Title:
NAFI 2026 - Bridging the Transition - Teaching Pilots to Fly Beyond the Cessna 172
Topic:
Need to Know Skills and Risk Management When Transitioning a Pilot to a Higher Performance Aircraft
Speaker(s):
Gregory Ratcliff
Brief Description:
Many pilots build strong habits in the Cessna 172, but those reflexes don’t always translate when transitioning to aircraft with different performance and landing characteristics. This NAFI session, led by seasoned instructor Gregory Ratcliff, explores effective methods for guiding pilots into higher-performance singles such as the Beechcraft Bonanza, Cessna 177 Cardinal, and Mooney M20-C. Drawing from extensive firsthand experience in these aircraft, Ratcliff will cover practical teaching techniques to help instructors identify and correct “172 habits” that can complicate landings, energy management, and go-arounds in more advanced airplanes. The presentation is organized into three segments: an introduction and background on Ratcliff’s flight instruction experience; an overview of common challenges in aircraft transition training; and a detailed examination of takeoff and landing techniques across Bonanza, Cardinal, and Mooney, highlighting key differences.
Select Number:
EA13145322
Location of Seminar:
NAFI Professional Development Center
Wittman Regional Airport
Booth 354
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Directions to Venue:
Booth 354, east of hangar B - just behind the Garmin booth, white tent with a huge NAFI logo.
View Map
Seating:
Check Additional event Information below for possible registration requirements.
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Gregory Ratcliff brings decades of flight experience across a diverse range of single-engine aircraft—from traditional taildraggers to high-performance models. Licensed in the 1980s through the rigorous Part 141 pilot program in Columbus, Ohio, Ratcliff has logged over 2,000 hours of flight instruction. He lives in Columbus and serves as President of the Central Ohio Flyers Association.
NAFI is the National Association of Flight Instructors and is the largest association dedicated exclusively to flight instruction. NAFI’s vision is ‘Safer pilots through flight instruction excellence.’ NAFI’s mission throughout its 59-year history is to promote flight instruction excellence with education, mentorship, and advocacy. This is accomplished by providing instructors with tools and resources that help them deliver the best professional training and service possible. Anyone may join NAFI to take advantage of the many educational and flight tools, products, and discounts available. www.nafimentor.org. Contact nafi@nafimentor.org 866-806-6156.
PRESENTED DURING THE EAA AIRVENTURE FLY-IN. NO FEE FOR THE NAFI PRESENTATIONS, BUT AN ENTRANCE FEE IS REQUIRED BY EAA AIRVENTURE TO ENTER THE GROUNDS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EAA AIRVENTURE ADMISSIONS, VISIT https://www.eaa.org/airventure
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Light Sport, Experimental, and Amateur Built Aircraft Owner/Builder Outreach
Additional Event Documents:
