A4 Pacific wrote:A point of order. Nobody can CFIT whilst flying in accordance with IFR. It’s one or the other.
CFIT can happen under IFR as well due to operational mistakes, there are plenty of cases in database as well, from being vectored into a mountain to early descend bellow MOC by mistake….one has to be “terrain aware” all the time there are plenty of radar maps, moving maps, topo maps, warnings, 3D GPS guidance, Synthetic-Vision...you can even get the full blow TAWS in headset for under 500£, all have reliable data to know where the nearest obstacle sits
All I am saying CFIT rarely happens for someone holding an IMCR operating in UK as long as he climbs above his safe altitudes in cruise, these are in 2kft-6kft range and are achievable in any IFR certified machine, even 95hp VFR Cub with gyro can do it (of course you
only descend in VMC or on 3D ILS/RNP, as long as the pilot stays away from s**t shows of 2D NDB & VOR on stopwatch or freestyle VFR scud runs they will do just fine as far as terrain is concerned)
Flying in clouds (even with ice & convection) is way safer & softer than flying into the ground, for the latter, I have not heard of any rating that allow such flying yet? for the former, the IMCR gives the skills to deal with it even in “light IFR mount”, again 160hp C172 does just fine in UK clouds all year along, no need for FL250 on PT6 with boots: as long as you stay away from terrain & airspace, manage carburettor and have enough fuel endurance !
CFIT is rarely the biggest worry fir me in UK, I get more worried about nipping some airspace…but I take it seriously when flying under IFR to Annecy, Cannes, Sion, Annemasse
The original statement was that people with IMCR rating and without an IR (in NA SEP without PT6+FIKI) flying in clouds will end up smashing on hills everyday, I doubt that is accurate in UK? but I am inclined to think it’s likely to be very accurate description of what would eventually happen in Switzerland, Norway, USA…