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A complex airplane is defined by 14 CFR 61.31(e) as an airplane that has retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller (For seaplanes — just flaps and a controllable pitch propeller, not that we have one for you to fly!).
Since 1977, a separate endorsement is required for each operating privilege (e.g. retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller).
The complex endorsements is relatively easy to obtain, and it lets you to fly a wider range of aircraft.
Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
There are no minimum number of flight hours required to obtain a complex endorsement, although you will be required to receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a complex airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane, and have been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane.
Aircraft Definition:
A complex airplane is defined by having retractable landing gear, a controllable-pitch propeller (a controllable-pitch propeller is one where the pitch is controlled manually by the pilot), and flaps.
Training:
Pilots must receive and log both ground and flight training from a certified flight instructor.
Proficiency:
The instructor must find the pilot proficient in operating the aircraft and its systems.
Endorsement:
Upon demonstrating proficiency, the instructor will provide a one-time endorsement in the pilot's logbook.
No Time Requirements:
There are no minimum flight hour requirements for the endorsement.
Prior Experience:
Pilots with documented PIC time in a complex aircraft before August 4, 1997, may not need the endorsement.
Training Aspects:
The training focuses on aircraft systems, best practices for flying complex aircraft, and the operation of retractable landing gear and controllable-pitch propellers.
Training typically involves familiarization with pre and post-flight procedures, cockpit procedures, start-up, taxi, run-up, take-off, climb, cruise, descent, and power management.
It also includes instruction on short-field takeoffs and landings, steep turns, and emergency procedures.
Training may be combined with high-performance training if the aircraft meets the definition of both.
The number of flight hours required can vary depending on the pilot's experience and the complexity of the aircraft.
A classroom session and a training flight with a certified FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) instructor in a high performance airplane, and the instructor will determine the pilot’s proficiency to operate the aircraft.
Once the training is completed, the flight instructor will sign the complex endorsement in the pilot’s logbook.
Get Started!
The Arrow's gear (which is the plane you'll train on) is hydraulically actuated by an electrically powered, reversible pump controlled by the gear selector switch on the panel, next to the throttle quadrant. (Other aircraft designs can employ electric motors to raise and lower the landing gear.) Hydraulic pressure holds the gear up, so there are no uplocks as on some aircraft. The landing gear retracts or extends in about seven seconds. Pilots flying any retractable-gear aircraft must be mindful of maximum gear retraction and extension speeds, which often are not the same. Although the glide ratio will decrease - sometimes dramatically - with landing gear extended, the extended gear act as an effective speed brake, and can provide some stability during turbulence.
We cannot help with these, lol!
and are primarily used during takeoff and landing. Flaps are referred to as high-lift devices. As airspeed is reduced, the wing must operate at an increasingly higher angle of attack, and the onset of stall will eventually limit lift production. Wings operate successfully without stalling only at low angles of attack to the flow. However, the deflection of the flaps allows the airplane to fly at lower airspeeds without stalling, commensurately reducing the takeoff and landing distances.
If pitch is too great, it creates drag and robs you of takeoff power. Too little, and you are forced to run the engine faster to achieve cruise speed. A fixed-pitch propeller isn't the best for takeoff, and isn't the best for cruise. That's all corrected by use of the constant-speed propeller. The pilot sets a low or fine pitch (high rpm) for takeoff, and a higher or coarse pitch (low rpm) for cruise, using a propeller control knob or lever next the throttle. With the controllable-pitch type, the blade angle can be changed in flight, but the pilot must change the propeller blade angle directly. The blade angle will not change again until the pilot changes it.
Read way more than you ever thought you could be written about props by clicking here.
We can't help with this, either!
New Haven Aviation Center is a centrally located Connecticut flight school serving New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Milford, Branford, Guilford, the Shore line and beyond. Come to us for all your training needs, including complex endorsements.
We are more than willing to spend time with you to answer your questions, take you out to the flight line to let you look at the planes and climb into the cockpit, show you the equipment and answer all of your "what does this do" questions!
Use our Discovery Flight to see if you "mesh" with your instructor's style, and if we have a student scheduled, come watch us preflight, and spend more time when we return.
Or celebrate a birthday, anniversary, retirement at 3000 feet! We'll make your celebration even more memorable! And what a place to pop the question to that special someone!
The only way to truly tell if you want to learn to fly is to get up there and fly an airplane. Book an intro flight with New Haven Aviation Center today to get started.
Here's why we're a great choice for your training!
We have three key elements to our schools that guarantee excellence:
"The folks at HVN are great, they made the whole experience amazing!"
Avery T
"I got my PPL in December and have already taken the wife to Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard..."
Mike B
"They were impressive, my passion for flying led me to the New Haven Aviation Center."
Alex D
"From the first intro flight to the final checkride, it has been a blast!"
Charles L
"Everything about this place was right, two locations, lots of planes, a simulator, and great teachers!"
Brian W
"I loved my instructor, Zev, he got me over the finish line!"
Chris C
"Weather and scheduling weren't standing in my way! Thanks HVNAC"
David L
"I have always wanted to fly, and these folks made it possible with great planes and terrific teachers"
Michael S