On Jan 29, 8:33*am, gpsman wrote:
On Jan 28, 8:57*pm, Bug Dout wrote:

gpsman writes:
Practically, I think you have to train and remain proficient in IFR.

Eh? Not at all. Even in Seattle or such areas there are plenty of VFR
only pilots. Weather clears up in a few days. *Cross country trips are
very much possible strictly VFR.

Of course, the above assumes flying for a hobby. *Flying for
committments and deadlines, yes, IFR is necessary to be safe...or
safer.

I've given the wrong impression. *An instrument rating is my personal
standard of practicality/proficiency/saferness... that's tied to my
bank account.

I've accumulated 500 hours, over 34 years, and I'm just never
comfortable because I know I'm not really proficient.

So, I think I know more about the rust that forms from not flying than
I do actual flying, but the economy has put me 6-7 years from being
able to comfortably invest the time and money my definition of
proficient requires.
*-----

- gpsman

The proficiency factor vs the economy is definitely a player in the
flight safety area.
Quite frankly I'm surprised that there haven't been more instrument
proficiency related incidents and accidents due to decreased aircraft
use in the GA community.
It's absolutely a serious consideration that every instrument rated
pilot should be both aware of and concerned about.
Dudley Henriques