On Thu, 30 Jun 2005 00:58:31 +0200, Greg Farris wrote:
These tips do not represent the "meat
and potatoes" of the video course, but are thrown in at a couple of
points as generalities. How many agree with these :

1) No Single-Pilot, single engine IFR in IMC at night

Disagree. Plane does not care if it's night or day, IMC or VFR. Important
thing is currency and maintenance of the plane you fly. I did 2 1/2 hour
solid IMC at night, and actually for me, found it easier then VMC in
complete dark. Nav lights give a comforting glow inside the clouds, so
it's not "pitch black".

2) No S-P Multi-engine IFR with MEA's higher than the aircraft's SE
performance

Don't know since I am not ME rated.

3) No S-P IFR in IMC without dual vacuum sources, and strong
preference for dual alrternators.

Disagree. Keep the plane maintained, and you should be fine. Things happen
granted, but why fly if you expect the on the what if in a million comes
up.

4) Keep VFR weather within range of the aircraft at all times, and
know where it is

Disagree. Get a big ole stationary low pressure and you won't fly. What's
the purpose of getting an IFR ticket if you are not going to use it. I
don't think it's wise to launch when everything around you is at minimums,
but to expect VFR within range of the plane, I disagree with that. The
reason I say it's not wise to launch if everybody is reporting minimums, is
that the weather *could* worsen

5) Avoid S-P circling approaches in IMC, and definitely not at
night or close to minimums

Disagree. My 2 1/2 hour night IMC flight terminated in a circle to
approach where ceilings were 1300. Minimums were 900. Nothing more
magical then descending, descending, and descending, and poof, out of the
ceiling the city lights come to life. Again, plane doesn't care whether
it's IMC or VMC, still need to fly the plane.

Fortunately, I had an instructor who took me down to ILS and circle to
approach minimums. The first time I went out on my own, ceilings were at
1000 and I loved every minute of it, since I had before done an approach
right down to ILS minimums. So, safety limits are relative to one's
experience.

Allen