IMC Rating
The Original Whirly
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
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twistedenginestarter,
That's probably going a bit far. I've flown over most of the UK with a basic PPL(A). And I'm certainly not unique in this, far from it. So long as you check the weather, are ready to divert if necessary, and generally behave sensibly, it's perfectly possible. It does limit you, admittedly. But I've met a number of relatively inexperienced IMC rated pilots who treat their extra 15 hour qualification almost like an IR, which is potentially far more dangerous. As with everything in flying, being aware and knowing your own limitations are the important things.
That's probably going a bit far. I've flown over most of the UK with a basic PPL(A). And I'm certainly not unique in this, far from it. So long as you check the weather, are ready to divert if necessary, and generally behave sensibly, it's perfectly possible. It does limit you, admittedly. But I've met a number of relatively inexperienced IMC rated pilots who treat their extra 15 hour qualification almost like an IR, which is potentially far more dangerous. As with everything in flying, being aware and knowing your own limitations are the important things.
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Julian
Believe me - if the 15 hours of IMC instruction is good enough, and you stay current, then it is more than an 'emergency' rating. Bear in mind that the main reason most get it is to fly on top. Then you rarely spend more than 10 minutes in the climb and descent actual IMC before before breaking out into gorgeous VMC.
Having said that - I've used it in anger when I've had to, even flying approaches to IMC minimums - if you stay current it's a lifesaver, and anything that improves your chances of survival if you end up in a bad situation cannot be a bad thing.
CM
Believe me - if the 15 hours of IMC instruction is good enough, and you stay current, then it is more than an 'emergency' rating. Bear in mind that the main reason most get it is to fly on top. Then you rarely spend more than 10 minutes in the climb and descent actual IMC before before breaking out into gorgeous VMC.
Having said that - I've used it in anger when I've had to, even flying approaches to IMC minimums - if you stay current it's a lifesaver, and anything that improves your chances of survival if you end up in a bad situation cannot be a bad thing.
CM
Join Date: May 2001
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There was a good discussion on this topic recently.
My own opinion is that after passing the IMC you are unlikely to be either confident or safe to fly hard IMC for any length of time. You should however be quite confident climbing through an overcast, and flying in poor visibility. If you keep the skills going, and take the opportunity to fly with others with more experience, I suspect with time and perseverance there is no reason why you should not reach the skill level of an IR. As with so many things, it is not just coping when all is going well, but also when it goes wrong. Flying IMC with a vac. failure, followed by an approach down to minimums is a tough one. I suspect with a brand new IMC rating you would certainly struggle.
My own opinion is that after passing the IMC you are unlikely to be either confident or safe to fly hard IMC for any length of time. You should however be quite confident climbing through an overcast, and flying in poor visibility. If you keep the skills going, and take the opportunity to fly with others with more experience, I suspect with time and perseverance there is no reason why you should not reach the skill level of an IR. As with so many things, it is not just coping when all is going well, but also when it goes wrong. Flying IMC with a vac. failure, followed by an approach down to minimums is a tough one. I suspect with a brand new IMC rating you would certainly struggle.
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Chilli Monster- I agree with what you are saying about the use of the IMC, that of getting you through cloud layers to get you out of the cr*p and into conditions you can cope with, I have no problem with that.
What I was questioning, Whirlybird brought up the same concern, was those who use an IMC rating as if it were an IR. I have heard more than one Instructor say that "The IMC gives you just enough information to get yourself into trouble..."
Julian.
What I was questioning, Whirlybird brought up the same concern, was those who use an IMC rating as if it were an IR. I have heard more than one Instructor say that "The IMC gives you just enough information to get yourself into trouble..."
Julian.
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Julian (& Whirly)
If you're newly qualified - yes. But read further what I and others have said.
Experience & Currencyare the two watchwords here. It also helps if you've been taught it properly in the first place of course.
If you're newly qualified - yes. But read further what I and others have said.
Experience & Currencyare the two watchwords here. It also helps if you've been taught it properly in the first place of course.
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I have re-read and it seems to be pretty much a divided camp on this subject.
If the IMC was sufficient to go IMC whenever you felt like it (as opposed to transitioning IMC), then why have an IR course at all????
It still seems to me to be an 'emergency' rating. Yes it can get you down in when you are in trouble and yes you will need to remain current as with any rating.
Its a bit like someone being issued a provisonal drivers licence and then shooting off up the M1 on his own.
Julian.
If the IMC was sufficient to go IMC whenever you felt like it (as opposed to transitioning IMC), then why have an IR course at all????
It still seems to me to be an 'emergency' rating. Yes it can get you down in when you are in trouble and yes you will need to remain current as with any rating.
Its a bit like someone being issued a provisonal drivers licence and then shooting off up the M1 on his own.
Julian.
