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This technique greatly reduces the chance of inadvertently retracting the landing gear while on the ground. Wait until after rollout and clearing the runway to focus attention on the after landing checklist. This practice allows for positive identification of the proper controls. 

When transitioning to retractable gear airplanes, it is important to consider some frequent pilot errors. These include pilots that have: 

• Neglected to extend landing gear 

• Inadvertently retracted landing gear 

• Activated gear but failed to check gear position 

• Misused emergency gear system 

• Retracted gear prematurely on takeoff 

• Extended gear too late 

These mistakes are not only committed by pilots who have just transitioned to complex aircraft, but also by pilots who have developed a sense of complacency over time. In order to minimize the chances of a landing gear-related mishap: 

• Use an appropriate checklist. (A condensed checklist mounted in view is a reminder for its use and easy reference can be especially helpful.) 

• Be familiar with, and periodically review, the landing gear emergency extension procedures for the particular airplane. 

• Be familiar with the landing gear warning horn and warning light systems for the particular airplane. Use the horn system to cross-check the warning light system when an unsafe condition is noted. 

• Review the procedure for replacing light bulbs in the landing gear warning light displays for the particular airplane, so that you can properly replace a bulb to 

determine if the bulb(s) in the display is good. Check to see if spare bulbs are available in the airplane spare bulb supply as part of the preflight inspection. 

• Be familiar with and aware of the sounds and feel of a properly operating landing gear system. 

## Transition Training 

Transition to a complex airplane or a high-performance airplane should be accomplished through a structured course of training administered by a competent and qualified flight instructor. The training should be accomplished in accordance with a ground and flight training syllabus.  [Figure 11-16] 

This sample syllabus for transition training is an example. The arrangement of the subject matter may be changed and the emphasis shifted to fit the qualifications of the transitioning pilot, the airplane involved, and the circumstances of the training situation. The goal is to ensure proficiency standards are achieved. These standards are contained in the Practical Test Standards (PTS) or Airmen Certification Standard (ACS) as appropriate for the certificate that the transitioning pilot holds or is working towards. 

The training times indicated in the syllabus are for illustration purposes. Actual times must be based on the capabilities of the pilot. The time periods may be minimal for pilots with higher qualifications or increased for pilots who do not meet certification requirements or have had little recent flight experience. 

## Chapter Summary 

Flying a complex or high-performance airplane requires a pilot to further divide his or her attention during the most critical phases of flight: take-off and landing. The knowledge, judgment, and piloting skills required to fly these airplanes must be developed. It is essential that adequate training is 

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