Pilot's tip of the week

When to Raise the Gear?

Subscriber question:

"I've flown with two different instructors in my Piper Arrow. One says to retract the landing gear as soon as a positive rate of climb is established. The other says to retract the gear once I'm out of usable runway. Which is the better technique?" —Dean R.

When do you raise the landing gear?

(NEW) IFR Mastery scenario #178 “Mason City Mashup” is now available. Sometimes non-towered operations feel like the Wild West. That can be tough enough on a sunny day with the flexibility of VFR. When you’re departing IFR in visual conditions, it’s even tougher. The question is: How much flexibility do you have before you’re tucked safely into ATC’s warm embrace? Watch the Intro video.

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