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Self-Evaluation - Confidence in Flying Your Aircraft
By Bill Evans, President, EAA Chapter 266
I’ve been on the lookout to rate my flying as my aircraft is agile and sensitive. Yes, some people do find themselves at a 9 in some advanced or sport aircraft. My first flight was an 8, and I had some difficulty flying.
May I suggest that you be both honest and kind to yourself and use this to improve your flying skills based on your own analysis of your needs.
Let’s advance the art of flying our aircraft. I work to improve some area of my flying on every flight. However, don’t place yourself in danger, especially at low altitude. Mental paralysis may include muscle paralysis. Should you find yourself at a level (perhaps 5 or 6) that requires training, find a suitable instructor and aircraft.
Level of Confidence
Maneuver
|
Very Comfortable
1 |
Mostly Comfortable
2 |
Somewhat Comfortable
3 |
Slightly Stretched
4 |
Moderately Stretched
5 |
Highly Stretched
6 |
Moderate Panic
7 |
Highly Panicked
8 |
Mental Paralysis
9 |
Moderate Speed Taxi (0-40 Knots)
|
High-Speed Taxi (40-70 Knots)
|
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Takeoffs
• Takeoff Roll
• Liftoff (Hold
Centerline)
• Climbout to 900
feet
|
Short-Field Takeoffs
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Left Crosswind Takeoff > 15 Knots
|
Right Crosswind Takeoff > 15 Knots
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Climbing Turns
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Gradual Turns - Level
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Medium Turns - Level
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Steep Turns - Level
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Descending Medium Turns @ 1500 rpm
|
Descending Medium Turns @ Idle
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Climbing Steep Turns
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Descending Steep Turns
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Pre-Stall Buffet
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Stalls - Cruise Power
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Stalls - 2000 rpm
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Stalls - 1500 rpm
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Stalls - Idle
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Spins Induced at Stall
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Spin (Medium Turn)
|
Spin (Steep Turn)
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Gentle Sideslip
|
Moderate Sideslip
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Steep Sideslip
|
Forward Sideslip
e,g. On Final Basic Aerobatics (Explain)
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Airspeed Control in the Circuit
(Large Power Changes)
|
Turn Onto Final - Engine = Idle
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Final Approach
|
Flare and Touchdown
|
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Rollout and Braking
|
Left Crosswind Landings > 15 Knots
|
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Right Crosswind Landings > 15 Knots
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Other Maneuver - State
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