So I’ve been working on my IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, rating, the next logical step in my flying career. I have set some goals for 2017 and the next couple of years. My goal is to become a CFI, or Certified Flight Instructor, as part of my early retirement plan.
I really want to lend my passion and excitement to training the next generation of pilots, no matter their age.
This evening, my instructor Chuck and I went up flying to do some practice approaches while in a partial panel condition. “Partial Panel” refers to losing some key instruments while in instrument only conditions. I’m wearing foggles, which limits my view to the instrument panel only. This is like flying in the clouds.
That’s when Chuck put stickers on two key instruments: the Attitude Indicator and the Heading Indicator. At this point, I needed to fly by the remaining instruments only, keep the airplane upright and safely get it to our intended airport.
The lesson went very well. I’m feeling more and more confident flying by only instruments.
I need to do some book studying to get the written exam out of the way and then I’ll be ready to start practicing for my instrument check ride.
Never stop learning, it keeps you young.
