Departure Difficulties

Too often, instrument training can focus only on approaches, those procedures at the end of a flight allowing us to find a runway and land on it. But well before we’re cleared for an approach, we have to take off, climb to altitude and get through the en route system to someplace close to our destination. Sure, approaches are sexy, but other portions of an instrument flight are just as important. Take initial climb and departure, for instance, something at which pilots routinely fail.

Key Takeaways:

• Fatal instrument flight accidents frequently occur during the initial climb and departure phase in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), often due to pilot disorientation or loss of control, even with experienced pilots and well-equipped aircraft.
• These accidents are commonly linked to insufficient pilot preparation for departure procedures, distractions diverting attention from basic aircraft control during the critical low-altitude phase, and a failure to establish and maintain a positive climb rate.
• To mitigate these risks, pilots must engage in meticulous pre-flight and pre-takeoff preparation, including mastering attitude flying, thoroughly setting avionics, briefing the departure, delaying autopilot engagement, and maintaining a sterile cockpit until a safe climb is established.

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