(Michael) wrote

There is a reason that the vast majority of instrument rated private
pilots don't stay instrument current - it's just not very useful.

Agreed. I am an instrument-rated but not instrument-current pilot.
This is so for the reason you say, and also because I don't have
sufficient confidence in my equipment or abilities to feel safe flying
my plane in any but the easiest IMC. The vacuum pump in my Skyhawk
went belly up just like that a couple years ago while flying VFR. No
warning. No nothing. Just poof. Yeah they teach you partial-panel
procedures as part of your IFR training. But I just don't think I'm
good enough, or don't have the time/money to get good enough, to feel
comfortable handling partial-panel in real IMC.

The new Cessnas have dual vacuums, which I think is an excellent
safety feature.

Jim Rosinski
N3825Q