Originally Posted by
Uplinker
Agree, so sad. RIP.
Back in Earnest Gann's time, crews apparently lasted only a very short time in cloud before getting into serious difficulties, before the days of IMC instrument flying. I can't now remember what instrument flying is part of the PPL? - is it enough to stay reasonably level at a constant speed and turn 180° in mist or cloud by sole reference to instruments?
Also, I don't recall microbursts from CBs being adequately taught and warned about.
I'm now a long lapsed PPL but got my licence in the 90s with about 58 hours. The PPL did indeed include enough IMC training to do a level 180 turn to get you out of a situation you shouldn't be in in the first place. At about 65 - 70 hours total time, due to poor judgement on my part, I had to make use of it. Scared the hell out of me but I gritted my teeth and did exactly what I had been trained to do - ignore everything except your instruments - and (obviously!) it worked. But as a learning experience it was invaluable.