Making Practice Count: IFR Self-Critique

I fly a lot of IFR year round and a fair amount of actual IMC during the winter, but not much in the summer. Like everyone else, Ive heard the wakeup call from Center in that unmistakable tone that says, "Were not amused that you think flex-altitudes are in use today...please get back to 5000 feet. Now." That sort of thing may be a minor mistake, but if you add up enough minor mistakes, youve got a trend and that could lead to something ugly. The 24-month flight review and instrument proficiency checks are supposed to correct the inevitable decline in skill for those of us who dont fly much, but there may be a better way.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilots often experience a gradual decline in IFR skills between formal proficiency checks, leading to minor but accumulative errors.
• To combat this, the author recommends practicing "iron-handed discipline" by conducting a "searing self-review" for 10-15 minutes on every flight, assessing basic IFR skills across all flight phases.
• This self-improvement method involves keeping notes on performance, actively challenging oneself with precise maneuvers (e.g., holding altitude to 10 feet, practicing specific climb/descent rates), and seeking varied ATC procedures like holds or full approaches.
• Consistent self-evaluation and deliberate practice foster professionalism, precision, and safety, making every flight opportunity count for continuous skill maintenance.

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