The Anti-PIC
Staying IFR current doesn’t guarantee proficiency. This article explains how to flip the script—putting proficiency first so currency takes care of itself, without the stress of constant IPCs.
About Elaine Kauh
Elaine is a professional pilot, Master Instructor, aviation writer and an active speaker at safety seminars, where she enjoys meeting pilots to talk about all things flying. As a skilled instrument instructor, she specializes in emergency procedures while helping aviators sharpen their skills. Her other specialties include tailwheel, CFI stall-spin and high-performance endorsements.
Entries by Elaine Kauh
It’s Personal: Managing Your Own Minimums
/by Elaine KauhYour personal minimums aren’t just numbers on a checklist—they’re dynamic limits that should evolve as your skills and experience do. In this month’s IFR Focus, Master Instructor Elaine Kauh rethinks the idea of “personal minimums” as personal operating ranges, complete with red lines, yellow arcs, and moving needles. It’s a fresh, practical look at how to monitor proficiency and manage IFR risk.
Decisions on the Fly
/by Elaine KauhHow far you’re willing to go in shifting headings, altitudes and destinations is ultimately a PIC decision, and that can include not just one, but a number of changes. Having an early assessment to prepare for possible changes helps frame the overall strategy to avoid bad weather. That way, you’re ready. So when a flight ends with the feeling you were prepared, you won’t regret going in the first place.
The Art of Briefing the Approach
/by Elaine KauhThere’s a lot to keep track of when nearing the initial approach fix or that last vector-to-final. Along with all those numbers for altitudes and courses to fly the procedure, you have things to do to the airplane—like adding flaps and adjusting power. It’s all part of what makes the approach a high-workload phase, so anything to help you get ready before it gets busy is a good idea. And that means being ready for anything. Enter the approach briefing.
