The biggest safety investment in GA is...

Just to say that having an instrument rating is of no real value
unless currency and proficiency are maintained is addressing half
the problem. I have found that the folks that would let their IFR
proficency go away also have a tendency to take some of their good
ol' VFR proficencies slide as well.

Hmm. I know we've covered this before, but your statement does not
match my observations. Of the bazillions of GA pilots I talk to
every day, very few are proficient at instrument flying, and a
majority will plainly admit that they are not current. But they may
be very active, outstanding pilots, nonetheless.

(Caveat: This is true only of the "hobby" pilots, mind you -- which
covers the majority of pilots. Professionals who earn their living
flying are obviously going to be instrument proficient, since every,
single flight is flown "in the system".)

Most pro pilots will tell you that flying every flight under IFR
flight rules is the best way to remain both current and proficient.
On the flip side, however, many will also admit that it sucks the life
right out of flying, and many fly an old Cub or Luscombe with a
compass and a chart on weekends just to regain their flying chops.

If you take your flying seriously, or own your own aircraft, the
the instrument rating is more of a necessity than an option.

Disagree 100%. An instrument rating is a nice feather in your cap,
and the training *does* make one a more skillful pilot -- but it is
far from a necessity. Mary and I have flown for 13 years, coast-to-
coast, from Canada to Mexico, all VFR, without mishap.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"