I don't know how "Budget Birds" evolved into this subject, but here's something else. I'm still "spooling up" after 30+ years off. I wasn't particularly low/high time when I stopped flying, ( about 3000 hrs. COMM,ME.INST,L/S, AP and several types) I've read several articles about returning pilots, and feel my category may be more dangerous than the beginning student. I certainly feel like one sometimes. And regarding stall/spins, let me tell you all, that I really scarred myself at least once during this "spool up" time. The occasion was a decision to stop for fuel at Defiance Oh. a paved strip with great approaches. I found myself low and close to the threshold on base and wide on final, did what I shouldn't have done, and tightened the turn. I was quite low, and feeling quite uncomfortable leveled the aircraft, added power, walked myself over with rudder gradually and touched down about mid field. Needless to say, I scarred the "crap" out of myself, and I think my partner had to change his shorts. If we hadn't been flying a Cherokee 140 with "super tips" things might have been disastrous, because I believe I was within 3-4 mph of stalling the port wing. I don't even remember looking at the airspeed after entrance to base. Returning pilots think they can just pick up where they left off. Let me tell you, that this is one who scarred himself almost literally "to death". The one thing that most likely saved us, was the fact that I , in spite of the urge to do otherwise, kept my nose down. Thats where some of former hours and training paid off. Doug
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