A aviation & planes forum. AviationBanter

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Home » AviationBanter forum » rec.aviation newsgroups » Instrument Flight Rules
Site Map Home Register Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

Safe, Single-Pilot IFR generalities



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old June 30th 05, 10:46 PM
Maule Driver
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

That's interesting. I have post lamps on all the instruments. I use a
combination of clip on goosenecks for pilot and co-pilot(backup). I use
a strap-on headlamp on too. And I have 1 to 3 additional flashlights
in the bag along with a eyeglass case full of spare batteries.

I have an overhead cabin lamp but almost never use it. It's both too
good and not good enough. It kills my night vision but isn't good
enough to use for map reading.

In fact, my headlamp is my main light. It moves where I'm looking, it
has 3 distinct lighting levels and colors, it gives me what I want, when
I want it, without killing my night vision. I've almost stopped using
my goosenecks.

Fact is, I try to do as little night flying as possible - VFR or IFR.
My 50-some eyesight isn't getting any better but more important, I just
become more risk averse as time marches on.

But I'm still willing to do night SE/SP IFR in many situations. It
helps that I'm flying a slow, simple, stable plane that only I fly.

Michael wrote:

My eyes are not quite 40, but I have much the same problem in most
airplanes. However, most GA airplanes do not have anything resembling
an adequate lighting system.

Clue time - if you need a flashlight to perform ANY task in the
cockpit, your lighting is inadequate. A flashlight is an emergency
backup, not for normal inflight use.

I don't worry about single pilot night IFR in my airplane, because it
has an adequate lighting system. Someone, somewhere along the way, did
most of what was required and I filled in the rest. That includes
pilot and copilot overhead map lights with yoke-mounted actuation
switches - so you can keep flying the plane while reading the map. It
also includes panel lighting for all the instruments and overhead
lights forward and aft - each with independent switches. The only time
I use a flashlight in the plane is for startup, so as not to run down
the battery.

Once adequate lighting is in place, there's really no issue. However,
as I mentioned before, most GA airplanes do not have adequate lighting.
I've never seen a rental that did. On the other hand, I think you're
pretty much taking your life in your hands flying a rental night-IMC
anyway.

Michael

 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
AOPA Stall/Spin Study -- Stowell's Review (8,000 words) Rich Stowell Aerobatics 28 January 2nd 09 02:26 PM
Can a Private Pilot tow gliders and get paid? BTIZ Soaring 1 October 17th 04 01:35 AM
Pilot deviations and a new FAA reality Chip Jones Piloting 125 October 15th 04 07:42 PM
WINGS: When do the clocks start ticking? Andrew Gideon Piloting 6 February 3rd 04 03:01 PM
"I Want To FLY!"-(Youth) My store to raise funds for flying lessons Curtl33 General Aviation 7 January 9th 04 11:35 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:24 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2025 AviationBanter.
The comments are property of their posters.