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Strategies for Air Travel with Onboard Automation in Instrumental Meteorological Conditions

Strategies to ensure your upcoming IFR flight is exceptional.

Guide to Aviation: Navigating Instrument Meteorological Conditions with an Autopilot
Guide to Aviation: Navigating Instrument Meteorological Conditions with an Autopilot

Strategies for Air Travel with Onboard Automation in Instrumental Meteorological Conditions

In instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), where visibility is limited and navigating can be challenging, it's crucial to follow some safety guidelines. Here are some essential tips to help you fly safely in such conditions.

Firstly, it's important to note that you should never rely solely on pitch or roll mode while flying. These modes may hold your current pitch or roll, not your altitude, heading, or course, making it risky to rely on them in IMC.

Secondly, subscribing to the Boldmethod email can provide you with weekly flying tips and information to help improve your skills and stay informed.

Thirdly, practicing hand-flying full departures, arrivals, and approaches in IMC can help reduce your reliance on autopilots. This practice is particularly useful during challenging weather conditions.

Unfortunately, the flight training organisation or airline that published the "10 tips for flying in IMC with an autopilot" could not be identified from the provided search results.

When in doubt about the autopilot's actions, it's always safer to disconnect it and hand-fly the airplane.

It's also worth noting that ATC may clear you to track the localizer course before an approach clearance. In such cases, ensure no descent mode is active or armed if not cleared to descend.

In IMC, it's essential to maintain a climb rate of at least 500 feet per minute (fpm). If your climb rate is lower, inform ATC promptly.

Lastly, consider getting out of pitch or roll mode and activating a form of lateral navigation, vertical navigation, or altitude capture. For comprehensive instrument training, you might want to consider enrolling in Boldmethod's Instrument Procedures course.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when flying in IMC. Never fly fully relying on autopilots during challenging weather conditions, and occasionally practice "hard IMC" hand-flying to maintain your skills and reduce your reliance on autopilots.

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