High Performance Endorsement

Try to find something that is actually high performance, more so than a 182, and something different than the 172. Look for low wing, retract, etc., maybe a T-34, T-6, Lancair, or at least a Mooney or Bonanza. Good luck.

This will be flying, not just watching a fancy tv/computer.

A C-182 is by definition a "high performance" aircraft. The principals to be learned and then practiced concern power management and speed. It's not a difficult transition and could take as little as 2 hours or as much as 5 hours. Before flying read up on manifold pressure and prop governors and have a good understanding of each. Some people have problems dealing with the increased speed of a high performance aircraft but a little practice will solve that.

Go for it!

Congratulations on the Private Pilot Certificate!  It's definitely a 'license to learn.' In fact, you will forever be learning as a pilot, no matter how many hours you fly. Enjoy the journey.

The time required for the high-performance endorsement depends on the aircraft. If you're transitioning from a 172 to a similarly equipped 182 (similar panel, for instance, and no G1000) it will likely fall in the 3-5 hour range. And, as the previous poster indicated, if you familiarize yourself with the high-performance systems and study the 182 POH in advance, you'll be well prepared. One tip on 182: make sure you're ready for the nose-heaviness, especially on landings. There's a lot more weight in front of the firewall, compared to the 172. Use enough trim and treat your landings like soft-field landings. Overall, the Cessna 182 is a great airplane! Also, keep in mind that other high-performance aircraft will still require model-specific training after you get the endorsement.

As far as glass cockpit training, this would be more useful if you plan to own or rent a specific airplane, like a new 182 with G1000. Every glass system is different and requires a specific training program.

Good luck with your flying.

 Elaine Kauh, CFI

Thanks to all for your information and replies. Just to provide a bit of follow-up, I was able to get my high performance endorsement while I was out on vacation in Hawaii. I racked up about 7 hours of high performance time in a 182 while flying out there which was a blast (BTW - if anyone is ever out on the Big Island, I highly recommend Tropicbird Flight Service). 

From my past experience, here is what I have found. Plan on 2 hours of one on one ground instruction if you have little familurization with said aircraft. Remeber, we are talking about a fixed gear aircraft, and this time would cover only aircraft systems. In other words, it does not include training with the G1000 or other special non-standard equipment such as digital fuel flow or special engine monitoring equipment, radar, storm scope... (you get the idea).    Now, if you pursue an on line course, CD, DVD or a study guide including brushing up on the POH, then we might cut down the ground time to one hour give or take. Flight time will take from 2 hours to 10 hours, mostly depending on what you have been flying. If you learned in a 172, and you are flying a 182, it will not take as long as it would to train and provide your high performance check out in a Cherokee Pathfinder 235. I am sure you understand what I am saying here, it is a no brainer. Best advice, just like when you were taking your primary flight training, be prepared before you arrive to meet you CFI. Most important thing to remember is you will be flying higher horse power and most likely at a greater speed, so you will need to be ahead of the aircraft, more so than your smaller 2 or 4 place aircraft. Do not allow yourself to get behind the aircraft, fly a mile or two ahead, (or 5 to 10 miles out when your inbound to land), to avoid a crash or other emergency. Also get comfortable with the aircraft before you decide on taking a night flight. Next mountain to climb, complexe check out. Good luck.

Doug

Idaho CFI