True Course Simulations challenges pilots at EAA AirVenture
VFR flight into IMC remains one of the leading causes of fatal aircraft accidents in general aviation. As pilots, we like to think we’d make the right decisions in deteriorating weather conditions.
One scenario puts you into a Cessna 172 flying from Utah's Carbon County Regional/Buck Davis Field to the Bolinder Field-Tooele Valley Airport to pick up your friend. You’ve left a little later than you wanted and although the day started out clear, the AWOS at South Valley Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport have gone down to minimums. As you enter the valley you notice a change in the weather and check the Provo Municipal Airport and Spanish Fork Municipal/Woodhouse Field AWOS. They both show clear, but you can see the cloud layer coming down the valley. What will you do—press on toward your destination, climb above the clouds, turn back, make a precautionary landing? All are valid choices, but as they say, choices have consequences… What will keep you out of the VFR-into-IMC accident tally column?
Visit the AOPA tent, located on the flight line across from the Brown Arch to test your skills.
Related Articles
