Resources
Advisory Circular 90-109A, Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft: go.usa.gov/xQYf5
"Shifting Gears: Tips for Transition Training" page 26, FAA Safety Briefing, Sept/Oct 2017: go.usa.gov/xQYf6
Transitioning to Other Airplanes, AOPA Online Course: bit.ly/2IOFjlV
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapters 11-15 Transition Training: go.usa.gov/xQY7h
General Aviation Joint Steering Committee
Transition Training
Outreach Guidance & Notes Document
2022/03-16-247(I)PP
This outreach guidance is provided to all FAA and aviation industry groups that are participating in outreach efforts sponsored by the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC). It is important that all outreach on a given topic is coordinated and is free of conflicts. Therefore, all outreach products should be in alignment with the outline and concepts listed below for this topic.
Outreach Month: February 2023
Topic: Transition Training
The FAA and industry will conduct a public education campaign emphasizing the best practices and benefits associated with Aircraft Transition Training.
Background:
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) Loss of Control Work Group studied a group of General Aviation accidents that may have been caused by inadequate or no transition training received by the pilots involved. THE GAJSC feels that thorough airframe-specific Transition Training conducted by a qualified Flight Instructor is essential to flight safety.
Teaching Points:
- The fatal accident rate for Experimental/Amateur-built aircraft is more than twice the rate for traditionally manufactured aircraft.
- Some General aviation accidents are associated with inadequate pilot performance do to inadequate or no transition training in the accident aircraft
- Transition training is essential to flight safety – especially when transitioning into Experimental Amateur-built and Light Sport aircraft.
- Transition training is often required when transitioning to modified aircraft – particularly when modifications alter flight characteristics.
- Because amateur-built aircraft flight characteristics, aircraft controls and instrument placement can vary significantly from one builder to another, airframe-specific transition training is often recommended.
- Transition training instructors must be thoroughly familiar with each airframe in which they give instruction.
- Pilots holding Private Pilot or better certificates who learned to fly in traditional manufactured aircraft are twice as likely to experience accidents in Light Sport aircraft as are Light Sport pilots who trained only in Light Sport Aircraft.
References:
- Transition Training Power Point, Outreach Guidance, and Presentation Notes
- Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)
- Chapter 12 – Transition to Complex Airplanes
- Chapter 13 – Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
- Chapter 14 – Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
- Chapter 15 – Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
- Chapter 16 – Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
- Chapter 17 – Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
