There are two types of proficiency needed today for competent instrument flight. Of course, you must fly solely by reference to the instruments in highly variable weather ranging from low ceilings and visibility all the way up to a more active environment that might include precipitation, gusty winds, convection, and worse.
But system knowledge is critical. The best stick who doesn’t know the departure, arrival, and approach procedures can’t really master instrument flight. Now, break down that knowledge into two elements: simple rules and procedures, then the ability and judgment to apply those rules and procedures appropriately when needed.
Educational resources like books, classes, IFR Magazine, and other publications can teach you those rules and procedures. But no amount of simple “book learning” can give you the experience to properly apply all that, making good decisions.
There’s an old saying, “Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.” I add, “experience is what you get when you don’t get what you expected to get.” Unless you fly a lot more often than the limits of available money and time most of us experience, you are simply unable to build enough good judgment to cross that threshold to become an experienced and capable instrument pilot, able to properly apply good judgment. Enter Pilot Workshops.
I’m late to the party. I only became familiar with Pilot Workshops in the last couple years. Pilot Workshops is a respected producer of educational material. (Check out their IFR Procedures Pilot-Friendly Manual.) But they also have a subscription-based Mastery Series of Scenario-Based training, both in VFR and IFR versions. I’ve been going through their IFR Mastery training and, well, it’s that missing-link of guidance that helps you translate solid knowledge into good judgment.
On the web you watch a video that sets up a scenario. The scenario isn’t usually too complex and could be something as straightforward as, “You’re cruising at 9000 feet in your normally aspirated single and up ahead you see some clouds that the controller says contain ice. What do you do?” You choose from multiple answers, using extensive resources that are provided—like the performance chart for your airplane, NEXRAD images, PIREPs, chart segments, etc.
Following that is a detailed audio expert summary and explanation. Next is a recording of a roundtable discussion by six top pilots and educators. They discuss what this pilot should do, and why. The roundtable often agrees, but occasionally there is disagreement and the discussion can get lively. The discussion is led by a moderator who keeps things on track and helps assure that the entire 30-plus minutes is valuable to the listener in refining his or her judgment in a similar situation. These scenarios are a tremendously stimulating way to keep decision making sharp. They even offer WINGS credit. What’s not to like?
I was invited to join the roundtable discussions for their 2025 IFR Mastery, presently in production. The level of expertise and experience present in that room was humbling, and I’m sure you’ll find the discussions highly beneficial. I strongly recommend pilotworkshops.com.
