New Pilots
Now that you are a trike Pilot, you are free to go where you want and do what you want to do. However, you must understand you enter into a completely new training realm. Now is where you really start to learn from your experiences. You do not have the wisdom and experience of your instructor on a day to day basis.
You also have the privilege and responsibility of taking other people up to fly with you for fun. If you did scenario based training with your instructor, you will have a good start with “real world flying”. If you did basic “stick and rudder training”, to perfect the maneuvers to get through the checkride, you need to approach your first hours of flying with extreme caution.
Statistics for General Aviation Aircraft, show that the greatest percentage of accidents occur in the first 500 hours after getting your license. This stastictic is also applicable to new trike pilots. Why? Because of lack of experience to real world operation. After you get your license, this is where you really start learning.
What can you do? Here are some basics that will keep you out of trouble.
First, understand the situation. You are new to flying as a certificated trike Pilot In Command (PIC), and you must realize this is the most dangerous time. You must be very cautious and extra conservative in your decisions.
Second, gain knowledge from other experienced local pilots. Make an effort to take them flying with you or go flying in their aircraft. Ask them questions. Try and get smarter each time you fly.
Third, read articles about flying. From the wonder and amazement of flying to accident statistics with causes and solutions. There is so much knowledge and information out there you can gain that will help you.
Forth, Join and participate in local clubs and national organizations. This provides new resources and opportunities to stay involved in flying.
Overall, continue your learning by realizing you are in a new learning environment being a new pilot.
