VFR For IFR Pilots

Its an interesting phenomenon: As student pilots, we master VFR traffic patterns in just a few hours. After earning the private, we work on our instrument rating. Initially, nothing is quite so nerve wracking as a difficult approach. Then, our careers progress and we land that big job. IFR becomes old hat-we can shoot that approach without a second thought. In fact, we get so used to "vectors to final" that we get the shakes flying a VFR traffic pattern at a small airport on a nice day-something we mastered thousands of hours ago. What causes this odd reversal and what can we do about it?

Key Takeaways:

• Experienced IFR pilots often struggle with basic visual traffic patterns, a skill mastered as students, due to over-reliance on instruments, autopilots, and ATC guidance in high-performance aircraft.
• This "reversal" is caused by complacency towards VFR flight, a lack of dedicated planning for visual pattern entries, and insufficient hands-on stick-and-rudder practice in their current aircraft type.
• To regain proficiency, pilots must plan VFR pattern entries with the same diligence as instrument approaches, considering winds, terrain, and appropriate altitudes/speeds far in advance.
• It is crucial to actively hand-fly the aircraft as much as possible, beyond just takeoffs and landings, to rebuild and maintain fundamental visual flying skills, reducing dependence on automation.

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