Instrument Proficiency - Taming the Dr. Killer

It is time to take a ride in a V-Tail Bonanza to get current as an instrument pilot. Practicing an IFR approach in VFR conditions helps the pilot refamiliarize himself with the many complicated and difficult processes involved with flying an airplane without reference to the ground
When the weather is clear, the pilot can see potential hazards faster than ATC, so VFR might be safer. As a whole, IFR is more challenging than VFR; however, pilots that are able to master IFR flying will become better pilots. This makes them safer.
When a pilot is granted IFR privileges, the pilot can fly into the clouds under conditions of zero visibility. Clearly, this is a challenging condition; however, pilots who are certified to fly IFR have demonstrated proficiency in multiple areas.
An instrument rating that leads to IFR privileges also means the pilot has already been granted VFR privileges. Because of the proficiency ceiling that IFR pilots must attain, they are typically seen as better pilots. When the conditions mandate IFR conditions, flying under IFR is safer than VFR.
How is Aircraft Separation Determined Under IFR?
Separation is the term used to describe the distance between an aircraft and the various obstacles in the sky. When a pilot is flying by IFR, he or she is depending on the ATC for guidance.
This means the ATC is responsible for separating aircraft in the air, avoiding a potential mid-air collision. ATC will maintain separation for IFR aircraft using a variety of parameters. These include:
The route of the different flights
The distance between the various flight paths
How fast the planes are flying
How high each plane is operating
Unlike driving, which mainly exists in two dimensions, flying is a three-dimensional operation. Therefore, the ATC has a lot of parameters to consider.
ATC uses radar to monitor the positions of various planes in the air. When a pilot is flying under IFR, he or she is required to provide position reports unless the ATC confirms radar contact.
If a pilot is flying under IFR, the ATC will grant clearance for the various parts of the flight. This clearance is going to place limits on the various parameters above.
If the pilot wants to exceed any of the clearance limits, he or she must request a new clearance from the ATC. This is done to make sure plenty of separation exists between planes that are in the air.
Is IFR Different from IMC?
It is critical for everyone to understand the difference between the weather conditions and flight plan type. A flight plan type is dictated by either IFR or VFR.
Weather conditions are designated either visual meteorological conditions (VMC) or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The weather conditions may play a role in deciding whether a flight will be dictated either by VFR or IFR; however, they are not the only condition.
If an IFR flight takes off and encounters VMC, this flight does not suddenly become a VFR flight. Therefore, a flight plan that has been designated IFR might still fly a significant portion of the time under VMC.
On the other hand, it is also considered extremely dangerous to conduct a VFR flight under IMC. Sometimes, the flight plan or weather conditions may change in a VFR flight as the pilot heads into IMC conditions.
This can lead to something called spatial disorientation, where the pilot has trouble figuring out where the plane is in the air with reference to other obstacles in the vicinity.
This is one of the most common causes of aviation crashes. For this reason, it is critical for every pilot to know the differences between the flight plan type and the weather conditions.
What are the Qualifications to Fly IFR?
There are a number of qualifications that need to be met in order for a pilot to fly under IFR. First, the pilot needs to meet the various experiencing requirements.
The pilot needs to be rated to fly using instruments and have flown at least six instrument approaches during the preceding six months.
The pilot also needs to demonstrate proficiency with holding procedures, course interception, and nav-aids.
It is important for pilots to practice instrument approaches under both IMC and VMC to demonstrate proficiency. During these practices, a safety pilot is required to ensure the approach is handled appropriately. The duty of the safety pilot is to observe and avoid other aircraft that are in the air.
Finally, in order to fly under IFR, the aircraft must also be capable of doing so. The navigational equipment on the plane needs to be inspected and tested within a certain period of time before the flight.
Some of the instruments that are required to fly under IFR include a heading indicator, a sensitive altimeter, an altitude indicator, radios, an alternator, a gyroscope, and a turn coordinator.

[@adam-hd7kg]

Enjoyed watching!

[@MrDucatizombie]

Thanks for the visit

[@melintexas4506]

Good luck Dale. Glad to see you’re back in the saddle again!

[@MrDucatizombie]

You and me both brother! Good to hear from you Mel!

[@melintexas4506]

BTW, looks like you might have a new GoPro. Picture quality is great.

[@MrDucatizombie]

I’ve been struggling with getting a good view of the panel, I might have finally figured something out!