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Hey, You Can’t Do That!

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article outlines a "Sim Challenge" for pilots to sharpen IFR skills by simulating equipment limitations and encouraging creative use of basic navigation tools.
  • The challenge comprises three stages: an unconventional "Double ILS" departure and approach, a "DME Arc Traffic Pattern" using only VOR/DME, and a "Dead Reckoning" flight without any navigational aids.
  • Participants are pushed to master traditional instrument flying techniques, precise planning, and navigation with limited information, all within a safe simulator environment.
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There’s an old joke about the retired airline pilot who checks out in a Cessna 172 after years of flying heavy iron. The pilot calls Tower from the hold short line saying, “I’ve lost my first officer, have only basic functioning equipment, and I’m down to one engine … I’d like to declare an emergency now.”

This Sim Challenge is sort of like that. These “approaches” test your skill and IFR imagination. You’ll be using equipment and published procedures in ways they weren’t designed to be used. We usually suggest flying something fast for the challenge and fun, but consider something simple and slow like a vanilla 172, at least at first.

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