Over the weekend, I traveled to Houston for RV-8 Transition Training with Bryan Jones.
I'm happy to report, it was one of those too rare cases where reality FAR exceeded the expectations, and I would encourage anyone needing RV-8 training, or RV-8 flight time, to contact and engage Bryan.
I reached out to Bryan in the fall and he was quick to call me back. I explained my flying background and history, and that I was finishing up my RV-8 build and was in need of transition training coming from a J3 Cub. He described the process, and what I would likely require, and determined this Spring would make most sense, so I flew from SnF to Houston this weekend and got it done.
Bryan has a great transition process, communication beforehand was really well done, with detailed pre-reads provided that covered the RV-8 operations in general and for his plane specially. I was able to prepare before hand so I was ready not only with V speeds, but the specific cockpit layout of his plane, and his procedures for that plane from inspection, startup and run-up through landing and shut down. It enabled me to focus on the flying and not be distracted being in a new-to-me airplane.
He provides and detailed syllabus as well to prepare you, and we worked through it in its entirety. I appreciated that he spent as much focus and time on RV-8 ownership/maintenance/aerobatics considerations etc as we did on flying. I feel I not only got stick and rudder instruction, but more importantly, left with a transfer of information and knowledge about the 8 ( good and bad) that comes from experience over time.
The plane is setup for dual controls, and it really did confirm when you see what was required, the 8 really is not a training aircraft by design.
Bryan's process and plane was only exceeded by his instructing and communication style. He communicates easily, works to make sure he understands what you are looking to accomplish, and opens the envelope for you to explore and execute quickly based on how you are doing, and what you want to experience.
I was nearing my Flight Review due date, and Bryan was accommodating to including that in as well.
So, if you do, or will need RV-8 transition / instruction, you won't be disappointed with Bryan. More info at FlightChecksolutions.com
As an aside, if you're building an 8 and wondering as I was (I had never sat in a flying 8, much less flew in one before this weekend) , it is a fun plane of course, but also a really honest airplane. I have 200+ hours in my J3, and took to the 8 pretty comfortably. I was most worried about the speed differences, and just being behind the plane, but with Bryans pre-read material, and the flying characteristics of the 8, it really wasn't an issue after the first takeoff and landing. The J3 is a great lead-in to the 8 if you need a plan to get your TW work do before hand.
I fly from an airpark with a paved runway, but its only 40ft wide with trees, so I was pretty apprehensive about conducting first flight. After this weekend, I know it's more than doable knowing what to expect.
JW
I'm happy to report, it was one of those too rare cases where reality FAR exceeded the expectations, and I would encourage anyone needing RV-8 training, or RV-8 flight time, to contact and engage Bryan.
I reached out to Bryan in the fall and he was quick to call me back. I explained my flying background and history, and that I was finishing up my RV-8 build and was in need of transition training coming from a J3 Cub. He described the process, and what I would likely require, and determined this Spring would make most sense, so I flew from SnF to Houston this weekend and got it done.
Bryan has a great transition process, communication beforehand was really well done, with detailed pre-reads provided that covered the RV-8 operations in general and for his plane specially. I was able to prepare before hand so I was ready not only with V speeds, but the specific cockpit layout of his plane, and his procedures for that plane from inspection, startup and run-up through landing and shut down. It enabled me to focus on the flying and not be distracted being in a new-to-me airplane.
He provides and detailed syllabus as well to prepare you, and we worked through it in its entirety. I appreciated that he spent as much focus and time on RV-8 ownership/maintenance/aerobatics considerations etc as we did on flying. I feel I not only got stick and rudder instruction, but more importantly, left with a transfer of information and knowledge about the 8 ( good and bad) that comes from experience over time.
The plane is setup for dual controls, and it really did confirm when you see what was required, the 8 really is not a training aircraft by design.
Bryan's process and plane was only exceeded by his instructing and communication style. He communicates easily, works to make sure he understands what you are looking to accomplish, and opens the envelope for you to explore and execute quickly based on how you are doing, and what you want to experience.
I was nearing my Flight Review due date, and Bryan was accommodating to including that in as well.
So, if you do, or will need RV-8 transition / instruction, you won't be disappointed with Bryan. More info at FlightChecksolutions.com
As an aside, if you're building an 8 and wondering as I was (I had never sat in a flying 8, much less flew in one before this weekend) , it is a fun plane of course, but also a really honest airplane. I have 200+ hours in my J3, and took to the 8 pretty comfortably. I was most worried about the speed differences, and just being behind the plane, but with Bryans pre-read material, and the flying characteristics of the 8, it really wasn't an issue after the first takeoff and landing. The J3 is a great lead-in to the 8 if you need a plan to get your TW work do before hand.
I fly from an airpark with a paved runway, but its only 40ft wide with trees, so I was pretty apprehensive about conducting first flight. After this weekend, I know it's more than doable knowing what to expect.
JW
