Would you VFR night fly with these simple instruments?

dmspilot said:
You stated: "I’d be comfortable flying IMC with that panel."
Click to expand...
Yes...if plan A failed, I would be comfortable with Plan B, because I am proficient in that operation.

Are you suggesting that someone’s backup plan should scare them?
 
I mean, as long as you have a turn coordinator, compass, and vertical speed/altimeter you can theoretically keep the plane upright flying in one direction

As some of the others said, I probably would, but we are not you, and if you have to ask that means part of you might not be ready for it
 
MauleSkinner said:
Yes...if plan A failed, I would be comfortable with Plan B, because I am proficient in that operation.

Are you suggesting that someone’s backup plan should scare them?
Click to expand...

But based on the premise of this thread, you'd be launching with plan B.

I'm sure you're comfortable flying needle ball and airspeed, as should anyone who's properly trained for flying vacuum instruments. That said, I wouldn't want to launch into IMC (or night) with just a needle ball and airspeed.
 
MauleSkinner said:
Yes...if plan A failed, I would be comfortable with Plan B, because I am proficient in that operation.
Click to expand...

Before you takeoff or in flight?

I thought the thread was about decision making, not skill proficiency. How are your comments relevant?
 
dmspilot said:
Before you takeoff or in flight?

I thought the thread was about decision making, not skill proficiency. How are your comments relevant?
Click to expand...
I thought the thread was about choosing an airplane for VFR operations. I have never, in this thread or elsewhere, said or implied that departing with the plan to be VFR in IMC is a good idea, especially if the airplane and/or pilot are not certified for IFR. But given the reality that has been stated several times in this thread, night VFR can easily turn into IMC, even while still legally VFR, so whatever airplane and/or instrument panel the OP has, he’d best be comfortable flying IMC with it just in case.
 
Brad Z said:
But based on the premise of this thread, you'd be launching with plan B.

I'm sure you're comfortable flying needle ball and airspeed, as should anyone who's properly trained for flying vacuum instruments. That said, I wouldn't want to launch into IMC (or night) with just a needle ball and airspeed.
Click to expand...
No, the premise of this thread is buying an airplane for flying VFR at night. That is not necessarily IMC.

You may choose not to fly VMC at night without a full panel, but your choice isn’t what determines safe vs unsafe. It’s merely your choice.
 
@texasclouds , if you do end up with this airplane (or even one with an AI, if you're not instrument rated), I’d recommend studying up and practicing the AOPA/ASF/UI technique for emergency instrument flying, as I don’t believe the FAA’s apparent philosophy of “become a proficient instrument pilot for life in three easy lessons” for the Private Pilot Certificate is realistic.

https://archive.org/details/180degreeturnexp11brya

The technique relies on the inherent stability of the airplane rather than a very perishable set of instrument skills.

Evidently they did some work with a 170, as they give an airspeed gouge for it.
 
Last edited:
Were it me I'd by one an ADSB antenna and use a tablet that could receive the signal. My iPad will generate a panel that will do in a pinch. I don't think I'd go up at night without some kind of attitude instrument, and a light to see it by.
 
Brad Z said:
I disagree with many here. Even on a moonlit night, or over a well let area, there are moments where you’re just not going to have a good horizon. The moment after takeoff is a great example: you’re pitched up well above the horizon, you’ve just left the airport environment so your night vision may have been spoiled by runway lights, lights from other aircraft, vehicles, etc. Not a good time for spatial disorientation.

I’m of the opinion that if I won’t fly through clouds with my instruments, I’m not going to fly at night with them either.
Click to expand...
Ya know what? That's going in my book of wisdom. Those are words to live by. Thanks for sharing!
 
For myself - IFR rated, SEL, not a professional pilot: general no, probably not, not when the "night" is legit night, ie: minimum ground lights, not much visual reference, essentially pseudo-IMC.

I'd want an AI. Apparently pilots don't last long when hitting IMC and having to rely on a turn coordinator only. I have punched into clouds, unseen, at night. Eff that stress. Just my opinion, my personal limitations. I think there are certainly more experienced guys for whom it wouldn't be an issue. Also, recency of experience counts for a lot with me; if I've been flying lot, have a lot of recent IMC, maybe I'd be more willing.
 
MauleSkinner said:
I thought the thread was about choosing an airplane for VFR operations. I have never, in this thread or elsewhere, said or implied that departing with the plan to be VFR in IMC is a good idea, especially if the airplane and/or pilot are not certified for IFR. But given the reality that has been stated several times in this thread, night VFR can easily turn into IMC, even while still legally VFR, so whatever airplane and/or instrument panel the OP has, he’d best be comfortable flying IMC with it just in case.
Click to expand...

"Choosing" sure sounds like the same thing as decision making to me. And having the skill to perform a task in an emergency is not the same thing as being comfortable with decision making that would cause you to have to use it.
 
dmspilot said:
"Choosing" sure sounds like the same thing as decision making to me. And having the skill to perform a task in an emergency is not the same thing as being comfortable with decision making that would cause you to have to use it.
Click to expand...
Read whatever you want to into my posts that isn't there...nothing I can do about that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top