Well, not exactly. Although vacuum systems are ridiculously prone to
failure, my reasons for not finishing my instrument training a

1. Time. I was signed off to take the test back in '02 . Then we
bought the hotel, and my time ceased being my own.

2. Utility. I have carefully tracked the weather since '02, to see what
weather I would have flown in with an IR that I wouldn't have flown in
VFR. In those nearly three years, we have not scrubbed a single flight
that I would have flown in with my instrument ticket, simply because a
Piper Pathfinder doesn't have de-icing equipment, and I can't wrestle
with thunderstorms in a Cherokee.

Because instrument weather around here consists primarily of either
(a) icing

*or*

(b) thunderstorms (usually embedded), my instrument ticket would not
enhance my flying much.

3. Proficiency. Because of this very lack of utility, I fear that one
of two things would happen to me:

(a) I would feel compelled to practice instrument flight regularly, in
order to remain proficient. Instrument flying under the hood is not
something I enjoy, and -- given my extremely limited time -- would take
precious time away from the family flying that I currently am able to
do.

*or*

(b) I would simply not use it very often, and then -- when I really
needed it -- I would not be proficient at it. A non-proficient
instrument pilot in the clouds is a very scary thought.

So, some day, when my life slows down, I will finish up my instrument
training -- not because I believe it's essential, or even because I
think that it will enhance the utility of my airplane, because I know
both of these statements are untrue.

When I get the IR, it will be because I want to -- plain and simple --
or because I've purchased a Pilatus (or better) that can truly fly in
the clouds in the Midwest.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"