Originally Posted by
Mark1234
. Nothing I do VFR requires an autopilot. While I understand the benefit of the autopilot *IF* you're proficient in it's use, if I was to enter IMC, the last place my attention would go is some esoteric bit of kit I don't understand. Scan, and a steady 180 turn. Should be pretty basic?
If it is so basic how come the accident record is so full of instances where VFR pilots have lost control after getting into IMC ?
This is the classic case of confusing "what should be" from "what is".
Obviously VFR pilots should not be in IMC conditions but it seems to me silly that in a technologically advanced aircraft when suddenly all visual references go away rather than start a panic attempt to interpret the instruments and start manovering, why not teach engaging the device that will hold the wings level and level flight attitude ?
Now the pilot can take a deep breath, give himself a smack upside the head for being stupid and plan how he is going to get back to VMC ?