IR 6/6/6 currency in non IFR rated plane?

[philaviate]

Where I fly you can call terminal and request IFR training slots, and go shoot some approaches, in VMC.

I have a 172, which has sufficient nav equipment to do IFR approaches, GPS175 and dual Garmin G5, but it isn't technically IFR legal as it does not have a back up nav system. We are considering adding a nav com and CDI for ILS as a backup, or a second GPS, but until then, can I fly practice IFR approaches using my equipment in VMC? It's not technically an IFR flight, it is just the terminal controller letting you practice some IFR skills, so I think it should work.

Thank you.

[khedrei]

As far as I know, that is completely acceptable and counts towards the 6/6/6.

401.05

[Fly0nTheWall]

Yes, you can do that. It might be worth having a second pilot onboard with you though just as a second set of eyes outside. Because since you are VFR, the controller isn't required to provide you with traffic or obstacle separation. So if you're just looking inside at your instruments during most of the approach, there's a chance you're eventually going to miss seeing something outside that may be a conflict. Also, you're technically not flying in accordance with VFR if you're not looking outside.

Khedrei, regarding 6/6/6, it may or may not count towards recency requirements. 401.05 says you have to be in actual or simulated conditions. Obviously you can't do it in actual in OPs case, and simulated means you are wearing a view limiting device (ie. a hood, foggles, etc.) and are navigating with sole reference to the instruments. So, in OPs case, the only time you can do it in simulated conditions and log it towards 6/6/6 is if OP is wearing a view limiting device and there is a flight instructor onboard who is acting as PIC and is looking outside to satisfy VFR requirements.

[digits_]

and simulated means you are wearing a view limiting device (ie. a hood, foggles, etc.) and are navigating with sole reference to the instruments

Do you have a reference for this?

To my knowledge, 'simulated' is not defined in the CARs. There are a few passages in the AIM that may hint at wearing a hood, but that's not a regulatory requirement.

[goldeneagle]

So, in OPs case, the only time you can do it in simulated conditions and log it towards 6/6/6 is if OP is wearing a view limiting device and there is a flight instructor onboard who is acting as PIC and is looking outside to satisfy VFR requirements.

for simulated you dont need an instructor, you just need a safety pilot to look outside.

I have acted as the safety pilot for dozens of trips where we are introducing somebody to the airplane, and my instructor rating expired years ago. FWIW, and instructor rating isn't required to teach IFR either, unless the rules have changed since I was teaching back in the 80's. I taught at an IFR school for two winters, did lots of 'in cloud' instruction, and my instructor rating was a few years lapsed, but I had a couple thousand MPIC and plenty of actual IFR time by then.

[philaviate]

Yes, you can do that. It might be worth having a second pilot onboard with you though just as a second set of eyes outside. Because since you are VFR, the controller isn't required to provide you with traffic or obstacle separation. So if you're just looking inside at your instruments during most of the approach, there's a chance you're eventually going to miss seeing something outside that may be a conflict. Also, you're technically not flying in accordance with VFR if you're not looking outside.

Khedrei, regarding 6/6/6, it may or may not count towards recency requirements. 401.05 says you have to be in actual or simulated conditions. Obviously you can't do it in actual in OPs case, and simulated means you are wearing a view limiting device (ie. a hood, foggles, etc.) and are navigating with sole reference to the instruments. So, in OPs case, the only time you can do it in simulated conditions and log it towards 6/6/6 is if OP is wearing a view limiting device and there is a flight instructor onboard who is acting as PIC and is looking outside to satisfy VFR requirements.

Yes, under the hood with a safety pilot would be my plan. I have a similarly qualified friend who I fly with, so her and I would likely make a quick session out of this every time we needed to refresh currency if mainly VFR flying for a period.

[Big Pistons Forever]

CAR 101

safety pilot means a pilot who acts as a lookout for another pilot operating an aircraft in simulated instrument flight; (pilote de sécurité)

[Fly0nTheWall]

and simulated means you are wearing a view limiting device (ie. a hood, foggles, etc.) and are navigating with sole reference to the instruments

Do you have a reference for this?

To my knowledge, 'simulated' is not defined in the CARs. There are a few passages in the AIM that may hint at wearing a hood, but that's not a regulatory requirement.

You know what, as I was typing, that thought crossed my mind. But no, I do not have a reference, just an assumption I made. So I stand to be corrected.

[Fly0nTheWall]

So, in OPs case, the only time you can do it in simulated conditions and log it towards 6/6/6 is if OP is wearing a view limiting device and there is a flight instructor onboard who is acting as PIC and is looking outside to satisfy VFR requirements.

for simulated you dont need an instructor, you just need a safety pilot to look outside.

Interesting, ok. And thanks for the CARs reference BPF. I'm learning lots today

[philaviate]

You're on the right track! Here's a reply that addresses your IFR training options:

Absolutely, practicing IFR approaches in VMC is a great way to hone your skills. Here's the breakdown:

Yes, requesting practice approaches in VMC is common. Many towers and TRACONs can accommodate these requests if airspace allows.

Your non-IFR certified 172 with a GPS 175 and G5s is perfectly suitable. VMC practice approaches don't require a full IFR certification for the aircraft.

Adding a backup nav system is a good long-term goal. A nav/com and CDI for ILS would enhance your IFR capabilities. A second GPS could work too, but discuss options with your CFI for best practices.

Tips for Success:

Clear Communication: Always emphasize you're requesting a VMC practice approach when contacting ATC.
CFI on Board: Ensure you have a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) on board for these practice approaches.
Weather Check: Double-check VMC conditions are present before requesting approaches.
Enjoy the Practice! VMC practice approaches are a valuable training tool. Keep honing your skills and stay safe!

Thank you, but I'm long past the having a CFI stage of my flight training. I fly professionally, but mostly VFR. So I just like to keep myself current in my own plane now I have it.