Instrument Tips

[desertdog71]

I am not a CFI yet, but I play one on TV.

This is from a students perspective, and it is just a couple things that have helped me.

First: In that period of time building that leads up to your Instrument training, take the opportunity to use flight following. This will get you accustomed to the full ATC system and prepare you for that aspect of IFR flight.

Second: A major factor to me in IFR flight has to do with workload. The best way to manage workload for me is good pre-flight planning. This means having your charts, approach plates, alternates, radio freqs, and clearances all organized ahead of time. Take advantage of the dual Nav/Com and plan ahead. You should know the process and what to expect next. This will make it easier on you when you are trying to fly a timed approach, or manage a hold in gusty winds.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[jrh]

Desertdog, I wish all my students were like you. Seriously. From reading all your posts here on JC, it seems like you "know how to learn," if that makes any sense.

You're well on your way through the instrument rating now, huh?

First: In that period of time building that leads up to your Instrument training, take the opportunity to use flight following. This will get you accustomed to the full ATC system and prepare you for that aspect of IFR flight.

Something to add to this--if convenient, shoot a VFR practice approach into your destination on cross countries, too. It doesn't matter if you're under the hood or not. Even if you're solo on a nice day, shooting an approach will get you used to the "flow" of IFR flying, staying ahead of the game, reading the chart, briefing the approach, visualizing where you're going, etc. It also makes you aware of how approaches guide you through mountainous terrain, but I don't think that's much of an issue in Kansas

Also, notice I said "if convenient." Don't only go to airports with approaches just for the sake of instrument training. At this point in your overall training as a pilot, you can still learn a lot from flying into tiny airports in the middle of nowhere. It won't necessarily make you a better instrument pilot, but it will make you a more well-rounded, proficient pilot in general.

 

[Stonefly]

Something to add to this--if convenient, shoot a VFR practice approach into your destination on cross countries, too. It doesn't matter if you're under the hood or not. Even if you're solo on a nice day, shooting an approach will get you used to the "flow" of IFR flying, staying ahead of the game, reading the chart, briefing the approach, visualizing where you're going, etc. It also makes you aware of how approaches guide you through mountainous terrain, but I don't think that's much of an issue in Kansas

You make an excellent point, something I've never thought or heard of. A non-instrument rated pilot shooting practice approaches VFR. As long as they're not on an IFR flight plan, why not?

It is an issue here in Montana!

Stonefly

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

Something to add to this--if convenient, shoot a VFR practice approach into your destination on cross countries, too. It doesn't matter if you're under the hood or not. Even if you're solo on a nice day, shooting an approach will get you used to the "flow" of IFR flying, staying ahead of the game, reading the chart, briefing the approach, visualizing where you're going, etc. It also makes you aware of how approaches guide you through mountainous terrain, but I don't think that's much of an issue in Kansas

Great tip. I'll add another reason for it. Instrument students rarely get to =see= what is actually happening during the approach because most of the time is spent under the hood. That lack of spatial orientation is probably the cause of what I think is ultimately the #1 problem in instrument training - overcorrection. If you can see and be aware of what's happening, you might realize how little correction is really needed. That can really help.

 

[desertdog71]

Desertdog, I wish all my students were like you. Seriously. From reading all your posts here on JC, it seems like you "know how to learn," if that makes any sense.

You're well on your way through the instrument rating now, huh?



Something to add to this--if convenient, shoot a VFR practice approach into your destination on cross countries, too. It doesn't matter if you're under the hood or not. Even if you're solo on a nice day, shooting an approach will get you used to the "flow" of IFR flying, staying ahead of the game, reading the chart, briefing the approach, visualizing where you're going, etc. It also makes you aware of how approaches guide you through mountainous terrain, but I don't think that's much of an issue in Kansas

Also, notice I said "if convenient." Don't only go to airports with approaches just for the sake of instrument training. At this point in your overall training as a pilot, you can still learn a lot from flying into tiny airports in the middle of nowhere. It won't necessarily make you a better instrument pilot, but it will make you a more well-rounded, proficient pilot in general.

JRH, I owe much of this to my instructor. From day one I have been taught to meet the PTS standards along the way as any other student, but I have also been taught to perform, think, and act like a CFI from day one as well. From simple things like describing the manuevers as I perform them from day one. These are all things that will make my CFI ride much easier when that time comes. I have also been taught to evaluate my own performance from a CFI's standpoint, and to seek out the point of different excercises and their importance in the grand scheme of things. He has also taught me from day one to think and act as a PIC, and this has been evry helpful as well.

Some of this is also because of the way "I Learn things". I am not a person that is very good at memorization, therefore it is very important that I have the "WHY?" portion of the material learned before I will fully understand it. Things like the Gleim are useless to me, because I do not learn in that fashion. I actually have to read, and understand, and then apply what I have learned before I really grasp what is going on. It makes things easier at times and more difficult at others.

I just like to pass my learning experience on, in the hope that others can learn from them as well.

 

[Holding Short]

Great tip. I'll add another reason for it. Instrument students rarely get to =see= what is actually happening during the approach because most of the time is spent under the hood. That lack of spatial orientation is probably the cause of what I think is ultimately the #1 problem in instrument training - overcorrection. If you can see and be aware of what's happening, you might realize how little correction is really needed. That can really help.

Excellent tips fellas'. My instrument instructor had me do visual approaches once in a while. It helped me with the overcorrection and "chasing the needle" syndrome we all seem to get.

It also allowed me to see that the plane was pretty much in a groove once you set flaps and power at the FAF (FAP), even though the approach felt slippery sometimes, under the hood.

HS

 

[Dugie8]

Microsoft flight sime and a CH yoke. I saw most of my students get behind the ball because of "overflying" the airplane. MS Flight Sim will help you get that touch and be able to fly the airplane second nature and do the other stuff as it comes up. Get a basic panel and fast airplane model and shoot approaches at 150 knots to get used to the speed. Then when you go to fly the airplane, everything is happening in slow motion.

 

[desertdog71]

Sword Fighting is what I call it on the ILS. I think the best thing is to remember the words of your instructor when you first started to learn landings. Remember?? "Slight control corrections, don't over control it' Same as in slow flight "slight control entries" You are flying final approach just like any other one, you just can't see is all.

I do agree though, take the opportunity to fly some approaches while VFR and no hood, just to see what its like, and cross reference the Instruments to what you are seeing outside.