IR(R) - Is it worth it?
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 1
From: Cambridge, England, EU
As a conventional airframe, I am sure they are capable of safe instrument flight
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Joined: Feb 2000
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 178
From: UK
My understanding also. Yes, some 3-axis microlights could potentially be made safe for instrument flight, but none have (legally) been demonstrated to be that I know of.
For a start, an artificial horizon would be a jolly good idea, along with a heated pitot - before even thinking about reliability and handling qualities.
G
For a start, an artificial horizon would be a jolly good idea, along with a heated pitot - before even thinking about reliability and handling qualities.
G
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: London
One other consideration
I would certainly agree that doing the IR(R) was one of the best things I've done and has made me a better pilot in more general terms than just flying in IMC.
One thing that I have found is that because I fly from Stapleford slap bang between Stansted, London City, Heathrow TMA and now Southend I have found it hard to find days where I can get into real IMC without busting Class A (which starts from 2500' overhead) and/or without the cloud base being so low as to make it difficult to get back through the cloud without descending below MSA (no approved instrument approach back in to Stapleford).
I'm basically looking for a day when the cloud base is exactly between 1500' and 2000' and with no prospect of it dropping down much below that.
Of course I could always shoot an ILS into Southend if the need arose but then it starts to get costly and complicated.
I suppose all I'm saying is that depending on where you are in the country can make it harder or easier to get use out of it. But still do it.
One thing that I have found is that because I fly from Stapleford slap bang between Stansted, London City, Heathrow TMA and now Southend I have found it hard to find days where I can get into real IMC without busting Class A (which starts from 2500' overhead) and/or without the cloud base being so low as to make it difficult to get back through the cloud without descending below MSA (no approved instrument approach back in to Stapleford).
I'm basically looking for a day when the cloud base is exactly between 1500' and 2000' and with no prospect of it dropping down much below that.
Of course I could always shoot an ILS into Southend if the need arose but then it starts to get costly and complicated.
I suppose all I'm saying is that depending on where you are in the country can make it harder or easier to get use out of it. But still do it.
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 2
From: 23, Railway Cuttings, East Cheam
Dax:
I've always felt a bit sorry for people such as yourself, it's nearly all class G up here. I remember a couple of guys coming up from Kenley gliding club to buy a two seater off an old club of mine. We got them set up for a test flight and as they were strapping in one said to me 'What's the airway ceiling around here?'
'There isn't one' I replied. He was almost in tears of joy poor bloke, I think he said they were limited to 2,000' at Kenley.
How the hell can you run a gliding club with class A 2,000' above?
I've always felt a bit sorry for people such as yourself, it's nearly all class G up here. I remember a couple of guys coming up from Kenley gliding club to buy a two seater off an old club of mine. We got them set up for a test flight and as they were strapping in one said to me 'What's the airway ceiling around here?'
'There isn't one' I replied. He was almost in tears of joy poor bloke, I think he said they were limited to 2,000' at Kenley.
How the hell can you run a gliding club with class A 2,000' above?
