IFR rating?

On Sun, 2 May 2004 08:09:08 -0700, "Peter Duniho"
wrote:

"tony" wrote in message
...
If you're current, if the forecast at your destination is well above your
personal minimums, if you have a solid gold alternate, no imbedded
thunderstorms, no icing, no unusual turbulence reported, why whouldn't you
go?

IFR in those conditions is a lot easier IMO than VFR.

IMHO, the go/no-go decision is being made constantly, not just before
takeoff.

I agree with those who say that the instrument rating makes the
decision-making more complicated. I don't see this as necessarily a bad

I would not say it's more complicated although there are more things
to consider.

OTOH there really is only three things to consider, in both VFR and
IFR.
The airplanes capabilities, your capabilities, and minimums.

You set your minimums and THEN check (and don't cheat or reset any
minimums just because conditions are only a little worse)

Ice? Go/no go
Thunderstorms? Go/no go
Turbulence? go/no go
Wind? Go/no go
Visibility? VFR the whole route Go/no go.
IFR Origin, destination, and
alternate if applicable Go/no go

My rule: Origin, route, and destination =my minimums
Alternate MUST be VFR AND there must be good VFR well within the range
of the aircraft plus reserves.

VFR, I'm quite willing to depart in marginal IF actual VFR (good VFR)
is near and I will head for a destination that is IMC IF it is
scheduled to be VMC before I get there AND there is good VMC nearby.
So, for me, to fly VFR in these conditions I have more to do to keep
track of the weather. Some times a lot more. OTOH I usually have the
option of filing if things look like they are deteriorating, or
changing faster than expected. Normally I'd file in the first place
as I find it easier in those circumstances. Currently that is not an
option until I get back out, do some practice and take a competency
check. We've been having weather that can make a competency check
into a real IFR flight for most of its duration too. :-))

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com