Good IFR Platform?

Thanks for Bob Wrights article in the September 2017 issue, Single-Pilot Challenges. I wanted to comment on a sidebar accompanying the article: What Makes A Good IFR Platform. I agree with the authors take that range, speed and installed equipment all combine to make an airplane enjoyable to fly in the IFR environment. Those lacking similar capabilities obviously can be flown on IFR cross-countries, but come with various shortcomings that may need to be addressed depending…

Editorial Staff

Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Managing pilot fatigue on long single-pilot IFR flights is crucial, with strategies like breaking up trips for rest and hydration being as vital as aircraft capabilities, and weather considerations influencing stop decisions.
When performing multiple touch-and-goes, pilots should make all standard pattern radio calls (downwind, base, final), appending that a touch-and-go will be performed.
The timing of the crosswind turn in the traffic pattern during touch-and-goes should be flexible, considering aircraft performance and traffic to prevent conflicts rather than adhering to a rigid altitude.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Thanks for Bob Wright’s article in the September 2017 issue, “Single-Pilot Challenges.” I wanted to comment on a sidebar accompanying the article: “What Makes A Good IFR Platform.”

I agree with the author’s take that range, speed and installed equipment all combine to make an airplane enjoyable to fly in the IFR environment. Those lacking similar capabilities obviously can be flown on IFR cross-countries, but come with various shortcomings that may need to be addressed depending on the mission. In my view, using a general aviation airplane for city-to-city transportation raises fatigue issues that pilots shouldn’t ignore.