown as fast as the Cirrus will fly, have a difficult time pulling the power out when they should, and are behind on their descent planning. All of this results in cockpit confusion during the arrival phase of the flight. (Understand that we are talking about the typical transitioning student, not the typical professional pilot!) Add to that the fact that you actually need to use the rudders on this aircraft for crosswind landings, and that it is not as forgiving as most single engine, 4 place aircraft, and you end up with students consitently behind the airplane. Compound that with the fact that the course requires a command of the automation for completion, which is generally the first time most of these pilots have had to fly and manage systems at the same time. It really is a different animal from most other aircraft in the same category and class.

If you get to Atlanta, PM me. I'll show you.

USMCFLYR

Love too! The Cirrus has been one of my favorite aircraft for quite some time. I use to carry around a picture of it in my wallet because I said that it was the closest I would get to one I'd definitely like to get checked out in one some time.

USMCFLYR

AtlCSIP

Check your PM's

ATL

jonnyjetprop

My two cents and I've never flown a Cirrus (Like to one day) but I did teach folks how to fly higher end piston GA planes.

The adverage pilot isn't a pro and it's the fastest thing he's flown.

You have no idea of the background (or lack there of) of the student.

These guys are flying them cross country/IMC/night/bad weather. They need to know how the avionics work. No direct only pilots allowed.

Remember JFK jr. Had he only know how to work the autopilot, maybe he'd be president.

The old "you'll figure it out as you go" doesn't work so good. Too much heads down.

e5casey

I went from 0 time to solo in just under 20 hours in a Cirrus and felt pretty comfortable. The plane is really great to fly and a lot of fun.