On Jan 31, 7:01 pm, Ray Andraka wrote:
Kevin Clarke wrote:
Hi All,

Open question to folks, what strategies do you use to stay current or
better yet, proficient?

Check ride is right around the corner. I got signed off for the ride
today. So the currency question is in the back of my mind now. Most of
my flying is x-ctry (2/month) with some local scenic flights.

thanks,
KC

Several things:
1) file and fly in the system every time you go cross country, even if
the weather is severe clear VMC. Staying in the system keeps you
practiced with the procedures and keeps you sharp on maintaining
altitude and heading, as well as with the radios.

Great advice. Filing IFR in even under VMC will pay off. Not only does
it polish up your ATC skills, it will also simplifly your navigation
through busy complex airspaces. Example: every time I go to Detroit, I
get "cleared as filed" but I know from experience that Toledo always
amends my clearance as I get closer. Having done it plenty of times
under VFR, it was really not a big under IMC. That is not the type of
thing you want to handle on your first time in IMC in a busy airspace.



2) Always fly the instrument approach when you arrive at your
destination, regardless of the weather (since you're IFR, your request
for an instrument approach into your destination can't be turned down as
long as it is for the approach officially in use). Just don't bury your
head in the cockpit. I find it is actually harder to fly a good
approach in VMC than in IMC because of the division of your attention
between the panel and outside. By flying the approach, you stay sharp
on all aspects of doing an approach except actually being in IMC. You
also develop a better feel for where you are relative to the ground and
the airport this way.

Again, good advice, but don't assume ATC will automatically issue you
an instrument approach because you are IFR. If it is VMC, they will
assume you want a visual approach unless you ask for it.



3) Fly with an instructor and do an IPC every 6 months. Having an extra
set of eyes evaluate your performance gives you an opportunity to
correct bad habits before they become ingrained. It also shows the
insurance company that you are committed to doing regular recurrent
training, which may give you a break on your insurance, plus you'll get
an opportunity to practice stuff that doesn't come up in day to day
flying like holds, unusual attitudes and partial panel (all of which are
required parts of an IPC). If you are already reasonably proficient
(and you will be if you follow all 3 of these recommendations and fly
reasonably frequently), the IPC should take no more than an 2 hours of
instruction time...just enough time to do a few approaches, a hold and
unusual attitude.

Good advice again, but I am not sure how the insurance company finds
out about your IPC. I was never asked about IPC, just whether I am
current or not.