From Chapter Member Bob Huxster:
Q: For an IFR flight, the pitot-static system must have been checked within the preceding 24 months. When we set the altimeter on the ground before departure, what accuracy must be observed?
Great question and one of interest to both IFR and VFR pilots I think!
A: TFR’s are going to be with us for some time to come, effecting our ability to fly, join Chapter Fly-Outs etc. So, we’ve been looking for ways to continue to hone our flying skills, be able to address questions like the one above and, as a result, I have a challenge for you!
I’d like to move ‘Hanger Flying’ up a notch. I propose that on TFR Saturdays (900 AM) interested members gather to watch a 3 to 5 minute video that describes a flight scenario. These are real-world scenarios chosen to provoke the question: ‘what would you do”. There will be no ‘right answer’ provided; we get to share our ideas, mistakes, and related experiences. Hopefully, hearing from some of our highly experienced members can keep us out of future trouble. All with ‘Coffee & Cake’ that we’ve recently introduced to soften (sweeten?) the blow of being grounded.
We’ve embraced an EAA National initiative on this topic – the IMC and VMC Club – and will introduce it at Chapter 240 in the weeks ahead.The purpose of EAA Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Clubs is to promote instrument flying, proficiency, and safety. The intent is to create a community of pilots willing to share information, provide recognition, foster communications, promote safety, and build proficiency in instrument flying. EAA IMC Clubs are extensions to local EAA chapters and offer monthly IMC program meetings where pilots can network and share knowledge and experiences.
Non-instrument rated pilots who want to improve their proficiency have an excellent resource through EAA’s Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Clubs. The purpose of EAA VMC Clubs is to build proficiency when flying under visual flight rule conditions.
EAA IMC Clubs are extensions to local EAA chapters and offer monthly meetings in which pilots can network and share knowledge and experience. The meetings use real-world scenarios to engage members, and allow a free exchange of information that improves awareness and skills. The intent is to create a community of pilots willing to share information, provide recognition, foster communications, promote safety, and build proficiency. Through the EAA VMC club programs, visual flight rule pilots have improved their proficiency, and they love it.
Chapter Members (pilots & non-pilots) may join either, or both sessions, as they wish. We plan to experiment with Zoom in future sessions and determine if it is a viable add.
The VMC/IMC Initiative is being coordinated by Chapter members Bob Huxster, Dan Gutierrez and Tom Callahan (CFI), who can be reached via the link below.
Starting very soon, watch for a mid-week announcement following the establishment of a Wilmington weekend TFR, and we look forward to seeing you at the IMC/VMC sessions in the very near future.
Bob Huxster
VMC/IMC Lead, Events Team, EAA240
Questions?: imcvmcclub@eaa240.org
More information about the National Clubs: here