Personal IFR limits?

[RV7ator]

I wont' go unless the wx is absolutely guaranteed, rock solid good enough that I won't need to fly (I still may need to file) to an alternate. That doesn't mean it must be 1-2-3 or better. A good example is a stratified low inversion layer, a common wintertime feature of my home territory. These things are as close to predictable weather as you're going to find. My restriction comes from two reasons: My destination is where I want to be - that's why I'm traveling. Two. I probably really need to pee.

No possibility of icing.

No convectivity.

Wx fragmented enough that getting out VFR somewhere can be done. Living in the west is a weather blessing compared to east coast crud.

Pitch/roll autopilot an absolute must in an RV. I practice hand flying, but my track looks like a ball rolling down a pinball machine. Being Captain, F and S O, things are just too busy and intense if deviation, or a missed, is a distinct possibility.

In other words, I'm chicken.

John Siebold

[Tomcat RV4]

IF IN DOUBT----DONT.....One of my early instrument instructors was retired marine who had flown in everything....His wisdom I have never forgotten :
NEVER BE IN A RUSH TO KILL YOURSELF.........tomcatrv4

[Tomcat RV4]

IF IN DOUBT----DONT.....One of my early instrument instructors was retired marine who had flown in everything....His wisdom I have never forgotten :
NEVER BE IN A RUSH TO KILL YOURSELF.........Tomcatrv4

[rvaitor]

Good thread. 26 miles, iffy conditions, drive. I just upgraded to the Vizion as well, great unit, but like others with much more experience, no night, no deteriorating conditions, single engine or even twin(we just lost a twin two weeks ago, pilot was doing everything right(reportedly) killed four people flying into marginal conditions and darkness. The below 500' ceilings at any point along the route good idea. It is just really not necessary for any of us to prove something out there. Really good thread.

[Ollie]

Never mind what other people set. You set your own limits a follow them.

[Jerry Fischer]

Good Call...that is all.

[RV8iator]

I've read all the threads here and find it interesting.

Bottom line, it doesn't matter what others are doing. Set YOUR personal limits and stick to them.

More than likely, the more experience you get with your plane and the system, you will be comfortable with lower minimus than a new guy with a new ticket.

Asking "what others do" is valuable just for what if-ing, but what "you" do is the only thing that matters.

One thread above rang true. If it makes "you" uncomfortable you are probably better off going to the bar that day.

Just my .24 cents worth. I figure my advice is at least 12 times more valuable than Steins

[GTC]

Icing?...., that was the show stopper right there.

The best advice Iv'e seen on this thread:
"Set YOUR personal limits (far above the legal limits) and stick to them."

Additionally, when flying, always have plan "B" and plan "C".

Good decision.

G.T. Cole
777 Captain
LAX Safety Committee

[JPalese]

After 17000 hours I can tell you 3 rules I use to keep me out of trouble:

1) When in doubt, do NOT do. (Listen to your spidey sense)

2) It is much more difficult to decide NO than it is to try it.

3) What is your answer to the question, "What am I going to do if _____"?
If you don't have an adequate answer to that question it is better to quote Confucius . . .

"Better to be on ground wishing in flight, than in flight wishing on ground."

[sglynn]

I've been flying IFR for 10 years in a Cherokee with a Garmin 430 and my personal limits are far higher than the equipment can do. Flying is fun. If I have to depart in IMC to get out I will if destination is VFR. I use my IFR ticket to climb and descend thru stratus layers. If destination isn't at least MVFR I don't go. And ice is an automatic no go. But living in Seattle IFR is handy when returning from east of the mountains and finding a stratus layer stretching from 3000 feet up to 9000 feet. Fun and easy to descend thru and plenty of vis underneath to land and keep it safe and fun. One other thing, I consider is what would family do without me. Just not worth flying to 200' on an ILS. Have Fun