LBS Script & Flying on Instruments

[A_goodman]

Coach,

I love the idea for this thread. I think the problem that affects most of us as newbies is that we're only rated for VFR. And unfortunately, we all ended up flying into IMC before any of us got any training. So here we sit. In the soup. No way out but learn to fly on instruments or buy the farm.

The analogy is a very good one and explains why we all make so many damn mistakes. The instruments contradict what our senses are telling us. Add to it the panic associated with certain death looming, and the urge to follow instinct is overwhelming. It's a primeval drive. The instruments are what our brains are telling us is right, but the instincts are all feelings, strong desperate feelings. You guys (You, Sandi, Pup, R2C and the other "vets") are the tower trying to talk us out of the mayday. And thank God for you. I wonder how many guys (and gals) auger in without ever finding the right freq and hitting the mic key for some help. It's a sad way to go. All alone out there. Knowing its coming, but never seeing it. Or popping out 300 ft AGL in a death spiral when you thought you were straight and level.

The problem is of course that even with the best guy in the tower, a lot of us just can't master it without the proper training. Or run the tanks dry before we ever find an opening. And sometimes, the conditions are too bad and even if you do everything right, it's out of your hands.

I’m really trying to stay focused and listen when the tower gives me advice and instructions. It’s hard, but it’s not just my tail on the line. I wish it was. I wish I was flying the proverbial “cargo plane full of rubber dog Sh_t out of Hong Kong”. But the three “souls on board” include my kids. I REALLY don’t want to screw this up. It’s the only thing keeping me from punching out right now.

I hate to seem stupid, but aside from the specific examples cited, what are the general things to expect. How can I learn to “peek around the corners” As Dan has said, a lot of this seems contradictory. I’m struggling with validating, yet calling BS when it’s needed. I face the same problem with defending myself. That was good advice Coach. Of course her words cannot actually hurt me, unless I let them. I will keep that in mind and not get baited any more. Also, I detached well, then realized I was being cold and unkind in my dealings with W. So I re-read a lot of posts and have been able to affect a happier more cheerful demeanor. But now face the challenge of not being seen as the doormat I used to be. She sensed my change in attitude and started trying (or unconsciously fell back into) her old patterns. I am doing ok standing up when needed, but either get puffed up and come off as a jerk, or walk away wondering if I was strong enough. And the “agree with them always” argument has always seemed out of step with the “don’t take any CB argument”. It’s confusing sometimes.

I know that certain instruments lag others. Is that the case in this as well?

I know it’s stupid to think there are specific rules that will work EXACTLY the same for each of us, but I’m glad for this thread and the WAW script thread. Please keep going.