Primary Flight Training in a Decathlon???

K

Kulanu

New member
I have the opportunity to train for my PPL in a new Decathlon. Is this advisable? I have an outstanding CFI who is game.

Please help me with the pros and cons of this adventure vs. a more traditional 172 for primary training.

Many thanks
 
The first 50 hrs of flight time will set you up for getting the , feel & attiude, for flying, and if in the Decathlon it will be a good foundation for any tranistion but not true if going the other way.

One problem finding good CFI instruction in tailwheel lots of CFI's good and bad for the C-172 but they seen to come then they are gone.

Mikek
 
I cant think of any negative to this, all positive. You will finish with a much better base to build on than you would flying a plane with training wheels. Plus be able to do maneuvers others only read about.
 
There are two potential problems I see, neither of which should prevent you from using a Decathlon for most of your primary training.

First, you will need to have at least 3 hrs of flight by reference to instruments and demonstrate this skill on your check ride (FAR 61.109 (3)). Many Decathlons don’t have any gyros, not to mention a full ‘six pack’ on the panel. Second, some are not equipped with any navigation radios (probably not an issue if you are using an ACA built aircraft). Use of electronic navigation methods is another skill you will need to show the examiner.

You could do the few hours of IFR work with just needle/ball/airspeed in a Decathlon, but it would probably be more productive to use a different airplane for a few hours to learn basic instrument skills.

My Super D was used by the previous owner to teach his son to fly and he loved the experience. If you’ve got a good instructor with lots of time teaching in tailwheels and insurance which covers solo student pilots, consider yourself very lucky. Go for it!

Paul
 
Thank you for these thoughtful replies to my inquiry. My primary objective is to learn to fly for the authentic joy of flight (as opposed to transportation, vocation, etc). I also want training to become the safest possible pilot. I have a highly qualified CFI. I just need to choose the perfect aircraft. Your answers are most helpful.
 
It's kinda like learning to drive in a stick shift Mustang as opposed to an automatic Focus. You have more to worry about while learning. (CS prop, etc.) However, I feel it will produce a more skilled pilot in the end.
 
I am training 2 people in my decathlon. NO PROBLEM! Its a great airplane. Make sure your insurance will cover training in it AND will allow you to solo students in it. As for the 3 hours of instrument, I will be renting a 172 to do this. The good thing here is that the students will get a little experience in a tricycle, seeing the "six pack", and using flaps. Go for it, its a great airplane to get a license in.
 
Your comments are encouraging. I am looking forward to enjoying this forum as a resource during my training.

Kulanu
 
Kulanu,
My wife and I purchased a very slightly used 2001 Super Decathlon just shy of one year ago. I got my SEL license having 90% of that instruction in our Super D. My wife has had 100% of her primary instruction in it and just recently soloed. We are both very pleased with the airplane and it has earned its way into our family. We have found the hard part to be finding and keeping a good, experienced instructor; competent in the back seat of our airplane. We have been fortunate to have found 2; but it has not been easy. I had to finish my training in a C-172 for the instrument training and checkride; and found it frustrating for its lack of responsiveness and general sloppy flying characteristics (hope I didn't offend anyone :))
 
Larry:

Thank you for this. I hope you continue to enjoy your Super D and that you wife finishes up in good time.

All the best,

Kulanu
 
I train my students in a 2000 Super-D and 2005 Citabria High Country Explorer in Western NC. I had a private pilot student take his checkride with 44 hours in a Citabria completing the 3 hrs of instrument flying using only a turn coordinator, VSI, and ASI. The examiner said he did VERY well during the Basic Attitude instrument flying portion of the test and even did timed turns when he was told to turn to certain headings. Unusual Attitudes no problem either. For the Nav tracking portion of the checkride he was allowed to track a course using the factory install VFR GPS a Garmin GNC250XL. In the long run I agree that learning to fly in a Super-D and Citabria produces a pilot with sharper stick and rudder skills than one who is allowed to be lazy with their feet in the typical Cessna/Piper trainers.
 
I too was faced with the same questions as you and decided to take the training in the Super D from Tim Brill of the Aerobatic School and Flight Company in Reno, NV. High marks to Tim and his Super D. I'm glad I did it this way. At the end of the training, you know you accomplished something that most pilots never do nowadays, and you'll have a healthy appreciation for the rudder. Best of luck!
 
Kulanu:

I took the bulk of my primary training in a tailwheel 1943 Taylorcraft with no electrical system and few guages. I switched at the end into a C150 to get my training in VOR navigation and radio speak and took the test in that plane. It was no problem, so don't let that issue stop you.

Joe
 
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