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:

Pilots flying single-pilot IFR for extended periods should actively manage fatigue by taking breaks for hydration and stretching, and consider aircraft stability and equipment as factors.
For touch-and-go maneuvers, pilots should consistently make all standard pattern radio calls, specifying "touch-and-go" with each announcement.
The timing for turning onto the crosswind leg during touch-and-goes should be flexible, considering aircraft performance and existing traffic to ensure safety and efficient training.

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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.