Instrument flight hours logging

Leviathan · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject: Instrument flight hours logging

Hi all,

I have been doing a lot of IFR flying recently, but I am surprised to see that my time logged for instrument flight is very small in comparison to the flight time.

For example, today I undertook an IFR flight from Kingsford Smith International (YSSY)in Sydney to Auckland (NZAA) which took almost 3 hours to complete. Of that time, only 0.1 hours was dedicated to instrument time.

Thanks
Dale.

Marty · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

Try flying at night and in thick cloud or any other low vis situations. I think that will log more instrument hours.

Marty

Leviathan · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

Gavin · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 1:07 am Post subject:

Hi Leviathan

Q1. Marty is correct, Instrument Flight Rules or IFR flight time is calculated by how much time you spend in Instrument Meteorological Conditions or IMC. When you choose an IFR flight at the planning stages you’re choosing and notifying Air Services that your flight will be conducted under IFRules. These rules don’t necessarily mean that you are expecting to be in IMConditions for the whole flight but they do give you the option should you find IMConditions in your flight path and you require IFR. It's always easier to plan ahead than to ask ATC for IFR clearance while in flight. Plus everyone on the Radio would think you are a goof for messing up your Flight Planning by failing to anticipate the potential of IMC or the need for IFR and requirements.

Choosing to book your flight under IFR also affords you a higher priority for landing at controlled airspace and extra services such as flight following which under VFRules you need to request.

Q2. Yes, like Marty said it's as simple as driving your bird into IMConditions. Heavy weather is normally the preferred method because it so much fun.

Q3a. No, Instrument Flight time is logged whenever you are no longer able to navigate by reference to the ground. When VFR On Top (Above Cloud) you are required to know your position by reference to the ground at least every 30 minutes. Secondly, when flying under VFRules you must not fly on top of more than 4/8 octas of cloud. Under VFR rules when the intention is to fly VFR On Top you must ensure that you can maintain VFR throughout the Ascent and decent faze of flight. If your VFR On Top and unable to confirm your position by reference to the ground you are in IFR conditions, possibly illegally. Contact tower on ***.* and notify ATC of you situation. Under certain conditions you may apply for Special VFR by contacting ATC and making that request.

Q3b. Instrument Flight Time is most easily gained by flying in IMC.

Does that answer your question?

Kind Regards,

Gavin Gillett

AirBornComputers.com

Phone: (08) 9525 0088
Email: gavin@airborncomputers.com
Web: http://www.airborncomputers.com
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Leviathan · Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 3:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Gavin.

I actually tried out Marty's suggestion of flying in inclement weather last night and logged the majority of the flight with instrument use.

Your post has confirmed for me what Marty suggested and I found last night.

Thanks again.