first IFR flight I hope.

saracelica

saracelica

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saracelica
I'll put my flame suit on now

Hoping to do my first solo IFR flight in two weeks into kagc. I am nervous by nature. It seems like a pretty easy flight. However if something comes up that I'm not expecting that's when the crap will hit the fan. I reckon I could practice holds here. what are the odds I'd get one in real life?

Not sure what I'm looking for exactly. I tried to find someone wanting to go but they'd have to get a hotel room since I'm visiting my parents and can stay there. Mom isn't in the best shape to be hospitable to guests. Going to steel city con while there

Tips/advice/kick in the pants?
 
Rarely get holds, and when I did it was hold as published. Carrying a EFB it was pretty easy to see the hold needed to be flown.

I got my instrument rating at KAGC. My one concern for IFR into KAGC this time of year is possible icing. Make sure you have a solid out if you are anywhere near freezing temps and visible moisture.

Go to Smokin Joes in the southside if it is still open.
 
Don't worry so much. It's just driving an airplane from A to B. You've done it myriad times already. If you get a hold (you won't) then fly the hold. If you get an approach fly the approach. You've done them before.
 
Don't worry about getting a hold,if you do just fly the hold ,should be no big thing,just like in practice. Relax IFR is fun as long as you don't run into ice.
 
saracelica said:
I'll put my flame suit on now

Hoping to do my first solo IFR flight in two weeks into kagc. I am nervous by nature. It seems like a pretty easy flight. However if something comes up that I'm not expecting that's when the crap will hit the fan. I reckon I could practice holds here. what are the odds I'd get one in real life?

Not sure what I'm looking for exactly. I tried to find someone wanting to go but they'd have to get a hotel room since I'm visiting my parents and can stay there. Mom isn't in the best shape to be hospitable to guests. Going to steel city con while there

Tips/advice/kick in the pants?
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I've never been issued a hold I didn't ask for. Just prepare for the flight and have all the details of your clearance visualized before you take the runway, (don't just copy it and go on to the next thing, really run through it a few times to where you understand what you'll need to do at each stage along the way), and you'll be fine. If an emergency hits, you deal with it.
 
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Enjoy the flight and remember your training. The day after I got my IR I launched into IMC with 500 foot ceilings. You'd be surprised how well you can fly the needles in actual.
 
saracelica said:
However if something comes up that I'm not expecting that's when the crap will hit the fan.
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That is why we go through training. Shortly after I git my IFR I made a trip to an uncontrolled field that I knew was socked in but forecast to lift before my arrival time...so I had my diversion plan in place, which was return home.

Arrived to find it still below minimums (uncontrolled field with pretty high minimums). Decided rather than divert back home to go into the Class C airport which was literally just a few miles away and weather was just above their lower minimums. OK...scramble for new approach charts and brief for an unplanned approach. Get all set and they turn the airport around on me...crap...new approach....then they change the runway on me...crap, yet another approach...to just above mins!...this will be fun!

As crazy as it was and all the curve balls I had, it was fairly uneventful as my CFI did a great job making sure I was ready for real world IFR flying and ATC is was more than helpful on getting us where we needed to be and rolling with the punches...and keeping me alive. Don't sweat it...cuz you will do just fine even when things don't go as expected. That is why we train.

jordane93 said:
The day after I got my IR I launched into IMC with 500 foot ceilings. You'd be surprised how well you can fly the needles in actual.
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Did the same day after I got my ticket! Jumped right in head first!
 
I have never been issued a hold other than during training. You can always cancel IFR at any time you like. (Assuming the WX is VFR)
 
Rotarywing said:
I have never been issued a hold other than during training.
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I often heard that from veteran pilots when I was training for my instrument rating. Then, just a few weeks after my checkride, I was put in a hold. I was on the approach at my home drome, which is uncontrolled. The hold was because of other IFR traffic. Seldom do two aircraft arrive in the soup within 15 minutes at that airfield, but it did happen to me, and with a fresh IR. Luckily the hold was the very same hold I had practiced during training.
 
Another option if you really, really don't want to fly a hold, ask to be vectored around. I did that after years of never getting a real hold and then being issued one. A lot will depend on how busy they are and how tough the weather is.

I have watched them stack planes (airlines) up near me in a hold but also heard them slow planes down to get spacing and avoid placing them in a hold.
 
I've received a handful of holds in IMC over the years. Although it's typically when the weather goes to hell in a busy terminal area and they're just out of places to put airplanes. Last time that happened to me it wasn't a published hold...
 
"I am nervous by nature" and "this is where the crap will hit the fan". It may just be me but, maybe you need to reconsider this whole pilot thing?:dunno:
 
I intend this story to put you at ease.....

my first IR cross country involved 1) me flying into inadvertent IMC, 2) getting blinded by a snowstorm while trying to regain and maintain VMC, and 3) following a random gen/alt failure, complete electrical failure and nordo light signals to an uneventful landing. I am a bad pilot.....if I can do it, so can you :) Good luck brother, you will be fine.

Good advice Ronnie........just quit because you have doubts.......
 
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ronnieh said:
"I am nervous by nature" and "this is where the crap will hit the fan". It may just be me but, maybe you need to reconsider this whole pilot thing?:dunno:
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Terrible advice :no::no: the OP has to be doing something right for his CFII to sign off on him to do his IFR solo but I think the OP is not giving himself enough credit. :dunno::dunno:

OP, if you have doubts about holds go up with your CFII and work on them and voice your concerns, your CFII cant fix what he doesn't know.
 
superdad said:
Terrible advice :no::no: the OP has to be doing something right for his CFII to sign off on him to do his IFR solo but I think the OP is not giving himself enough credit. :dunno::dunno:

OP, if you have doubts about holds go up with your CFII and work on them and voice your concerns, your CFII cant fix what he doesn't know.
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Since when do we need a sign off to go IFR solo?
 
RotorDude said:
Since when do we need a sign off to go IFR solo?
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I beleive its called an instrument rating practical test. Once the instructor signs the check ride endorsement, and the student passes, she is qualified to fly IFR solo.
 
Brad Z said:
I beleive its called an instrument rating practical test. Once the instructor signs the check ride endorsement, and the student passes, she is qualified to fly IFR solo.
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OK, news to me. I thought you needed an instrument rating to act as PIC in IMC. :confused:
(The message I was responding to did not mention a rating, only an endorsement by the CFI to fly "IFR solo".)
 
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RotorDude said:
OK, news to me. I thought you needed an instrument rating to act as PIC in IMC. :confused:
(The message I was responding to did not mention a rating, only an endorsement by the CFI to fly "IFR solo".)
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I think he is saying you have to pass your check ride to get your instrument rating.
 
PPC1052 said:
I think he is saying you have to pass your check ride to get your instrument rating.
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Yes, I get that, but I was replying to "his CFII to sign off on him to do his IFR solo". You need the DPE to give you an IFR rating before you can fly IMC as acting PIC.
 
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he hardest part

saracelica said:
……………………………………...
Tips/advice/kick in the pants?
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The hardest part is committing yourself to do it, like calling FSS and saying "I'd like to file an IFR flightplan ……". Once you've committed yourself your training takes over. Holds?, probably unlikely considering your destination but if you get one just do it, no big deal..you've done 'em before in training.
Just remember that at least two people wagered their careers that you're ready to do this, your CFII and the Examiner.

ps--the longer you wait to get your ticket wet, the harder it'll get.
 
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ronnieh said:
"I am nervous by nature" and "this is where the crap will hit the fan". It may just be me but, maybe you need to reconsider this whole pilot thing?:dunno:
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Or maybe...just maybe he only needs to get some real world flying under his belt to realize that the world is not as scary as some of the training makes it out to be. He only needs experience...and advise from those of us that have been there, not to quit.
 
I'm female!!! I know I'm in the minority. Female IR pilot.
 
ronnieh said:
"I am nervous by nature" and "this is where the crap will hit the fan". It may just be me but, maybe you need to reconsider this whole pilot thing?:dunno:
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That was addressed years ago... In the end, everyone dies anyway, no sense not doing something you want to just because you might die.
 
OP, focus on channeling your "nervousness" energy into extra preparations and precautions, both before and after you leave the ground. So if it's a new route, go over it with google earth, and "fly" it from your planned altitude. If it's new approaches or controllers, try to review the approach plates in advance, imagining you flying them and what you'll say and hear, and what the runway layout will look like when you break out.
Try to review different weather products to be able to anticipate what you'll encounter enroute. If there is any chance of icing at your altitudes, be sure to review the Skew-T's for various enroute points. (I personally don't embark on any IFR flight any more without reviewing the Skew-T's.)
Bottom line: "nervousness" is good and healthy. You just need to use it to your benefit by making your flight safer.
And if the weather (or equipment) doesn't look right, don't hesitate to call it off.
 
Sara, I agree with the majority here. Rely on your training, channel your doubts into good preparation. Use a checklist for your planning, it will make you feel better and extinguish the nagging question in the back of your head "what did I forget?"

And most of all, have fun! Let us know how it goes.

Though if you are really nervous, how about paying your CFII to go with you (or even another IR pilot) and let him sit in the back seat so that you don't feel like it's dual time? Would that help you mentally?
 
I am hoping to encourage someone to go I really want to fly.. I've done the drive way to many times. 9 hours minimum roundtrip vs 2.6 in the plane. I would like to get my ticket wet.... Got it last may and when I got done I was tired of flying and my bank account was low. Then our fantastic winter happened. I got my IR for this route. My parents aren't spring chickens anymore. Hoping weather is good and can go.

Driving is my backup plan. No get there itis for me.
 
KAGC - I love it. I took my first 20 hours of instruction there in the early 70s. Just flew into there a couple of weeks ago and managed an approach in actual...
KCLT to KAGC
And I flew out in low actual...
KAGC to KPNE
It's a real treat to actually get an approach or departure in actual IMC. Very rare for the pleasure pilot.
Henning said:
I've never been issued a hold I didn't ask for.
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Same here - 10+ years and counting.
jordane93 said:
The day after I got my IR I launched into IMC with 500 foot ceilings. You'd be surprised how well you can fly the needles in actual.
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Agreed. But I've convinced myself that while flying an approach to mins is well within my capabilities when current, flying a departure into low ceilings is not unless I've flown within the past few days or so. Flying an hour or two enroute before flying a low approach is a great warm up. Departing cold into a low ceiling after 3 weeks of ground pounding I personally avoid. Just one of my personal minimums.
Marauder said:
Another option if you really, really don't want to fly a hold, ask to be vectored around. I did that after years of never getting a real hold and then being issued one.
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I'd probably do the same. Practically speaking, you aren't going to be issued a hold going into a controlled airport unless there is some kind of emergency (runway blocked by a dead deer).
ronnieh said:
"I am nervous by nature" and "this is where the crap will hit the fan". It may just be me but, maybe you need to reconsider this whole pilot thing?:dunno:
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BS. A bit of healthy nervousness keeps the blood warm and brain working. Admitting it may indicate you have the confidence to deal with.
saracelica said:
I'm female!!! I know I'm in the minority. Female IR pilot.
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I'm a minority too - just means you're badass!

Two notes from an occassional visitor at KAGC:
  1. On the way in, you will most likely be offered the ILS 28. If you have WAAS, request the RNAV 28 because it's lined up with the runway and has easily identifiable waypoints. The ILS is 2deg off from the runway heading and the waypoints can be a pain.
  2. On the way out, KAGC ground never includes the departure frequency in the clearance. It's always the same freq but if you are used to always getting it, you may miss it like I do. Ask them for the departure frequency and maybe, someday, they will get the message (not).
 
saracelica said:
I am hoping to encourage someone to go I really want to fly.. I've done the drive way to many times. 9 hours minimum roundtrip vs 2.6 in the plane. I would like to get my ticket wet.... Got it last may and when I got done I was tired of flying and my bank account was low. Then our fantastic winter happened. I got my IR for this route. My parents aren't spring chickens anymore. Hoping weather is good and can go.



Driving is my backup plan. No get there itis for me.
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Back when I got my rating in the early 90s, it wasn't the cloud flying that worried me, it was the "being in the system and screwing up" part that did. I made it a practice to fly every flight in the system to get that part out of the equation.

You'll be fine. Just set your personal minimums and be prepared.
 
IMO nervousness comes from knowing its all on YOU! Nobody to save you if you screw up... Preparation is ONLY part of the cure for that! Experience is the other part. The unfortunate part is experience requires jumping into the deep end.

I'm sure you had the same butterflies when you flew your first solo cross country... But after doing it a couple of times... Yep! you were still nervous...:yesnod:
 
Ok, just me I guess. Seems like "crap hitting the fan" is a little ominous. But, I do see the point some have made. Passing a check ride certainly does make you a proficient instrument pilot. Nothing in the check ride has much to do with weather. In fact it is quite common to have a instrument rating with zero actual.
Being a little anxious is not what bothered me. Being a nervous person in general and expecting crap to hit the fan, well just my thoughts. No offense intended, just concern.
 
saracelica said:
I am hoping to encourage someone to go I really want to fly.. I've done the drive way to many times. 9 hours minimum roundtrip vs 2.6 in the plane. I would like to get my ticket wet.... Got it last may and when I got done I was tired of flying and my bank account was low. Then our fantastic winter happened. I got my IR for this route. My parents aren't spring chickens anymore. Hoping weather is good and can go.

Driving is my backup plan. No get there itis for me.
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I'll go ahead and say it, it's time to leave the crutches behind and walk. You dont need a warm body sitting in the seat next to you. Go make the trip by yourself and prove to yourself that you can do it. It is going to go fine, because you are going to make it so.
 
Re: he hardest part

peerlesscowboy said:
ps--the longer you wait to get your ticket wet, the harder it'll get.
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+1 to this, but I'd add that icing season in the Great Lakes/Northeast is the wrong time to get your ticket wet - really wet, that is, as in going into IMC, unless there is some unusually warm weather aloft.

If conditions are VFR, though, this would be a great time for saracelica to dip her toe into the water so to speak, get some experience flying in the system as PIC.

BTW whoever said that nervous means she shouldn't be doing this, I couldn't disagree more. For some of us, a bit of nervousness is better than none at all. Helps to keep us focused and alert. My first trip by myself in the system was in clear sunny conditions, and I was nervous as heck. Felt great when I got back too.
 
saracelica said:
I'll put my flame suit on now

Hoping to do my first solo IFR flight in two weeks into kagc. I am nervous by nature. It seems like a pretty easy flight. However if something comes up that I'm not expecting that's when the crap will hit the fan. I reckon I could practice holds here. what are the odds I'd get one in real life?

Not sure what I'm looking for exactly. I tried to find someone wanting to go but they'd have to get a hotel room since I'm visiting my parents and can stay there. Mom isn't in the best shape to be hospitable to guests. Going to steel city con while there

Tips/advice/kick in the pants?
Click to expand...

OK, Azure let's look at this. You said a BIT of nervousness She said "I am nervous by nature"
She says she has flown very little since last May, I count 8-9 months, correct?

She also states that if "something comes up she is not expecting, that is when the crap hits the fan".

So lets recap. She is the nervous type. She has flown very little in 8-9 months and apparently no instruments. Am I correct so far? Oh, and if something unexpected comes up the crap will hit the fan.

I guess y'all are right, what can possibly go wrong? Heck ya Sara, go for it!
 
ronnieh said:
OK, Azure let's look at this. You said a BIT of nervousness She said "I am nervous by nature"
She says she has flown very little since last May, I count 8-9 months, correct?

She also states that if "something comes up she is not expecting, that is when the crap hits the fan".

So lets recap. She is the nervous type. She has flown very little in 8-9 months and apparently no instruments. Am I correct so far? Oh, and if something unexpected comes up the crap will hit the fan.

I guess y'all are right, what can possibly go wrong? Heck ya Sara, go for it!
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You were 100% correct in your first post.
 
ronnieh said:
OK, Azure let's look at this. You said a BIT of nervousness She said "I am nervous by nature"
She says she has flown very little since last May, I count 8-9 months, correct?

She also states that if "something comes up she is not expecting, that is when the crap hits the fan".

So lets recap. She is the nervous type. She has flown very little in 8-9 months and apparently no instruments. Am I correct so far? Oh, and if something unexpected comes up the crap will hit the fan.

I guess y'all are right, what can possibly go wrong? Heck ya Sara, go for it!
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If that statement is true, the rest is moot, since she'd be illegal to fly IFR on this flight.
 
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