Single Pilot IFR

"Single-pilot IFR can be as safe as you choose to make it."

This is a quote from the first page, in big, purple, easy to see letters.  I think they do that for a reason. It really is true - SPIFR is as safe as you, the pilot, decide it will be.  You have to know your skills and your limits, and you have to be able to manage the workload that you create for yourself.

Some key items of SPIFR are thorough planning, organization, and attention to detail.  When you are flying by yourself (or as the only pilot), these things are crucial to a successful flight.  You will be responsible for safely flying the plane, which is the biggest and most important task, while also navigating yourself to your destination.  Plus, you never know what you could encounter on your trip.  So the main thing is to be prepared!

I know that right now I would not do a SPIFR flight.  I haven't used my instrument knowledge in a long time (not to mention, I'm not even current) and I don't feel confident enough in myself to take on such a task.  This is not to say that I never would, but as the article mentions, I would need lots of practice and planning for a successful flight.

I think what I took away most from this article was a quote at the end: "Don't let your confidence exceed your ability".  That is such a good piece of advice, and is one that many people should rethink.  All too often, the "Macho" hazardous attitude shows up and leads pilots to believe that they are able to do things that they don't have the ability to do.  Anyone can be susceptible to it, but you have to know about and be aware of the attitude so you can fight it.

Someday it would be fun, I'm sure, to do a SPIFR flight!  I'll have to brush up on my skills and make sure I am prepared for the task at hand.

-TB