Louise Hose
Well Known Member
I use it....occasionally
I haven't flown real IFR very often since getting the tickets about 16 months ago, but I am very glad I both have the ticket and an IFR aircraft. Commuting to work and on some business flights, those skills and equipment give me the confidence to make VFR flights in conditions that might have had me driving.
I keep myself current and (try to) keep the instrumentation functioning. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself over a thin layer 1600' off the ground that hadn't cleared yet (flawed TAF). Air filed and landed as planned. Otherwise, I had a long flight back home or would have had to circle for another 45 minutes for the clouds to burn off. On the way home, the clouds came in much earlier than forecasted (again about 1600' off the deck) and I prepared to air file once more. Fortunately, the hole remained over an airport near home and I made it in VFR before closing out. There have been many days of my commute when the forecasts predicted broken for landing at my work airport but the holes were scarce for part of the flight. Having the IFR option is a huge security towards continuing to work. Generally, I find the holes when I get up there and land VFR. But, I know I can get in one way or another. (I ONLY count on the IFR option if the layer is plenty high for my skills.)
If flying is strictly for fun, VFR-only works and I'm considering it for our -3. But, if you use it for transportation, I suggest going IFR.
I haven't flown real IFR very often since getting the tickets about 16 months ago, but I am very glad I both have the ticket and an IFR aircraft. Commuting to work and on some business flights, those skills and equipment give me the confidence to make VFR flights in conditions that might have had me driving.
I keep myself current and (try to) keep the instrumentation functioning. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself over a thin layer 1600' off the ground that hadn't cleared yet (flawed TAF). Air filed and landed as planned. Otherwise, I had a long flight back home or would have had to circle for another 45 minutes for the clouds to burn off. On the way home, the clouds came in much earlier than forecasted (again about 1600' off the deck) and I prepared to air file once more. Fortunately, the hole remained over an airport near home and I made it in VFR before closing out. There have been many days of my commute when the forecasts predicted broken for landing at my work airport but the holes were scarce for part of the flight. Having the IFR option is a huge security towards continuing to work. Generally, I find the holes when I get up there and land VFR. But, I know I can get in one way or another. (I ONLY count on the IFR option if the layer is plenty high for my skills.)
If flying is strictly for fun, VFR-only works and I'm considering it for our -3. But, if you use it for transportation, I suggest going IFR.