by Ken Ibold

Much has been said about the perils that face pilots when they have little experience in an airplane model. While that’s certainly true, the dynamics of where those risks lie vary, depending on the pilot’s experience and the kinds of airplanes involved.

Most trainers, for example, are notably docile – especially when it comes to traffic pattern manners. Sporty airplanes with nimble handling have corners of their flight envelope that can bite even experienced pilots. Advanced traveling machines have systems complexities and operating nuances that require study and familiarity. …