Instrument Flying
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Instrument Flying
I'm about to start some instrument flying training. Could anyone recommend particular books or DVDs which helped them?
I fly on an NPPL (so can't get an IMC rating) and have 180 hours flying experience.
I fly on an NPPL (so can't get an IMC rating) and have 180 hours flying experience.
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Hi!
The one that comes to mind is "How to commit suicide in then easy lessons."
Sorry, but instrument flying is not the kind of thing to teach yourself from books and DVDs.
Live long and prosper!
max
Could anyone recommend particular books or DVDs which helped them?
Sorry, but instrument flying is not the kind of thing to teach yourself from books and DVDs.
Live long and prosper!
max
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Maybe I should have made myself clearer. By 'training' I meant with an instructor. The books / DVDs are as an aid, not in order to teach myself!
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This
Into IMC - An Overview - DVD - IMC Rating Studies - Pilot Warehouse'ASCO
and this will probably help. Ill be buying something similar when I start my IMC
The IMC Confuser - IMC Rating Studies - Pilot Warehouse'ASCO
Into IMC - An Overview - DVD - IMC Rating Studies - Pilot Warehouse'ASCO
and this will probably help. Ill be buying something similar when I start my IMC
The IMC Confuser - IMC Rating Studies - Pilot Warehouse'ASCO
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Instrument Flying stuff
Hi Miroku,
The standard texts on the subject are the Trevor Thom books, the Jeppesen Sanderson one covers it in great depth albeit from an American perspective. My favorite is the Instrument Flight Training Manual written by Peter Dogan and developed by Professional Instrument Courses Inc. The latter book is relatively concise and includes 'war stories' to illustrate each section. I found this book useful when doing the FAA IR in 1997.
You mention that you fly on an NPPL, so I assume you are doing the instrument training out of general interest, rather than a desire to hammer off in to hard IMC and fly airways. This is an excellent idea, as good instruction of any kind is worth having. Most people recon that instrument training improves the accuracy of their VFR flying.
As you are probably aware, there are two aspects to instrument flying. The first is controlling the aircraft by sole reference to the instruments. This includes identifying instrument failures and flying on 'partial panel'.
The second or applied part of the training involves the navigational aspect of instrument flying. This includes navigation by VOR, NDB, GPS and ILS etc. It also includes things you need to know to conform to the IFR system, like holds, SIDs, STARSs, Lost Comms Procedures etc. Many of the books and electronic media devote a lot of time and material to the applied part of instrument flying, which may be of less interest to you.
Good luck with your flying. I've a selection of books and VHS videos on instrument flying, which although a bit dated (i.e. 1997 - so not much on GPS), may be of use. If you'd like to borrow them drop me a PM.
Safe Flying,
Richard W.
The standard texts on the subject are the Trevor Thom books, the Jeppesen Sanderson one covers it in great depth albeit from an American perspective. My favorite is the Instrument Flight Training Manual written by Peter Dogan and developed by Professional Instrument Courses Inc. The latter book is relatively concise and includes 'war stories' to illustrate each section. I found this book useful when doing the FAA IR in 1997.
You mention that you fly on an NPPL, so I assume you are doing the instrument training out of general interest, rather than a desire to hammer off in to hard IMC and fly airways. This is an excellent idea, as good instruction of any kind is worth having. Most people recon that instrument training improves the accuracy of their VFR flying.
As you are probably aware, there are two aspects to instrument flying. The first is controlling the aircraft by sole reference to the instruments. This includes identifying instrument failures and flying on 'partial panel'.
The second or applied part of the training involves the navigational aspect of instrument flying. This includes navigation by VOR, NDB, GPS and ILS etc. It also includes things you need to know to conform to the IFR system, like holds, SIDs, STARSs, Lost Comms Procedures etc. Many of the books and electronic media devote a lot of time and material to the applied part of instrument flying, which may be of less interest to you.
Good luck with your flying. I've a selection of books and VHS videos on instrument flying, which although a bit dated (i.e. 1997 - so not much on GPS), may be of use. If you'd like to borrow them drop me a PM.
Safe Flying,
Richard W.
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I think the current American IR books are the best for serious IFR stuff.
Trevor Thom book 5 is what you are supposed to read for the IMC Rating but I found that book (back in 2001) to be very poorly written and probably the work of several people, stitched together. It was also barely relevant to modern IFR which is done wholly with GPS, backed up by VOR/DME when available.
In "UK Class G informal IFR" one is not going to be flying holds or anything else too fancy. One cannot have legit IFR rights on an NPPL (i.e. all types of approaches into Class D) but from a pure safety POV what is highly desirable is flying an ILS, which is hardly difficult. A sim, and some ground instruction, is the way to get this started.
Radio nav is 100% usable for normal VFR flight too; I have been doing that on every trip since the day after I got my PPL.
Trevor Thom book 5 is what you are supposed to read for the IMC Rating but I found that book (back in 2001) to be very poorly written and probably the work of several people, stitched together. It was also barely relevant to modern IFR which is done wholly with GPS, backed up by VOR/DME when available.
In "UK Class G informal IFR" one is not going to be flying holds or anything else too fancy. One cannot have legit IFR rights on an NPPL (i.e. all types of approaches into Class D) but from a pure safety POV what is highly desirable is flying an ILS, which is hardly difficult. A sim, and some ground instruction, is the way to get this started.
Radio nav is 100% usable for normal VFR flight too; I have been doing that on every trip since the day after I got my PPL.
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Many thanks for all the replies so far.
I am not about to commence serious IFR flying but would like to be able to fly on instruments in cloud if the weather deteriorates and also navigate using NDBs and VORs more effectively than I am currently able. I repeat, I fly on an NPPL licence, I'm not a budding airline pilot - maybe 40 year's ago!
I would also like to be able to fly an approach on instruments in extremis. I realise that this would possible be illegal but I would prefer to argue this on the ground afterwards, rather than to explain at the pearly gates that I could have saved myself but the rules didn't allow it.
This may be a Bad Idea. I'm sure someone will put me right!
I am not about to commence serious IFR flying but would like to be able to fly on instruments in cloud if the weather deteriorates and also navigate using NDBs and VORs more effectively than I am currently able. I repeat, I fly on an NPPL licence, I'm not a budding airline pilot - maybe 40 year's ago!
I would also like to be able to fly an approach on instruments in extremis. I realise that this would possible be illegal but I would prefer to argue this on the ground afterwards, rather than to explain at the pearly gates that I could have saved myself but the rules didn't allow it.
This may be a Bad Idea. I'm sure someone will put me right!
I think the current American IR books are the best for serious IFR stuff.
Here's one for example. Can't argue with "One of the primary tasks in instrument flying is to get priorities straight in your mind ..." can you?!
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I am not about to commence serious IFR flying but would like to be able to fly on instruments in cloud if the weather deteriorates
Flying on instruments in cloud is very very , like deadly, serious.
Learn it right and do it right, stay current and proficient in identifying and handling instrument failures or stay VFR at all times (if that means not flying on iffy VFR days so be it).
If that seems a hard line try exiting a cloud with the wing coming off, because thats how "inadvertent" VMC into IMC very predictably ends - often very quickly after entering the cloud. Sadly plenty of accident reports to illustrate that reality.
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There are very good IFR interactive courses at AOPA Air Safety Foundation Interactive Safety Courses
An excellent book, a must for every instrument pilot is "The Instrument Flight Training Manual" from Peter Dogan (ISBN 0-916413-02-0)
Get also "Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual"
And, the "Air Force Instrument Flying Manual" reprinted and published by Airguide Publications
Check also, and become a member of PPL/IR Europe for exchanging knowledge and experience about instrument flying. Resources, forums & more: PPL/IR Europe
By the way, you are absolutely correct, and show good airmanship, in your search of books and other learning material. Instrument flying is something to continually think about, review and learn. Keep also in mind that there are very few good or competent "instrument" flight instructors. Good luck. Happy & Safe Flying,
An excellent book, a must for every instrument pilot is "The Instrument Flight Training Manual" from Peter Dogan (ISBN 0-916413-02-0)
Get also "Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual"
And, the "Air Force Instrument Flying Manual" reprinted and published by Airguide Publications
Check also, and become a member of PPL/IR Europe for exchanging knowledge and experience about instrument flying. Resources, forums & more: PPL/IR Europe
By the way, you are absolutely correct, and show good airmanship, in your search of books and other learning material. Instrument flying is something to continually think about, review and learn. Keep also in mind that there are very few good or competent "instrument" flight instructors. Good luck. Happy & Safe Flying,
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Pardon?
Flying on instruments in cloud is very very , like deadly, serious.
Learn it right and do it right, stay current and proficient in identifying and handling instrument failures or stay VFR at all times (if that means not flying on iffy VFR days so be it).
If that seems a hard line try exiting a cloud with the wing coming off, because thats how "inadvertent" VMC into IMC very predictably ends - often very quickly after entering the cloud. Sadly plenty of accident reports to illustrate that reality.
Flying on instruments in cloud is very very , like deadly, serious.
Learn it right and do it right, stay current and proficient in identifying and handling instrument failures or stay VFR at all times (if that means not flying on iffy VFR days so be it).
If that seems a hard line try exiting a cloud with the wing coming off, because thats how "inadvertent" VMC into IMC very predictably ends - often very quickly after entering the cloud. Sadly plenty of accident reports to illustrate that reality.
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"What Next" Max wrote:
I strongly disagree 
E.g., here is another good book on in depth understanding GPS approaches: Vasa Babic's RNAV Training Manual (PPL/IR Europe - RNAV Training Manual Order Form)
Sorry, but instrument flying is not the kind of thing to teach yourself from books and DVDs.
E.g., here is another good book on in depth understanding GPS approaches: Vasa Babic's RNAV Training Manual (PPL/IR Europe - RNAV Training Manual Order Form)
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Hello!
Over the years, I have encountered two self-taught IFR pilots who perished whilst perfoming their act. One sadly took his girlfriend and two small children with him, the other had "only" one passenger aboard. But I cannot derive any statistics from that, because I do not know how many self-taught IFR pilots survived the experience...
And to Miroku: I understand your motivation now and that you want to get tuition by an instructor. Which is a good thing in a way. I know nothing about the UK NPPL, but as a JAA IFR instructor, I am not allowed to train anybody in instrument flying outside an official course. If I did anyway, it would be without insurance cover and with the risk of losing my licence in the process. So before beginning the training, I would strongly recommend to check the legality of the whole plan.
Happy landings,
max
avionimc: I strongly disagree...
And to Miroku: I understand your motivation now and that you want to get tuition by an instructor. Which is a good thing in a way. I know nothing about the UK NPPL, but as a JAA IFR instructor, I am not allowed to train anybody in instrument flying outside an official course. If I did anyway, it would be without insurance cover and with the risk of losing my licence in the process. So before beginning the training, I would strongly recommend to check the legality of the whole plan.
Happy landings,
max
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I think you should be focusing on ensuring that you do NOT get yourself in to such conditions that might warrant an instrument approach in the first place.
When I learnt to fly in a C152 the little aircraft was IFR equipt. My instructor on asking about the VOR, ADF etc always said that as a training VFR pilot I did not need to know about such things and refused to show me how the things worked.
I am of the opinion that if you have it find out how to use it. In an ideal world pilots will never get in a mess will never go near cloud but in the real world situations do occur.
The better your knowledge the more options you have. That does not mean you ever as a VFR pilot even have to have the things switched on but ???
So yes miroku get your training as you will anyway
also use MSFS its an excellent tool for home practice and currency on instrument flying.Iinstrument flying will give you a better understanding and may even make you more cautious about taking to the clouds.
In that way instrument flying will add to your flying but dont use it for real without the right aircraft and the right complete structured training and rating.
Pace
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I am not allowed to train anybody in instrument flying outside an official course.
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I am not about to commence serious IFR flying but would like to be able to fly on instruments in cloud if the weather deteriorates and also navigate using NDBs and VORs more effectively than I am currently able. I repeat, I fly on an NPPL licence
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Hi!
Not that I wish to defend JAR, but it was exactly the same in our previous national licensing system. No instructing allowed outside training organisations. With the exception of a few things like multiengine type ratings.
But under the JAR syllabus, five hours of basic intrument flying are now included in the PPL course, which is more than nothing. Without regular practise however, these skills will be lost again within a few months.
Which is complete and utter b@llox, and why JAR does nothing to enhance safety.....
But under the JAR syllabus, five hours of basic intrument flying are now included in the PPL course, which is more than nothing. Without regular practise however, these skills will be lost again within a few months.
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Oh dear... the olde argument that one should not teach somebody to fly on instruments, because they might use those [vital life-saving] skills, and come to harm...
Why do they teach the 180 in IMC in the basic PPL? Surely that's a bad idea because no flight in IMC should be taught. Proper airmanship dictates that the pilot should die.
In the USA you can do that. Of course, the USA is covered with aircraft wreckage, so clearly that's a bad thing. So, why does JAA require this? Job protection - that's all. Like everything that happens in Europe.
Why do they teach the 180 in IMC in the basic PPL? Surely that's a bad idea because no flight in IMC should be taught. Proper airmanship dictates that the pilot should die.
No instructing allowed outside training organisations
