Three IFR Curveballs

Flying IFR can get deceptively routine. Most of the time, it means taking off, climbing, cruising, descending, and an approach and landing-all along well-defined routes and usually in VMC. The majority of IFR pilots tend to fly the same routes and procedures again and again, to the point they might memorize communications frequencies and even approach minimums. Its possible to be extremely proficient at the type of flying you usually do while letting other skills atrophy.

Tom Turner

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Routine IFR flying often leads to complacency with common procedures, making it crucial for pilots to maintain proficiency in less-used but essential skills.
Pilots must be prepared to execute "unpublished holds" at non-charted fixes, requiring visualization and improvisation using GPS OBS mode or VORs.
Understanding and adhering to terrain/obstacle clearance procedures, including specified climb gradients and Visual Climbs Over the Airport (VCOAs), is vital for safe departures, particularly from challenging airports.
The ability to fly a DME arc, though less frequently assigned, remains an important IFR skill for approaches, demanding precise segment flying and continuous wind correction.

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Flying IFR can get deceptively routine. Most of the time, it means taking off, climbing, cruising, descending, and an approach and landing—all along well-defined routes and usually in VMC. The majority of IFR pilots tend to fly the same routes and procedures again and again, to the point they might memorize communications frequencies and even approach minimums. It’s possible to be extremely proficient at the type of flying you usually do while letting other skills atrophy.

Yet when you accept an IFR clearance, you’re accepting the responsibility to perform any task or procedure in the Instrument Flying Handbook—perhaps in new and untested ways. What are some of the little-used IFR skills you may be assigned at any time, without much warning? What unusual tasks should you practice and have in your back pocket every time you fly IFR?