"Margy Natalie" wrote in message
m...
Blanche wrote:
Michael wrote:

On Apr 17, 1:54 pm, WingFlaps wrote:

Are you saying you don't do a MAUW test flight in your training?

That is exactly what he is saying. It's also pretty normal these days
to get a license in a 4-seater (Skyhawk or Warrior) without ever
having anyone in the back seat or coming anywhere near gross weight.


Midway thru the PPL my CFI took me out on a hot afternoon with full
tanks and someone in the back (C172). All we did was pattern work to
"illustrate" weight, density altitude and me being miserable in a
greenhouse aircraft.

One of the best lessons of my life!


Yeah, we used to be "ballast" for my instructor showing other folks what
"real life" was all about. He wouldn't sign anyone off until they had
some "minimal vis" (i.e. elementary scud running), horrific crosswinds,
Max gross wieght, etc. He said "the first thing PPL's do is take 3 of
thier buddies out for a flight and screw it in". He was a bit over the
top, but that initial, excellent training has saved my butt a few times.

Margy

One of my instructors did a lot of that as well--although he didn't
verbalize it quite so colorfully.

Actually, if he also fully briefed and debriefed each flight for all
present, including the "ballast" observers, it would have created a
dramatically more efficient learning experience. My instructor didn't rise
to quite that level; but I have heard that there are/were schools where they
do--at least at the corporate jet level and above.

Peter