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VFR Pilot, Instrument Rated

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article distinguishes between VFR pilots, VFR pilots with an instrument rating, and true instrument pilots, highlighting that merely holding an instrument rating doesn't guarantee comfort or proficiency in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
  • Many pilots with an instrument rating struggle to maintain their skills and confidence due to factors like time, cost, or lack of opportunity, often leading them to avoid IMC despite their qualifications.
  • Becoming a true instrument pilot requires consistent experience flying in benign IMC, regular practice with a safety pilot, flying "in the system" frequently, and seeking mentorship to develop comfort, reasoned decision-making, and advanced weather understanding.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Recently I realized that there are VFR pilots, VFR pilots with an instrument rating, and instrument pilots. Which are you? Reading this, you are more likely to be in the latter category, or at least in the middle but aspiring toward the latter. Let me explain.

We all know what VFR pilots are. They’re the ones with the 172s, Cherokees, Mooneys, Champs, Cubs and such who only bring their aircraft out of the hangar on the good days. They never learned to fly in weather and perhaps they don’t want to. That’s fine, as long as they understand that and never risk the common VFR-flight-into-IMC accident scenario.

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