COZY III - Pilot Experience Requirements and Checkout

Cozy III
Pilot’s Operating Handbook Page 35
PILOT EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS AND
CHECKOUT
There is no such thing as a minimum number of total hours a
pilot should have, to be qualified for checkout solo in a new
aircraft. The best pilot qualification is variety. He should be
current in more than one type of airplane. The COZY is not
difficult to fly, but it is different; like a Yankee is different from a
Cessna, or a Cub is different from a Cherokee. A pilot who is
used to the differences between a Cessna and a Cub is ready to
adapt to the differences in a COZY. The COZY has entirely
conventional flying qualities. However, its responsiveness is
quicker and its landing speed is faster than most light training
aircraft. It should not be considered as a training airplane to
develop basic flight proficiency. The COZY ranks with the best
tricycle-geared types for ground stability and has none of the
ground-looping tendencies of the taildraggers.
The requirement for a variety of experience applies to checkout
in any type of new aircraft, not only to the COZY. Of course, the
COZY is an ideal airplane for checking out other COZY pilots, or
even Long EZ pilots, because of the dual controls. The pilot to
be checked out can first ride as a passenger on the side he will
later solo from. The following criteria are strongly recommended
for initial pilot checkout:
1) Checkout should not be done in gusty winds, particularly
crosswind conditions.
2) Use a runway at least 3,500 ft. long for initial checkouts.
The beginning COZY pilot often finds himself fast on
approach and the airplane is so clean that it is easy to use
up a lot of runway in the flare.
3) Give the pilot a ride or two as a passenger. This gives him a
first-hand look at the aircraft's performance envelope and
general flying qualities. Trim the airplane up and let him fly
it. This will give him an appreciation of the airplane's natural
stability. Show him the use of the trim systems (pitch and
roll). Let him get used to the pitch and roll feel. Let him
follow through while you shoot some landings and takeoffs.
Do not transition him to his first solo flight until he flies the
aircraft smoothly and confidently from the passenger seat.
4) His first solo flight should be without any passengers and he