What's wrong with this idea?

Sydney Hoeltzli writes:

*I have observed a number of pilots who are instrument rated
and current, but who fail to meet the IR PTS or who no longer
know basic things, like what a low-altitude airway is and what
its MEA means
*I have heard pilots whose radio work and knowledge of IFR
procedures seemd quite lacking. I know for a fact some of
them are IR
*I know some pilots who are not IR whose knowledge of regs and
procedures are extensive, and who are quite able to fly to
tight tolerances on instruments

Canada requires instrument-rated pilots to retake the complete IFR
flight test (including the ground portion) every two years. I
understand that the IFR checkride in the U.S. is a once-in-a-lifetime
thing, like the PPL checkride. Would you prefer to use the Canadian
system, or would that seem like unwelcome government interference to
U.S. pilots?


All the best,


David

--
David Megginson, , http://www.megginson.com/

"David Megginson" wrote in message
...
Canada requires instrument-rated pilots to retake the complete IFR
flight test (including the ground portion) every two years. I
understand that the IFR checkride in the U.S. is a once-in-a-lifetime
thing, like the PPL checkride. Would you prefer to use the Canadian
system, or would that seem like unwelcome government interference to
U.S. pilots?

I don't know how I feel about this one yet... I just completed my training
last week. In the U.S., you can maintain your currency as long as you fly 6
approaches and do some holding and tracking every 6 months. I'm wondering if
anybody who has let their currency lapse completely (beyond 12 months), and
has taken a checkride with a CFII or examiner, feels that that was adequate
to getting you current again? I imagine a lot of practice would be required
before someone felt safe enough to carry passengers or even fly solo in the
system once those skills have been idle for so long.

--
Guy Elden Jr.

"Guy Elden Jr." wrote in message
...
[...] I'm wondering if
anybody who has let their currency lapse completely (beyond 12 months),
and
has taken a checkride with a CFII or examiner, feels that that was
adequate
to getting you current again?

I have, several times.

I imagine a lot of practice would be required
before someone felt safe enough to carry passengers or even fly solo in
the
system once those skills have been idle for so long.

You are correct. If I haven't flown IFR for a year (give or take), it takes
at least three hours of instrument training for me to feel like I'm back up
to snuff, sometimes more. Two or three lessons has been typical when I've
been away from the instrument stuff that long.

Pete