How do you keep current?

My difficulties in getting an IPC have really reminded me that it's
easier to stay current than get current again. Problem is, I don't know
how to stay current.

We don't get much IMC here, so flying approaches by myself isn't really
an option. We certainly don't get enough to get in six approaches and
holds every six months.

I used to have a regular safety pilot, but since moving, I haven't met
anyone, much less pilots to fly with. I've been paying a CFII to just
sit in the right seat, but that's expensive, and doesn't help my
confidence at all.

So...how do you stay instrument current?

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 18:29:51 -0600, Rachel wrote:

My difficulties in getting an IPC have really reminded me that it's
easier to stay current than get current again. Problem is, I don't know
how to stay current.

We don't get much IMC here, so flying approaches by myself isn't really
an option. We certainly don't get enough to get in six approaches and
holds every six months.

I used to have a regular safety pilot, but since moving, I haven't met
anyone, much less pilots to fly with. I've been paying a CFII to just
sit in the right seat, but that's expensive, and doesn't help my
confidence at all.

So...how do you stay instrument current?

Hi Rachel,

Fortunately for me, finding IMC is not a problem, just can't seem to find
them on weekends *smile*.

So, I end up taking a day or two off of work just to maintain currency
during those days where ceilings are 1000 foot or so. Can't go lower then
that since minimums at my airport are 900 feet.

Are you new to your airport? Maybe talk to your CFII and see if he / she
knows any pilots wanting to ride shotgun while you shoot approaches?

Allen

A Lieberman wrote:

Hi Rachel,

Fortunately for me, finding IMC is not a problem, just can't seem to find
them on weekends *smile*.

So, I end up taking a day or two off of work just to maintain currency
during those days where ceilings are 1000 foot or so. Can't go lower then
that since minimums at my airport are 900 feet.

Are you new to your airport? Maybe talk to your CFII and see if he / she
knows any pilots wanting to ride shotgun while you shoot approaches?

Allen

Yep, new to the airport. I did have a safety pilot (actually a CFI at
the same school who I became friends with) but he's living out of state
until this summer or later.

I'm pretty picky about who I fly with, but I guess that's not much of a
problem if they're just looking for traffic, right?

Would be so much easier if I could just find a cloud.

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:20:11 -0600, Rachel wrote:

Yep, new to the airport. I did have a safety pilot (actually a CFI at
the same school who I became friends with) but he's living out of state
until this summer or later.

Just food for thought, any possibility you flying to him, or him to you?
Another way to get back into cross country mode "for a reason" rather then
a $100 dollar hamburger.

I'm pretty picky about who I fly with, but I guess that's not much of a
problem if they're just looking for traffic, right?

I am the same way myself.... Though plane spotting is an art *smile*. I
may be current with approaches, but spotting planes, well that is a whole
different problem for me.

Would be so much easier if I could just find a cloud.

Come my way, won't be a problem *smile* especially in the mornings.

Though to be honest, I wouldn't want to be in a cloud unless I am flying at
least 1 time a week. Amazing how much can deteriorate. Owning my own
plane really helps....

Allen

A Lieberman wrote:
On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:20:11 -0600, Rachel wrote:

Just food for thought, any possibility you flying to him, or him to you?
Another way to get back into cross country mode "for a reason" rather then
a $100 dollar hamburger.

600 miles says no, lol. He flies every night, anyway, so squeezing in
anything for him is difficult.

I'm pretty picky about who I fly with, but I guess that's not much of a
problem if they're just looking for traffic, right?


I am the same way myself.... Though plane spotting is an art *smile*. I
may be current with approaches, but spotting planes, well that is a whole
different problem for me.

That's the problem here. It's very busy airspace, and while approach is
pretty good with traffic advisories, I certainly don't trust them in VFR
conditions....this is someplace you really need a safety pilot who is
actually paying close attention.

I'll probably ask this instructor if he knows anyone looking to ride
along. I suppose since I'm flying, the liability is all on me anyway.

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 20:25:44 -0600, Rachel wrote:

600 miles says no, lol. He flies every night, anyway, so squeezing in
anything for him is difficult.

Yeah, guess 600 miles would be pushing it :-) especially in my
"Slowdowner".

That's the problem here. It's very busy airspace, and while approach is
pretty good with traffic advisories, I certainly don't trust them in VFR
conditions....this is someplace you really need a safety pilot who is
actually paying close attention.

Now if somebody could teach me the art of spotting planes! I pay close
attention, but spotting them is a whole different story.

I'll probably ask this instructor if he knows anyone looking to ride
along. I suppose since I'm flying, the liability is all on me anyway.

and one never knows, you just may come across a compatible partner.

I myself enjoy going up with other pilots to get some input on how to make
my flights safer / better.

Allen

On Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:20:11 -0600, Rachel
wrote:

I'm pretty picky about who I fly with, but I guess that's not much of a
problem if they're just looking for traffic, right?

I disagree. If you are picky, stay picky for this as well. If
something goes wrong, you may need to rely on the safety pilot for
more than just making sure you're legal according to regs. Different
emergencies will require different amounts of team work, and even just
looking for traffic requires good judgement. I had a safety pilot get
us way too close for comfort once. I ended up seeing the plane out
the corner of my foggles!

Be patient, I'm sure you'll find someone to fly with in time, just
start talking to people and see where it goes.

HTH.
z

but since moving, I haven't met
anyone, much less pilots to fly with.

May I ask what is your home base airport? May be someone or flying
club's in your home base can help you.

Find someone to be your safety pilot. All they need is a medical and
rated in your catagory and class of plane (single engine land). Ask
around. IFR students are good candidates as they are interested in IFR
and will learn something observing you. If all else fails, just hire an
instructor. Thats what they are there for.

cpu wrote:
but since moving, I haven't met
anyone, much less pilots to fly with.


May I ask what is your home base airport? May be someone or flying
club's in your home base can help you.


I fly out of ADS, but TKI, DTO, and possibly even FTW are options. I
probably left some out, but those are the ones I can think of.