First of all: This story is no complaining and not to blame any one. I liked the experience and would like to share it with you. I

hello hanswhenever using a VORDME approach i suggest you do not use LNAVinstead use the ARC/ROSE VOR display on your EHSI, and use HDG SEL to finetune the interception.Also, when flying such an approach i use VS mode to descent on the profile as per the procedure. The VNAV path is often a good one but i find you have much better input and flexibility doing this the way i described.btw, if ATC clears you for the VORDME 28, you can fly it down to the minimums unless instructed otherwise so don't worry about ATC(be attentive though) and focus on the approach.remember: first aviate, then communicate/navigate ;)If by the minimums you have not received clearance to land, you simply go around.(remember, before attempting any approach, make sure you fully know the procedure and understand it thoroughly, if unable to do so: ask for vectors, atc is OBLIGED to provide them (in most TMA's and if you're an IFR flight))if you're really unconfident about such approaches, i suggest you take the time offline to practise them, no shame in doing so. Real pilots are also trained 'offline' first(on IFR procedures at least)Finally: if you really want to be a good pilot, learn to fly all types of approach completely manually, remeber the autopilot was originaly designed to relief pilots of the workload 'in cruise'if you can do them manually and know the MCP operation and functions, you'll have no more trouble makeing any sorrt of approach...(though an DME ARC is still a challenge to me :))Greetz

Hello LennyDon

It

yup, and if you do it correct, you'll realise that CATII and lower ops(CATIII...) are really very intensive.IFR training is there simply because it needs to. In real life, pilot's will always preferr to fly in good visibility, it feels better and looks better.I remember very well that i once was in a cloud with my glider(normally this is forbidden but i couldn't help it(very strong uplifts))and i can tell you, when you only have a speed, altitude and Variometer you'll start feeling awkward.Seeing nothing but white around you really confuses you... :sfortunately, gravity pulls us downward so i quickly was able to get out(nose down :s) but it showed me that visibility is really a requirement for a 'enjoyable' flight.

Lenny, Your story kind of reminds me of that "178 seconds" article (search it on google). I've read many real life accounts of the 178 seconds scenario from pilots who lived to tell. One in particular involved a seasoned VFR pilot that became disoriented when he encounter IMC...he had to surrender the controls to a relatively green student who had only experienced IMC in MS Flight Simulator