Got my first bit of actual IMC time today

[StinkBug]

Been working on my IR with my instructor lately doing a number of flights "under the hood". Today he told me to come out and get a bit of actual, as we have some weather on the way in. Broken layer at 3000' covering most of San Diego County. We just did a couple approaches into CRQ, an ILS and LOC, but most of the time before descent was right in the clouds. It was really fun! I kept my head down most of the time, but at one point he took the controls and told me to have a look around since we were popping in and out of the layer. I very quickly found out why they tell you to focus on the instruments and not look outside much. By the time he gave me back the controls I felt like we were in a left banking turn, but the attitude indicator showed straight and level.

To finish out the day I got one of the stronger crosswind landings I've ever had, and certainly the strongest I've had in the Mooney. Winds 180 @ 13 for RWY 24. Took most of the rudder to keep it straight, but it came down pretty nice. When we got to parking I hung out for a little bit to watch some of the bigger planes crabbing it in. Not something we see here too often.

 

[frfly172]

Your gonna love actual once you get used to it. Light IFR is a lot of fun.

 

[Hank S]

It's great fun to pop out the bottom of the clouds and have the runway out there in front of you!

At some point, go out with your CFII when the ceiling is ragged, and practice transitioning from IMC to visual when your view is sometimes there and sometimes not. Did two approaches like that just before my checkride, it was nothing like removing the foggles or a clean breakout from a nice, even layer. Better to learn while there's someone beside you,right?

 

[jordane93]

Very cool. Actual is a lot more fun than wearing the hood!

 

[BigBadLou]

Glad you enjoyed it. Actual IMC might sounds scary at first but it is actually a lot of fun.

You know the old pilot saying "when I broke out, the runway was exactly where I left it".