The FAA integrated mix of VFR and IFR instruction is a violation
of the very instructional precepts considered basic to flight
instruction. The purpose of the IFR instruction to a VFR student
was an emergency process. As such, it focused on the attitude
indicator and the making of a 180- degree turn out of IFR conditions.
The basis of this instruction was upon the inability of a VFR
pilot to maintain control in IFR conditions for much over a minute.
The basic 1959 survival turn was performed by reference to
the needle with any descent initiated by a slight reduction in
power as by applying carburetor heat. The yoke was released and
a quarter-needle turn initiated and stopped by rudder alone. Over
the years this was changed into a coordinated attitude indicator
shallow bank along with turn coordinator rate turn for one minute.
Any time devoted to this detracted from the use of VFR references
outside the cockpit.
I, along with others, have minimized hood time until giving
a concentrated emphasis just prior to the practical test. In my
VFR instruction emphasize a light smooth control touch, selected
power settings, and attitudes referenced with the nose and horizon
set by trim. The transition from such VFR flying to IFR instrument
control is a seamless smooth one.
My students learn, early on, to index the throttle position
by sound and confirm only with the tachometer. Sound is also indexed
for selected speeds and configurations. The student proceeds from
a known condition in VFR to an instrument condition directly related
and confirmed by the instruments. In years past my students have
usually commented on how seamless the VFR to IFR training has
been.
There is no way that future flight instruction can permanently
reconstruct the problems created by poor initial instruction.
The importance of proper initial instruction has been proven many
times. Poor coordination, trim techniques, attention to headings
and altitudes will never be what they should be if not taught
from the beginning.
Last Modified January 26, ©2026 TAGE.COM
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