IFR Checklist3
The very best single pilot IFR checklist is the flow checklist. Follow a logical series of checklist stops across the panel as required to set up a given flight task. The flow can be accomplished quickly from memory and even more quickly confirmed by reference to the checklist.
A - ATIS
A - Altimeter set to ATIS
H - Heading indicator set to compass
C - Com #1 on approach
C - Com #2 on tower
N - Nav #1 on approach facility
N - Nav #2 on intersection or missed
D - DME on appropriate NAVAID
A - ADF on approach frequency
T - Timer set
M - Markers on/tested
M - Missed memorized
L - Landing Checklist
G - Gas
U - Under carriage
M - Mixture as required (altitude)
P - Prop fine pitch
H - Heat (carburetor)
I - Instrument check
Fill out the check cards well before approach time. Divide the information into BASIC and SECONDARY Put the basics on the cards. Read the secondary before the approach to pick up any lose ends. Configure the aircraft. Configure the instruments especially the altimeter, heading indicator to compass and heading bug. Limit the number of memory items by selections from the post-it cards.
Teaching IFR Flight Planning
Suggestions on your IFR work. Make sure you keep a light touch on the yoke. Don't let flying the airplane be a part of the problem. Before you get in the plane walk or draw through the full flight in three or four stages.
First all the headings you will need for departure, expected and charted routes.
Second, All altitudes including step down on the approach.
Third, all the frequencies and where they will be anticipated. Practice changing frequencies on the radios so you always turn knobs the shortest way. Walk yourself through the radio selection as well. Good practice is always communicate on your #1 and preset on #2 for initial contact before rolling to #1. Flip-flops make it easier.
Mark your charts at points where you plan to get ATIS. Practice on the phone getting the ATIS so you can copy it on the first run, no matter where you start copying. Use the phone to get more distant ATIS so you have a jump start on what to expect.
--Mark where you must report to ATC,
--Mark where you plan to make configuration changes.
IFR Flight Planning
The preflight
Before IFR flight FAR 91.103 in addition to all available information requires ...
Pilot
Confirm personal papers of license, medical, BFR or AFR , currency passengers, night, 6, holding, tracking, instrument.
No Alcohol within past 8 hours. (I can usually tell if used within hours by student performance)
The Plane:
To be legal the aircraft must have its AROW papers. Its A & P Inspections , Airworthiness Directives (ADs) ELT check, Transponder Check, must be recorded in aircraft and engine logbooks. Static system and altimeter tested. (If inspected and approved early January 1993. Re-inspection to remain current for IFR flight required before January 31 1995.) FAR 91.411 For legal IFR flight VORs must have been checked and correctly logged within the last 30 days. FAR 91.171.
Instruments required
Airspeed Turn Altimeter Clock Attitude Directional Radio/Nav
IFR flight requires gyroscopic heading indicator.
Mnemonic
A TACADRN (elephant) An IFR ELEPHANT never forgets!
Instruments required for IFR flight.
G enerator
R adios (nav and com)
A ttitude indicator
B all - slip indicator
C lock (dash mounted)
A irspeed
R ate of turn indicator
D irectional gyro
(D) ME for above 24000 feet.
Paperwork needed onboard.
Airworthiness certificate
Registration
Operating limitations (placards)
Weight and balance.
This is what I use:
Tach, Oil pres, manifold pres, airspeed, temp gauge, oil temp,ELT, fuel gauge, landing gear position lights, altimeter, magnetic compass, emergency equipment, safety belt/shoulder harness
VFR night - FLAPS
fuses, landing lights, anticollision lights, position lights, source of power
IFR - GRABCARD
generator/alternator, radios, attitude, ball (inclinometer), clock, altimeter, rate of turn, directional gyro
Not required equipment
The VSI is not a required IFR instrument. Do not rely on VSI for pitch information unless it is an IVSI. Dual VORs, ADF. ILS are not required nor is pitot heat
Oxygen required
Oxygen for unpressurized aircraft 1/2 hour up to 14,000; Crew above 14000' and everybody above 15000'. FAR 91.211
Instrument Competency Check
Within past six months, six approaches with holding and VOR tracking. This rule can be circumvented by an Instrument Competency Check ride and an endorsement.
I certify that __#________ successfully completed the instrument competency check required by FAR Section 61.57 (e),(2) on (date)
Weather reports and forecasts
Forecaster tries to decide what is going to happen over a given period. You must understand what is there and how it could change. It is nice to get the expected; it is wise to expect the unexpected.
Known delays
DUAT has Flow Control Messages Menu under the Flight Planning section that shows where aircraft are being held on the ground (Gate Hold) because of traffic congestion. This most often is caused by weather requiring alternate routing. Keeping up with the weather can warn you if such may be happening en route. This is usually initiated by Center.
NOTAMs
AFD Notams, L & D Notams
Temporary NOTAMS have 120 day life.
Notices to Airmen publication every two weeks. Once a NOTAM is printed it will be dropped from the FSS briefing unless a search is specially requested. If you don't have a current A/FD make the request.
Airport information
--Any known traffic delays advised by ATC
--Runway lengths at airports of intended use
Fuel requirements
You need enough fuel to fly to this airport, fly to an alternate and fly thereafter for 45 minutes at normal cruise. FAR 91.167
Alternatives if flight cannot be completed
IFR airport of intended landing is 1500 OVC and 3 (see minimums) at planned ETA. (See uncontrolled airports)
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