Originally Posted by
JimEli
An interesting perspective: simply fly 6 approaches under the hood on one flight, count that as the tracking/intercepting, and execute 1 circuit of a holding pattern. With that suggestion, is there any doubt there are accidents like this?
You did point out to me earlier (thank you!) that for part 135 pilots, more requirements apply to remain IFR-certified, as stated in
135.297. My idea that a commercial pilot could simply take the company helicopter out for a short flight to remain legally IFR-current was wrong, and we both agree that it wouldn't produce the necessary level of experience to fly safely in (or into) IMC.
I was happy to learn that
135.293 (c) requires VFR-only helicopter pilots to demonstrate each year that they can safely return to VMC from inadvertant IMC.