IFR Insight: Staying Safe as a Beginner

First, a word of caution — while your instrument flying skills and cockpit management techniques will no doubt be sharp when you earn your ticket, more than likely, the majority of your training and check ride preparation was spent in the terminal environment. This isn't a bad thing — in fact, the structure of the Instrument PTS practically requires it. But there is still a wealth of knowledge and skill to be gained during en route operations that will come with experience. The trap comes in the feeling of supreme IFR proficiency after the check ride with the possibility that not much experience has been gained in the cross-country environment: managing weather, planning for alternates, communicating with ATC or dealing with equipment malfunctions. In other words, you'll need to commit time to determining what your personal limitations will look like as a newly rated instrument pilot.

Here is my advice for maintaining proficiency, gaining experience and managing personal minimums.

Fly IFR Even in VMC
Even in visual conditions, it's invaluable to your development as an instrument pilot to operate "in the system" consistently. Doing so will boost your confidence and will force you to practice managing cockpit resources while adhering to IFR clearances. It also makes it easier to culminate your flights (even in VMC) with an approach. And then there is the ancillary benefit of having immediate access to ATC in the event of an emergency.

Tame the Avionics
Regardless of your panel's complexity, there is technology to be mastered. Achieving the level of proficiency where control inputs become instinctive, while already task saturated, can literally save the day. Like anything, this is knowledge that will degrade over time, so study your manuals and take advantage of simulator programs and training videos. As a start, you'll want to be thoroughly familiar with your aircraft's autopilot/flight director and GPS.

Checklists and Flows
Aviation happens to be at the forefront when it comes to checklist usage. The safest operations I'm familiar with typically use multiple checklist styles and layers for added safety that will evolve with time and experience. As you become more familiar with an aircraft and operate in the instrument environment, you may consider "flows" — an organized and consistent pattern of moving around the flight deck to accomplish items required of the upcoming checklist. The checklist can then be used to ensure each item has been accomplished via your flow. The "checklist/flow" style has the benefit of a double check — your flow, having been developed from the written checklist, becomes the first line of defense against missed items, while your written checklist serves as a backup.

Written versus Mental
Undoubtedly, you've learned or developed a mental checklist, or, if not, you likely will at some point. There's the famous GUMPS as a before-landing acronym (gas, undercarriage, mixture, prop, seat belt and switches) and CIGAR as a before-takeoff one. And if you don't have a mental checklist for "in-range" or at final approach fix inbound, start developing one now. The mental checklist will serve as another valuable layer of redundancy and perhaps even a lifesaver in a critical situation with little or no time to consult a written list.

Thorough Preflight Procedures
A safe instrument flight starts with a thorough preflight to minimize the chance of any surprises. Get in the habit of reviewing weather, routing options and, most importantly, contingency plans. This review should include planned routes and altitudes and alternate airports along your route.

Also review the expected arrivals, departures and approach procedures at airports of intended use and rehearse your departure and arrival plan. And always take note of the minimum safe altitudes (MSA).

Meaningful IPCs
An instrument proficiency check doesn't just need to be accomplished when the regulations say so. In fact, if you heed much of this advice, it is hoped you'll never be required to have an IPC. But yes, you should voluntarily participate in meaningful IPCs. Venture outside your comfort zone with an instructor in the interest of your personal development as an instrument pilot.

Use Flight Simulators or Flight Training Devices
There are many options for simulator software and full flight training devices that can provide a wealth of training value. The simulator environment will allow you to rehearse multiple procedures in quick succession in a variety of locations in an efficient manner. You'll be able to experience realistic weather conditions and work through system malfunctions and failures in a much safer setting than in the aircraft.

Maintain the Personal Minimums Discipline
Finally, regardless of your adherence to a proficiency program, the discipline is ultimately adhering to your personal minimums. Personal minimums are just that — personal. It's not something you can read in a book. Stay within your comfort zone, continuously question your guidelines, and, remember, an occasional feeling of trepidation is healthy.

Eric Radtke is an airline transport pilot, Gold Seal flight instructor, advanced ground instructor and NAFI-accredited Master flight instructor. Eric has been involved in aviation education since 1998 and currently serves as president and chief instructor of Sporty’s Academy — the educational arm of Sporty’s Pilot Shop.