Originally Posted by
Bandit650
I wonder if my decision would have been different if I flew the a/c day in day out and knew it intimately as you describe with your Pitts. Interesting point....!
It might have been, but it might not. Caution is no bad thing when applied to something in aviation you haven't come across before. I've stayed on the ground loads of times in perfectly good weather, already at the airport, because, when I got there, something just didn't "feel right" about flying that day. Usually have a cup of coffee and a chat with mates when that happens and think about the fuel money I just saved. The airplane'll be there next time I want it.
You do get to know an airplane the more you fly it, and it eventually becomes instinct in the same way your car does. You can immediately tell when something's not right with the way your car is tracking or braking, or a noise the suspension wasn't making yesterday, that kind of thing. Eventually you'll find you don't really need most of the instruments, you're only using them to confirm what you know already by the engine note, the sound of the wind against the fuselage, the feel of the controls, the motion of the aircraft (except holding altitude. I'm rubbish at that!). I didn't get that feeling until I'd had about 30 hours in the same machine, most of it spent in the circuit under all kinds of flight conditions and maneuvers.
Keep flying and making judgements the way you are. You'll slowly and gently add to your experience and stay well alive to carry on doing so well into old age!!
Pitts2112