IFR BASICS

Flying under IFR is quite something. Here’s a basic concept I learned from flight training related to flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions.

Polished instrument flying is fundamental to the accurate and efficient operation of all transport aircraft — even when flying in VMC. The quality of procedural flying, decision making and other operational tasks are ultimately dependant upon the mastery of basic instrument flying skills.

These skills themselves build upon three essential elements.

1) An optimal instrument scan,

2) An understanding of the relationship;

PITCH + POWER = PERFORMANCE

During stable flight all flight forces are in balance. A change of aircraft configuration will change the nature of that balanced relationship and subsequently change the aircraft performance. The knowledge of fundamental and frequently used power settings will help achieve the desired aircraft performance with ease.

This will reduce the need to hunt in search of the desired performance outcome. Knowing the settings will help smooth the transition from one mode of flight to another.

3) TRIM

Once the desired attitude and power combination has been established, it is essential to trim the airplane controls properly.

Control deflections should be used to obtain the pitch attitude. Then, and only then, should the resultant pressures be gradually trimmed out.

Trimming should NEVER be used to initiate changes in aircraft attitude. Select the attitude using the control column, then trim out the aerodynamic forces as necessary.

CHANGE

CHECK

HOLD

ADJUST

TRIM