IMC Flight Test

[Snigs]

Hi folks, just a short question primarily to UK instructors, with, hopefully a short answer.

I'm (hopefully) just about to finish my IMC training. I'm flying a Piper Arrow which has a heading bug and associated wing levelling gizmo. My instructor doesn't allow me to use it at any time, so I have to hand fly.

I'd like your opinions.....Is the W/L allowed in the flight test? Would you allow it in training or not?

I know it improves my flying technique, but I couldn't half use it at times!

[This message has been edited by Snigs (edited 20 January 2000).]

[BEagle]

No - I certainly wouldn't allow you to use it in an IMC Rating Test!!

[StrateandLevel]

If you had an IR you would have to use in the new revised revalidation. However BEagle is right not in an IMC Test

[Wee Weasley Welshman]

Nope. Wouldn't let you use the W/L either. Not that I am an examiner.

Rather takes the sport out of an IMC flight if you don't glance up at the AH only to discover you are rolling through 45 degrees!

WWW

[Sleeve Wing]

I'm right with you, BEagle.

Certainly wouldn't allow use or W/L or AP Hdg.facility during test.

The whole idea is to see if you can fly the aeroplane in IMC, not if the aeroplane can fly you.

[rolling circle]

After upwards of 100 IMC Rating tests I can comfortably say -

Anyone who does not use the heading bug is an idiot, anyone who attempts to use the wing leveler is a scoundrel ( and will fail)!

[BEagle]

Sorry - I thought that he meant that he wanted to use the hdg bug to control the wing leveller. Totally agree with you, Rolling C - use the heading bug if one is fitted to assist with maintaining headings!! But most emphatically NOT the wing leveller!!

[2R]

Your skills are the ones to be evaluated on the test not the airplane.However after the test go have some fun with the wing leveller.Even better get some time with a full autopilot set-up.GPS auto coupled next generation .Be a hitchhiker,hangout at the airport ,you would be suprised how many pilots like some company on flights.

[Snigs]

Thanks to everyone for the response, I guess that I already knew the answer! :)

However, rolling and BEagle, I hadn't thought of using the heading bug just for course reference, so thanks for that.

Flight test coming up soon, I'll let you know how I get on.

Mumble mumble, bloody NDB/DME approaches....

[BEagle]

NDB/DME?? Luxury - fixed card ADF and stopwatch for you, m'lad!!

[Snigs]

Good afternoon folks,

Just to let you know that I took and passed the IMC skills test on Sunday, thanks for all your input.

Yeehar!! :)

Funnily enough, I had no problems with maintaining heading, just a bit of up and down alt drift.

[BEagle]

Comgratulations!! Well done indeed!!

[squeakmail]

Well done, snigs.

Now go back and ask your instructor WHY he hadn't given you the tip about using the heading bug as an aide-memoir to the heading. Darned useful thing when being radar vectored somewhere...turn it before acknowledging ATC.

But, I say again...well done. Trick now is to remember not to use that IMC rating in cold British clouds unless your aircraft can handle them. Wing leveller or not - even the Arrow does not do well when covered in ice

[juswonnafly]

Snigs....

Well done!

JWF