IFR training in an RV-7? I did it!

[C. Brenden]

Great write up and congratulations! I completed my first 20 hours of 'primary instrument training' in my VFR RV6 to save cost. During the first few hours I wasn't sure I would be able to do it but soon learned what it took to keep the right side up. I then switched to an IFR equipped C172 and was amazed at how long I could look at a map and the plane wouldn't change altitude or roll off course!
Congratulations again and be safe!

[MercFE]

Recently flew my IFR check up here in the Seattle area... My DPE actually allowed use of the autopilot throughout the entire flight, requiring only one approach to be hand flown.

Biggest reason to use the autopilot as much as possible is to show proficiency with the equipment available to you within your aircraft. Secondary to that is the use of good resource management for the busy phases of flight.

Scott's plane is definitely a beautiful example of what can be done in RV's! Now, if I could only convince him to do my panel for me.

[DakotaHawk]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

What was the point of the disengagement/re-engagement?
I am surprised the examiner allowed you so much autopilot use.

The disengagement/reengagement was due to the internal thought conflict set up by my CFIIs when one told me that I wouldn't be allowed to use the A/P and the others said to go ahead and use it.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by DakotaHawk

All told, I probably used the autopilot for about 50% of my checkride.

Not fair!!!

(IFR rating 1992, steam, no GPS, ADF approaches, no moving map--auto-pilot? What's an auto-pilot? Flew the entire checkride on partial panel...)

Congrats on your new rating!

[Mark33]

When I do my IFR training I?d also like to use my own airplane to do my training in. My question is regarding ?required? equipment. I?m planning on installing a complete Garmin panel with all the bells and whistles which will include one of the GTN series radios (625, 635, or 650) depending on what?s ?required? for IFR flight training and check-out. As I?m sure you guys know, the 625 is only a GPS based navigator where as the 650 has a built-in VOR/Loc/Glide-slope capabilities. Even though having all of the bells and whistles that the 650 offers would be nice, I think I?d be very happy with only having the GPS based navigational abilities that the 625 offers.....plus, the 625 is much more affordable that the 650. So, my question is, is it ?required? to do your training and check-ride in an aircraft that has the ability/equipment to perform VOR/Loc/Glide-slope navigation/approaches as would be the case if the aircraft were equipped with equipment such as a 650, or is it acceptable to do your training/check-ride in an aircraft that only has GPS based navigational/approach abilities such as what the 625 offers?? Oh, BTW, if I?m able to go with the 625 I?ll have two stand-alone COM?s, so I won?t need the COM features that the 635 or 650 offer.

Thanks
Mark

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by Mark33

When I do my IFR training I?d also like to use my own airplane to do my training in. My question is regarding ?required? equipment. I?m planning on installing a complete Garmin panel with all the bells and whistles which will include one of the GTN series radios (625, 635, or 650) depending on what?s ?required? for IFR flight training and check-out. As I?m sure you guys know, the 625 is only a GPS based navigator where as the 650 has a built-in VOR/Loc/Glide-slope capabilities. Even though having all of the bells and whistles that the 650 offers would be nice, I think I?d be very happy with only having the GPS based navigational abilities that the 625 offers.....plus, the 625 is much more affordable that the 650. So, my question is, is it ?required? to do your training and check-ride in an aircraft that has the ability/equipment to perform VOR/Loc/Glide-slope navigation/approaches as would be the case if the aircraft were equipped with equipment such as a 650, or is it acceptable to do your training/check-ride in an aircraft that only has GPS based navigational/approach abilities such as what the 625 offers?? Oh, BTW, if I?m able to go with the 625 I?ll have two stand-alone COM?s, so I won?t need the COM features that the 635 or 650 offer.

Thanks
Mark

Believe it or not, you can legally fly IFR with something like Sporty's SP-400 handheld. You certify it by performing and logging the appropriate VOR checks. Keep in mind, legal and safe are two different things. But for training and your check ride, that might just work for your.

[Mark33]

Thanks for the reply Bill. So the question is, with the GPS knowing where the VOR is, can you ?simulate? the VOR navigation/approaches that?s required for IFR training or do you actually have to have a ?NAV? radio that?s actually receiving a radio signal when performing those maneuvers?

[Auburntsts]

Originally Posted by Mark33

Thanks for the reply Bill. So the question is, with the GPS knowing where the VOR is, can you “simulate” the VOR navigation/approaches that’s required for IFR training or do you actually have to have a “NAV” radio that’s actually receiving a radio signal when performing those maneuvers?

You need a Nav radio. You can't legally fly a VOR, LOC or ILS without one. On a VOR approach you can use the IFR GPS for course guidance up until the FAF beyond which you have to switch to the VOR as the NAV source. Trying to simulate it the entire way would only develop bad habits IMO.

[Mark33]

Thanks Todd....very interesting. So, once again, does this also hold true during your “training” or more the fact of actual real-world usage when you’re flying a VOR, LOC or ILS approach? Once again I’m only trying to determine as to what equipment is going to be required by an instructor and or DPE, not so much as what’ll be required to fly a VOR, LOC or ILS approach in a real-world environment. If an actual NAV radio is going to be required during my “training and check-ride”, then it’s looking like I may be forced to install equipment such as a GTN 650 in my airplane to be able use it during my IFR training....but I’d sure like to only install the 625.

[Timberwolf]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

You need a Nav radio. You can't legally fly a VOR, LOC or ILS without one. On a VOR approach you can use the IFR GPS for course guidance up until the FAF beyond which you have to switch to the VOR as the NAV source. Trying to simulate it the entire way would only develop bad habits IMO.

Not completely true.. you can fly a vor with a waas gps as guidance as long as the underlying navaid is functional and is being monitored. However still true for a loc or ils. I have a gtn625 and a val nav radio. Ill be pulling the nav radio for my checkride which will limit me to using gps only. Makes for an easier check ride as the 625 does everything for you. Playing the system? Maybe, but it's legal.