Pre-IFR flight training tips and habits


  Start out right - right after your VFR pilot license

  1.  Learn that if you fly a heading on the side that the VOR needle 
is deflected, you are on an intercept regardless of FWD/RVS sensing.
"Pilots can avoid reverse sensing by ensuring that the magnetic heading
of the airplane is always approximately in agreement with the course
being tracked."  Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 11.

  2.  Try to keep the needle from full deflections until the flag
flips directly over the VOR during your cross countries.

  3.  Use no more than 30 degree intercepts and standard rate turns
to track an airway.

  4.  Time each leg from a known point while flying cross-country.

  5.  Learn how to fly cross country with only your feet.  Learn how to
dampen pitch oscillations first, then use rudder very slowly to correct
course left or right without inducing pitch oscillations.

  6.  Practice night flying VFR with a full moon, using the IFR MEAs and
airways for your altitudes and using flight following.  Night is less
busy and a great way to learn runway lighting systems.

  7.  Use the number one radio for transciever, the number two for
receive only (ATIS and monitoring 121.5 or CTAF).  Number one is "must
listen" with volume always up, number two is "nice to listen" with
volume turned up or down as needed.

  8.  Use the number one VOR for current track, number two VOR as the
"next" tracking VOR.  Use the second VOR as a "next" heading bug.
 
  9.  Do landings with minimum flaps (no flaps or Vx flap setting).

  10. Turn all audio panel switches "on" then use volume to listen to them.



  By implementing these habits and procedures, you'll get more out of
your cross-country flights and you'll develop habits which will reduce
your workload when you train for IFR or fly in actual IFR conditions
later.  You'll notice that all of these suggestions are designed to
reduce pilot workload, flipping one switch or turning one knob instead
of two, not having to fool with flaps for the missed, etc.

avoid dutch rolls
half standard rate turns on approach
power/pitch changes create oscillations
no-flap landings (or best go-around setting Vx)
all audio panel switches on then volume up when listening
ADF volume up and stays on when used as navaid
second VOR for initial missed heading
circle to land altitude until some indication of GS (ILS G/S or VASI),
some descents with CFII saying "approach lights in sight, continue down"
safety pilot job is traffic and remain VFR, these don't concern pilot
pilot says "looking" for traffic calls, safety says "in sight"
safety pilot takes the controls to avoid traffic or IMC
when practice VFR ask for the option on first tower contact
when under IFR, all approaches are the option automatically, don't ask
pitot heat always on when IFR, start right before takeoff