Jim B wrote:

I always say currency is black and white while proficiency is always grey.
A current instrument pilot must be aware of his level of proficiency.

Right now I'm confident that I'm proficient in all areas of departure,
climb, cruise, decent, and arrival procedures and also proficient to shoot
most precision and non precision approaches down to minimums in non
mountainous terrain, both in radar and non radar environments. Some times I
don't feel confident that I am as proficient as that, and when not, my
weather minimums go up, my landing airports get more runways and better
services, and the entire flight's acceptable level of complexity goes down.

Many times an IR will give you more options, but with those options comes an
increased responsibility to know your current level of ability and
proficiency.

Jim



I agree. I'm current. I'm proficient, other than GPS and NDB
approaches. However, I'm not as skilled as I'd like to be and as I was
when I owned an airplane and flew IFR in IMC and into large airports
(PHL, BOS, BWI, etc.) on a regular basis. I'd not feel real comfortable
flying into a busy airport in IMC at the moment, but flying into a small
airport wouldn't be a problem.

I used to get bored flying an ILS as the Skylane was so slow I thought
I'd never get to the ground. Now, I still have to concentrate to make
sure I'm staying ahead of the airplane. I'm safe, but I'm not at the
level where I can almost fly an approach subconciously.

Matt