Jim Carter wrote:
opinions snipped

I also take issue with your position that 90 to 180 HP fixed gear
aircraft are all about the same. There is a tremendous difference in the
handling of a Cessna 177, an American Yankee AA1A, a Piper Cherokee 140,
and a Beech Skipper. Flaps on the Yankee were ornaments and the
non-steerable nosegear was a challenge for most at first. The elevator
ran out of effectiveness on the C177 before the slotted elevator came
along. The Cherokee was interesting in July and August in Texas and
Oklahoma and came down pretty fast until that low wing hit ground
effect.


Flaps on the yankee are not ornaments. They may not be lift devices,
but they sure as heck are glide path/speed affecting. The differences
you cite are all minor - if the instructor teaches how to fly any person
who is supposed to be able to master flying should be able to handle
different planes.

I heard the same garbage from supposed experts when i was learning to
fly - they said I should not do glider lessons and power plane lessons
at the same time. That is horse****. It was all great experience and
each contributed to the other.

The point is that each aircraft model has its own peculiarities as well
as systems and speeds. Learning one set before taking the PP check ride
is usually enough for most students with limited time and money.


So you advocate memorizing everything rather than using checklists?