The meetings use real-world scenarios to engage members, and allow a free exchange of information that improves awareness and skills. The intent is to create a community of pilots willing to share information, provide recognition, foster communications, promote safety, and build proficiency.
The VMC Club monthly programming is developed and produced by EAA, but it does not use a lecture or presentation format. Instead, an actual scenario is presented and is followed by a group discussion – so audience participation is encouraged! Since everyone has a different experience level and different airplane capabilities, we can all benefit from the discussion.
VMC Club meetings are held every other month prior to the start of our monthly Chapter meeting. For more information visit our Contact Us page.
September Question of the Month - Answer: Pilots in such a situation should notify ATC that they are not instrument rated and the vector provided will take them into IMC. According to AIM 6-2-1.b, “Experience has shown that many pilots who are not qualified for instrument flight cannot maintain control of their aircraft when they encounter clouds or other reduced visibility conditions. In many cases, the controller will not know whether flight into instrument conditions will result from ATC instructions. To avoid possible hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR conditions, a pilot in difficulty should keep the controller advised of the current weather conditions being encountered and the weather along the course ahead and observe the following: 1. If a course of action is available which will permit flight and a safe landing in VFR weather conditions, non-instrument rated pilots should choose the VFR condition rather than requesting a vector or approach that will take them into IFR weather conditions; or 2. If continued flight in VFR conditions is not possible, the non-instrument rated pilot should so advise the controller and indicating the lack of an instrument rating, declare a distress condition.” NOTE: According to the AIM, if a distress condition is declared, Search and Rescue coordinators will take steps to intercept and escort an aircraft. The pilot has discretion to not accept the intercept and escort services.
