Flying IFR through turbulence

[Morettis]

When you're getting bounced around in in cruise in IMC flying a precise heading and altitude just isn't practical. The way I do it is to set up a box depending on how bad the turbulence is, but usually something like +- 100-150 ft and +- 5-10* and just try to keep the plane within that box.

If you're in cruise, you have plenty of space all around you, and noone is going to care as long as you keep it fairly close to where you're supposed to be. If you spend the whole time fighting for +-20ft and +-2* then you'll wear yourself out for no good reason.

The bigger the turbulence, the bigger the box. Save your concentration for when you're getting your ass beat on an approach.

 

[TradingPilot]

The approaches phase really kicks my arse. I'm flying a lot better now, 2 flights to go then the stage check. I gotta clean up some things but i think i might make it through I just need to be confident!

 

[siucavflight]

Just turn on the autopilot, this should help.

 

[TradingPilot]

Just turn on the autopilot, this should help.

I Know! That's basically what I'm going to be doing for the rest of my career

 

[siucavflight]

Exactly! Just tell the examiner that!

 

[FLYHY]

Due to it's mental demand, instrument flying causes everyone to have difficulty with it at some point in the training process. That being said, if you at the approach stage check point, and are having difficulties with maintaining heading/altitude during bumps, you may need to take a step back and do some basic attitude flying.

It sounds as though your scan is deteriorating as the workload increases. When this happens, your nerves cause your brain to hiccup resulting in overcontrolling the airplane (like a kneejerk reaction).

I would suggest practicing on a FTD. I know it is not like a real plane, but it will help you practice your scan and to keep your inputs light. This will also allow you and your instructor to determine if you may need to take a few days off to let your brain rest. If you are pushing yourself to finish the stage check, you may be sub-consciously adding stress to an already critical flight scenario.

Good instrument pilots are becoming rarer. In this profession, it makes for a long day when you have to work with someone who doesn't know how to fly IFR. Don't worry about finishing, worry about being a good pilot.

Best of luck - let us know how it turns out.

 

[LR24B]

Good instrument pilots are becoming rarer. In this profession, it makes for a long day when you have to work with someone who doesn't know how to fly IFR. Don't worry about finishing, worry about being a good pilot.

Best of luck - let us know how it turns out.

Great Post and very true! I thought I knew how to fly instruments until my 20 series Learjet days. The autopilots didn't work.

I can still hear an old Lear Capt say... "Did you get your license out of a Cracker Jack Box?"

Semper fi - Learn, Over-Come, Adapt

 

[TradingPilot]

The big day is tomorrow!

My skills have improved dramatically in the last few flights! And I feel good! Thanks for all the advice I will let you guys know how it goes.