Originally Posted by
CBSITCB
As a recently qualified PPL(A) intending to progress to IR (purely recreational purposes only) I am learning a tremendous amount from the discussions on this forum, and this thread is no exception. It's the main reason I 'lurk'.
I know there have to be limits, but it would be shame to stifle the conversation too much. Perhaps nothing can beat personal experience, but there are many situations discussed in this thread where I am quite happy to learn second hand! As well as learning more about flight ops, my eyes have been opened to the extent - and complexity - of the regulations surrounding GA. What I studied for the PPL Air Law exam is much less than 1% of real-world regulation. Honestly, I now feel that flying the aeroplane is the easy part!
Some more experienced forumites may think many discussion points are tedious and futile, but believe me they are an excellent learning resource for new pilots and long may they continue.
The adage ‘if there is any doubt there is no doubt’ was the best advice I was given when I learned to fly. Having scanned the conditions proposed route and FL I would be amazed if there were no doubts.
The PPL is a licence to learn and using your judgement wisely to manage the risks is key. I’ve only once flown in icing conditions on an IMC training flight. We had details of the freezing level and the cloud level so knew it was a factor. We also had ‘space’ to descend out of the cloud to warmer air. I was surprised how quickly the ice started to accumulate and grateful that I had an experienced instructor with me, it was daylight and we had agreed to plan before setting off. We were also getting an ATC service at the time. We were initially requested to climb into to the cloud as it was the height required for the ILS procedure we were following. ATC promptly allowed us to descend when we explained our situation.
i hope the accident report uncovers the series of events which led to this tragedy but I suspect judgement and decision making will come into play.