Sorry to dig this one out of the pit, but felt that it was worth an update and something to 'close' the topic (until the next time someone asks the same question!).
After a lot of delays getting access to the C182RG that was originally planned, I finally flew a C182 (non RG) yesterday for the first time. Interesting experience - was
very surprised by the weight of the control forces in pitch on the ground (will have to visit the gym a bit more!!
) - not too bad in flight, but I can see why Brooklands was emphasising the trim (especially on touch and goes!).
Due to local difficulties in contacting the 'nominated instructor' for checkouts on the aircraft, I flew with the aircraft owner (non FI), who had been slightly misled into thinking that he could do checkouts for anyone who wished to fly the a/c, whether they had complex training or not.
I wasn't comfortable with this being totally kosher, so have been doing some checking in LASORS on Differences Training. I now believe that the situation may be summarised as:
If you have previously been trained on a complex type with VP prop and had an instructors signature in your log book to that effect, plus you have flown on the aircraft with that difference within the last 2 years, then all that is required is a check ride for the group / school (does not have to be FI). If you have not been trained in operation of a VP prop, then you need an instructors signature in your log book.
The content / duration of the differences training is not specified. Some instructors from other similar threads on PPRuNe state that they are happy to do a ground brief / demonstration and not do any flying to support the signature.
Under the old CAA rules, there is not a specific rating for complex types - there is thus a grey area for those old f@rt$ (like me!
) who hold CAA licences as to whether this is required or not. IMHO, an hour or two spent on training would be cheaper than an insurance excess payment!!
Attached is the source document for this summary, which is at
LASORS Section F
EXTRACT FROM LASORS SECTION F TYPE AND CLASS RATINGS (AEROPLANES AND HELICOPTERS)
DIFFERENCES TRAINING
In order to change to a different variant of aeroplane within the same type or class rating, further differences training or familiarisation (see definitions below) is required with the appropriate type, class or flight instructor. Completion of this differences training is to be recorded in the pilot’s logbook and countersigned by the instructor.
Except for the SE Piston Class Rating (for which differences training is valid for an indefinite period), if a variant or different type has not been flown for a period exceeding 2 years from the completion of the differences training, further training or a proficiency check on that type or variant, recorded in the pilot’s logbook will be required to re-validate the licence privileges.
The complex features for which differences training is required are;
- retractable undercarriage
- variable pitch propellers
- turbo/super charged engines
- tailwheel
- cabin pressurization
Therefore, if an individual has not previously flown an aircraft fitted with any or all of the above features, differences training would be required. This would then cover you for other SE piston aircraft fitted with the same features. Differences training completed on a ME Piston Class Rating i.e. with VP props, retractable gear etc. will negate the need to complete differences training for SE piston class rating aircraft with those particular features, however, differences training completed on a SE piston aeroplane does not provide equivalent qualification on ME piston aeroplanes.
Differences Training is required:
1. When operating another variant of aeroplane of the same type or another type of the same class currently operated; or
2. When a change of equipment and/or procedures on types or variants currently operated, requires additional knowledge and training on an appropriate training device.
Hope this doesn't cause another flurry of excitement, but felt it was worth a clarification post.
I also realise, that knowing what I now know, I shall have to delete yesterday's entry from my log book which had me as P1
