On 2006-01-01, Matt Whiting wrote:
I almost wonder if it would be better to not require the hood time at
all. I wonder if it doesn't build a false sense of security as any
instrument pilot knows that three hours just isn't sufficient to give
you any real capability at all, especially if you don't get recurrent
hood training.

On the flip side - how many pilots does hood training save? This is
simply an unknown. If the hood training means more pilots manage to save
themselves when they do screw up compared to how many would be lost in
the same situation, then it's worth keeping. The trouble is it's very
difficult to measure. How many non-IFR pilots make an ASRS report when
they get themselves in a VFR-into-IMC situation?

The trouble is to have a good study of it you have to ask pilots to
incriminate themselves and face FAA action if you're to find the ones
who have a false sense of security and deliberately enter IMC without
the rating.