Used to have a CP who gave me a hard time about filing IFR when the airports were only 50 or so nm apart. I would let him have his rant, turn around, and file anyway. I think I made my point the day I took off after him, yet beat him where we were going simply because I filed IFR and was able to top a low overcast layer (3000 ft) and take advantage of a better tailwind. Not to mention I was able to go through some airspace that he was attempting to avoid while VFR.
Since I got my rating, unless I am on training flights or in a VFR only airplane (rarely), I am always on an IFR flight plan. Like others have said, it takes the guess work out of flying, and I don't have to worry about ATC refusing VFR flight following.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewie von Nubbins  The reason is simple. When most people get their IRA, they have just achieved a major accomplishment, but still do not feel comfortable with flying IFR. Most reasons are because they spent so much time learning how to fly an approach, but are not comfortable with STARs and SIDS and all of the enroute things that flying IFR takes care of.
In other words, most people understand that you must follow stringent procedures to fly IFR and are scared to file and fly IFR without an instructor. And, I am assuming what their statistical research has shown is that if a newly minted IFR pilot does not file and fly and IFR flight plan within X amount of hours of passing their IRA rating, they don't use their IRA ticket. |
Good point.