G-BLEW wrote:@Irv Lee Is the cloud rating you want different from an IMC rating?
Ian
Yes, very much so, I took the trouble to send a suggested syllabus to Easa years ago. (Guess what they said... you would probably be wrong in what they said, but any assumption that the end result would be NO would be correct, the weasel way they stamped on it is quite amazing!).
I suggested something like the handling skills of the imc course and position fixing/tracking, but no instrument approaches, combined with the proven ability to follow vectors whilst climbing and descending in imc (which need not have to be ATC provided but could be instructor/examiner simulated).
I see this as a skill and safety net step between VFR and the Imc rating. It would provide extra skills to the private pilot who really wants to only be a bacon sandwich vfr pilot but also wants extra survival skills should they be needed due to sudden unforecast conditions either above or below cloud on their intended VFR bimble from say Welshpool to Compton Abbas.
A pilot could nowadays be above sct cloud and be VFR, if that closes, what are they supposed to do? Or if surprised by a unforecast weather requiring cloud climb rather than precautionary landing (say over water) as best safety option, then do it. Once above cloud either self steering to a place of safe cloud break or ATC vectors to same after declaring emergency.
There is an official cloud rating for motor gliders and gliders on a ppl(s) for deliberate planned passage through cloud to vfr above and below. Goose/gander, why not for Sep?
I think grass roots pilots who never want to go near ifr, or controlled airspace or instrument approaches would see this as an attractive skill enhancement course, very affordable, only really requiring the usual 6 pack and a radio for most of the course, possible more for a lesson or two for bit of radio nav tune up. Ground work could enhance their knowledge of Met etc.
Some would be happy with a cloud rating, skills enhanced, presumably some would enjoy it enough to then step up to IMCR the next year. I saw it as part of skill development/risk management and providing an ambition for some hobby pilots to do something different one season rather than fade into boredom and drop out. Meanwhile, it would much needed NEW money into the training clubs.
Irv Lee - (R/T & Flight Examiner)
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