Itarman,
Sadly it does
As a previous FI and now an IR holder there is a real difference between Sim IMC, knowing somebody else can see outside and actual IMC.
Examples:
Lowish hours ppl(h) holder and R44 owner - reguarly flies through and in cloud. Once saw him fly into a basically fog bound airfield. Explanation given was punched up through it, when zoomed in gps said I was above the airfield I slowed and descended!! I kid you not
Or the soon to be ppl applicant that despite a non existent horizon and a clearly lowering cloud base, pressed on despite very obvious hints to the contrary, before flying into cloud at 1000' AGL in an R44. First reaction was to gulp and freeze on the controls, rapidly selecting left roll and nose down. As the FI took control student uttered ' Can you do this please'. Control was regained, a level 180 turn completed and when the aircraft went back VMC it was less than 300' AGL
I know the facts, as I was the FI!!!! This was with a student who had been very sensible throughout their ppl. To finish the story, once they'd recovered the stude asked to continue with the nav exercise. Hints were again given to the contrary and eventually they were taken. A decision was made by the student to return to base, but via the most direct route - that involved flying over the high ground! You've guessed it. Straight back into IMC and very low to the ground
I took control as we neared the grey, maintained control throughout and we had an interesting debrief and discussion on future training
It remains the scariest thing I've ever done in a helicopter (I was low hours and no IR) and I never gave a student that much leeway again.
FWIW I think the syllabus is there trying to show students that IMC flight in an unstabilised single is not only very different, but very difficult. Sadly you cannot guarantee that all students will appreciate and respect that lesson.
Recall the B206 that landed in worsening weather, waited about 3 hours and despite no improvement now thought it safer to continue
4 fatalities IIRC. What a needless waste of life
Reality is there will always be 'One' that thinks they know better.
