Pay attention in the cockpit and treat aviation with respect, for inattention and complacency can kill you, especially when you operate in the instrument
environment. [Credit: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
Pilots must actively combat complacency by consistently updating navigation data (GPS, NOTAMs) and thoroughly briefing every approach, even familiar ones, to account for potential changes.
Strictly adhere to published approach procedures, including correct descent rates, and fulfill all pre-flight requirements (14 CFR 91.103) to ensure safety and accuracy.
Always have backups for electronic flight aids and avoid dangerous "scud runs" by recognizing that familiar environments can change, demanding current information and respect for IFR conditions.
In theory, the more you fly, the more proficient you become. But you can also become complacent, especially when doing the same approaches in the same airplane over and over again—then one day, something changes.
Here are some IFR gotchas to watch for:
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
![Pay attention in the cockpit and treat aviation with respect, for inattention and complacency can kill you, especially when you operate in the instrument environment. [Credit: Adobe Stock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FLY0326_1.jpeg)
