I've already replied that I think it useful but found out I don't really use it because I like to fly low with friends in beautiful weather.

I didn't add that I found out in my 2nd lesson that flying in and out of fair weather cumulus is as enjoyable for me as flying up the Tuolumne (from overheard CFII comments, that's not always the case) and that you can get some truly stunning sights of the stratus dipping/rising over Monterey Bay as it follows the ocean contour? currents?: you pay for that by having to be super paranoid flying an approach into Watsonville that is being used as if MVFR. Fog is fairly easy for me to arrange flying in and out of; there was just that one time with the fair weather cumulus.

Definitely work with a CFII with lots of IMC experience at least local to your area and, if you get lucky like me, across the country. With their experience/stories/teaching, the PC flight simulators quickly pale.

I got mine a couple years ago. Part of the gig if you ever want to get a flying job or your CFI.

hotrod150 wrote: I agree.
I've told people about taking the gyro's out of my panel, some have said "but you'll kill yourself! what if you fly into a cloud?". Thinking like that is what gets VFR pilots and non-proficient (notice that I didn't say "current") instrument pilots killed. IMHO.

Eric

IMHO - I find that statement very ironic coming from a fellow whos signature reads "minimums are for busting"

Busting minimums are what gets "current" INST pilots killed and taking gyros out of your aircraft because you plan to never need them is like removing the seatbelt because you dont plan to need it. It is a safety measure that can save your life in the event that you ever "accidentally" need it.

The best laid plans...

I was ready to leave for fun in socal. The wx at my towered airport was OVC500. Bootleg IFR out.


3 minutes later


Beautiful


Whats not to like


So now I'm on top. I'm thinking if I have a problem and have to land I can try the mountains. uumm not good. Shoot an approach that were at minimums 1/4 mile FZFG and you get 1 shot at it. I'm thinking engine don't fail me now.


I would do it again.

RobBurson wrote:I was ready to leave for fun in socal. The wx at my towered airport was OVC500. Bootleg IFR out.


3 minutes later


Beautiful


Whats not to like


So now I'm on top. I'm thinking if I have a problem and have to land I can try the mountains. uumm not good. Shoot an approach that were at minimums 1/4 mile FZFG and you get 1 shot at it. I'm thinking engine don't fail me now.


I would do it again.

Lets face it Rob you ran into burning buildings for a living. Adrenaline junky Everytime i go over the Sierra's in VFR i am always looking for a place to land and even with a view they are not easy to find
Have a safe trip
Bill

Sound like flying in a single at night??
If the engine quits you slow it down and turn the lights on.
When you get close enough to see the ground and it looks ugly, quickly shut the lights off!!
Doesn't make you not fly at night!!
GT

lowflybye wrote:.....taking gyros out of your aircraft because you plan to never need them is like removing the seatbelt because you dont plan to need it. It is a safety measure that can save your life in the event that you ever "accidentally" need it. .........

Having gyro's for an emergency without being both proficient & truly current is like having seat belts & not wearing them. Or having an empty fire extinquisher. Or an unloaded gun. Maybe it makes a person feel warm & fuzzy, but that's all. IMHO. If you're gonna have gyro's for "just in case", you oughta be proficient at flying on them, and from I've seen & heard alot of pilots aren't- even some IFR rated ones.
BTW the "bustin' minimums" tagline is meant to be humorous, not self-descriptive. (But don't tell anyone I said that)

Eric

That last picture is cool, Rob!

RobBurson wrote: I was ready to leave for fun in socal. The wx at my towered airport was OVC500. Bootleg IFR out. ..........

Awesome photo's Rob. VFR on top of a solid low level can be bee-you-tiful as your photo's illustrate.
I'm curious as to "bootleg IFR out" at a towered airport. Hypothetically speaking, is this a Special VFR departure clearance, then a pop up through the layer? Uhhhh, maintaining VFR conditions at all times, of course.

Eric