Create Your Own Prevention Strategy

You may already be certificated and not engaged in the training system. You can, however, successfully avoid being a VFR into IMC statistic. The key to safe operation is using effective risk management and tailoring your operations to your (realistic) capabilities and those of your aircraft: [IMGCAP(1)] - If instrument rated and your aircraft is suitably equipped, plan to file IFR when the weather is marginal. Dont be tempted to scud run when theres a safer and…

Editorial Staff

Thursday, January 07, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

To avoid VFR into IMC incidents, pilots must use effective risk management tailored to their capabilities and aircraft.
Instrument-rated pilots should file IFR in marginal weather instead of "scud running," while non-instrument-rated pilots need to apply higher weather minimums.
If unexpectedly caught in IMC, pilots should utilize automation (like an autopilot) to climb to safety and immediately communicate their situation to Air Traffic Control.

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You may already be certificated and not engaged in the training system. You can, however, successfully avoid being a “VFR into IMC” statistic. The key to safe operation is using effective risk management and tailoring your operations to your (realistic) capabilities and those of your aircraft:

– If instrument rated and your aircraft is suitably equipped, plan to file IFR when the weather is marginal. Don’t be tempted to “scud run” when there’s a safer and more efficient option.

– If not instrument-rated, recognize you’ll need to apply higher weather minimums to your operation to provide adequate margins and mitigate risks associated with marginal weather.

– Regardless of your ratings, if you still end up getting boxed in, don’t be afraid to use your autopilot and other automation to climb out of trouble, then confess your situation to ATC. You’ll avoid becoming a “VFR into IMC” statistic and live to fly another day.