Single Pilot IFR Confidence

[1flier]

Work up to it

Everyone will agree the first time its down to mins, we were more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room of rocking chairs. The suggestion about taking a gig flying traffic watch is a good suggestion since alot of them are flying special VFR or having to file in the air when going back in the mornings. A VFR 135 gig other than Arizona where IFR is hard to get would help also since 135 VFR mins are 2 miles and 1000 ft ceilings in uncontrolled airspace. I did as VFR gig for a year where most of the flying was at nite between 2 islands and it was nothing for the clouds to sweep in mid flight. That built my confidence up and when I returned stateside I started flying for FLX in Cessna 210. Still, I was a little more than unnerved the first time I shot an approach to 100ft ceiling and 1800 RVR right at the mins for the approach, but I got used to it over time. Its not for everybody, just dont overestimate your abilities and you will be fine. Just remember before you apply to these companies, they all expect you to fly as long as it is legal alot of times that means to mins. Most training is 3-10 days including ground and flying depending on the company. The company I worked for held no bones about it, they were not there to teach you instruments, only company and 135 policies. 5 days ground school, 6 hours flight training then check ride and then you were off on your own. If possible, file IFR and fly some practice approaches and holds with another pilot and give yourself a buffer like 1000 ft ceilings and as you become comfortable take it down a little at a time. Dont even be ashamed to get an IFR refresher with a sim somewhere, that works wonders in getting up to par. Best of luck and fly safe.

 

[Boris Badenov]

I'm another FLX guy, except I haven't had the good luck or sense to get out of here yet. Mostly, I'd just reiterate what everyone else has said. The first couple of days are overwhelming and if you're unlucky enough for them to be IMC, they might be overwhelming/terrifying. But you learn really fast, and before you know it the most stressful thing about shooting an approach to minimums will be the irritation of having to hold or divert if you don't get in. As for icing (someone mentioned it), it has a reputation amongst CFIIs as this terrifying boogeyman, but if you plan for it, it's not that big a deal (this may depend also on what you're flying. In a 210 with TKS, ice is almost a non-event).

The short version is yes it's going to feel like you're in way over your head. The secret is that everyone feels that way at first. It's good to be a little freaked out at first, it keeps you alert. It's also a lot of fun, so enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[IHateMgmt]

Ryan,

You've got the right attitude and a good game plan. I too wanted to fly freight after CFIing before I rushed off to the airlines... and I'm soo glad I did. What you will learn will stick with you for the rest of your life. That being said, you probably won't learn all your lessons the easy way. The best thing you can do right now to prepare is to get as many instrument students as you can. Anytime a good day for actual instruments comes up, call all your instrument students and get them in the clouds. Its good for them and good for you. In between those students hop on your local sim and keep your scan current. Put the Wx variable so sometimes you'll make it in, and sometimes you won't be able to, and always plan on the Wx being below mins.

Once you get close to your 1200hrs, start thinking about who the best 135 operator out there is for you. Figure out the flight schedule and be there when they get home some nights. Make friends with the pilots and see if they'll take you up with them sometimes. Many cargo operators are not approved to take passengers, so respect that if they say it, or see if they can make an employee out of you. The best way to really learn how to fly the 135 stuff is just to ride along with an experienced pilot. I rode with for two weeks straight and am very glad I did.

I fly out of the midwest, so icing is a huge concern. FL has the TS's... some 135 will have radar or storm scope and some won't. I've flown both ways. Radar/storm scopes are excellent tools, but it is very doable without them. When you think you'll have TS's between you and your destination get a good Wx briefing. Pay careful attention to the trend of the radar and the surface analysis charts. Also, always, ALWAYS have an out. When you're up to your eye balls in sh*t, now's not the time to ask where to next? No matter what the situation, always have an airport or altitude or some direction to turn to when you need to bug out(this is especially important in icing conditions). When flying near TS's without radar/storm scopes, stay VFR at all costs. Your eyeballs are your best assets for seeing and avoiding TS's. Don't be afraid to get block altitudes or ask for deviations or whatever you need. Most controllers will try to help you, but when they get busy(especially with airline traffic) they might not notice that their radar vector will put you right through the center of a level four TS in 10 miles. If they give you a heading or altitude that will put you in a bad situation, simply reply "unable".

You'll have a blast and you'll acquire invaluable experience that will aid you for the rest of your career. You'll also learn how to rate your experiences on a scale of "pucker factor" and you will appreciate that cushy jet job that much more when you get it. Best of luck.

-IHM

 

[bell47]

You'll be fine. Just plan on flying every approach and going MISSED. Plan ahead as usual for the miss and when the runway actually comes into view at mins., you'll be pleasantly suprised! Also, if T-storms are an issue, let the controllers know that you DON'T have radar or scope and tell them you want a wide berth around them. Most are super nice about it. Ice, well, it all depends on what your flying and how it's equipped. When the poop hits the ocilating breeze maker, just calm down(I know it's hard sometimes) take a deep breath, and think back to your training. It will be old hat after a couple of weeks. GOOD LUCK!