Checkride: Reality check
Basic instrument maneuvers
One might wonder why the FAA requires competency in instrument maneuvers for private pilots. The troubling reality is that even though flight into IMC is horribly dangerous—not to mention illegal for noninstrument-rated pilots—it still occurs all too frequently. So, while effective instrument flying skills are important aspects of the checkride, a thorough understanding of how and why pilots continue to make bad decisions that lead to IMC encounters should be a high priority for your checkride preparations. Similar to flying near thunderstorms, avoidance is the key ingredient to survival.
An understanding of flight instrument function and operation; aerodynamic factors related to instrument flight; and physiological factors such as vertigo, vestibular illusions, and spatial disorientation during your oral exam does little to keep you out of harm’s way. The reality is that despite previous training and good common sense, various external pressures somehow combine to create a deadly form of get-there-itis that all too often leads pilots into ignoring the obvious warning signs and pressing on into IMC. Recognizing and effectively dealing with external pressures is a major step toward IMC avoidance. Acknowledging and respecting the lack of instrument competency for noninstrument-qualified pilots is the next key element for effective avoidance. Then there is pilots’ situational awareness regarding safer options. For example, simply knowing where the better VFR weather is and heading that way is a huge factor in preventing IMC encounters.
With the oral exam complete, you’ll proceed to the airplane to demonstrate your instrument flying skills, among other things. Remember that private pilot instrument training is at best just basic survival skills designed to help you escape an accidental IMC encounter. Similar to knowledge of accidental spins, where every applicant can recite the several steps for spin recovery despite never actually experiencing one, recovery from an IMC encounter has four steps that should be tip-of-the-tongue knowledge for every VFR pilot. Remember your four Cs: climb, communicate, confess, comply. If you’d like to add a 180-degree turn to your list, make it before entering the IMC.
Should you find yourself in IMC, climb to keep yourself safely above terrain and obstacles while simultaneously improving your ability to communicate and to be observed on ATC’s radar; communicate directly with the nearest known air traffic control facility or use the emergency frequency, 121.5 MHz, while squawking 7700 on your transponder; confess your dire situation and declare the emergency by transmitting Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! (this is not a time to be timid about confessing that you need some help, now); and, finally, comply with the ATC instructions provided.
Complying with the ATC instructions is the true point of the skill demonstration assessment in the airman certification standards. Even though the examiner will not allow you to activate the autopilot to accomplish the required instrument tasks during your test, in an actual emergency IMC encounter, use all of your available resources—including your autopilot, if so equipped. Contacting an ATC facility and using radio navigation are also required components of the checkride, in addition to unusual-attitude recovery skills.
Remember that even the best, most helpful ATC personnel will not be able to fly the airplane for you. It will be up to you to keep a clear head and concentrate on flying the assigned headings, altitudes, and airspeeds, all while taking care of job number one: maintaining positive control of your airplane. If you can do this, ATC will be able to assist you in reaching a safe landing, maybe even in VFR weather conditions. Once you’ve earned your private pilot certificate, go get your instrument rating and enjoy the wonderful world of safe IMC flying.
Bob Schmelzer is a Chicago-area designated pilot examiner, a United Airlines captain, and Boeing 777 line check airman.
