Page 33 - Volume 16 Number 5

many instructors treat them equally and are reluctant to tell clients that their performance is not up to par.This creates a false sense of security for the client and destroys any opportunity to develop a true understanding of their skill level, weaknesses, and strengths. Some might say that many IPCs are “pencil whipped.” I’d agree with that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are given at the airport café over coffee and pie. Any IPC that’s issued after some required maneuvers weren’t performed, or less than minimum levels of performance were demonstrated, could be viewed as pencil whipped. That is a true disservice to the pilot being evaluated.As the instrument pilot, you should stop viewing the IPC as an ultimatum and begin viewing it as an opportunity. Consider making the IPC a routine component of your instrument practice/training plan. Take one every six months or yearly, whether legally needed or not. Not only will passing performance reset your instrument currency, it will reveal things about your abilities you didn’t realize (good or bad), things you can train away or embrace, and reveal things your trusted CFII may have never seen or known. I’ve found that an IPC, when conducted by the book, is one of the very best tools to opening a pilot’s eyes about his or her abilities, rust, and habit patterns.IPC requirements: hiding in plain sightA number of pilots reading this have passed many IPCs, as well as many CFII’s giving those IPCs, with no idea what is really required by an IPC. The Instrument Pilot Practical Test Standards outline the requirements in a Ratings Task Table. This table details which areas of the PTS are required elements for the rating, as well as IPCs. Specifically, the table notes that an IPC in a multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft must include the following, at a minimum:MAY 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 31Experience CountsThirty five years of serving General AviationPhoto courtesy of Pilatus Business Aircraft LTD / Photo by Jon Youngblut Photography140 E. Town Street, Suite 1400 • Columbus, Ohio 43215-1400 (614) 221-5773 • Fax: (614) 221-2411email: scope@parknationalbank.com www.ScopeAircraftFinance.comMember ofNational Aircraft Finance Association National Business Aviation AssociationSurvival Products $1370 $1785Sixth PagePhone (954) 966-7329 FAX: (954) 966-3584MAdE IN THE USA4/C Adweb: www.survivalproductsinc.com email: sales@survivalproductsinc.com5614 SW 25 St.,Hollywood, FL 33023