IMC Clubs: Building Instrument Proficiency Through Community
When it comes to flying, there is no substitute for proficiency and training. And maybe nowhere is that more important than instrument flying. Things happen "in the soup," and can go south pretty quickly. A well-trained and proficient instrument pilot is a much safer instrument pilot.
But sometimes, without a support system, it's easy to say "well, I'll go shoot the practice approaches next time." The IMC Club may be just the support system that pilots need. On their website, they say the purpose of the organization is to "promote instrument flying, proficiency and safety. Along with IFR flying and monthly local chapter meetings, we offer a resource rich website which provides an electronic experience base.
"Our intent is to create a community of pilots in order to share information, provide recognition foster communications, promote safety and build proficiency in instrument flying. IMC Club Chapters offer monthly meetings in which pilots can network and share knowledge and experiences."
There are currently 91 IMC Club Chapters on four continents. The bulk of those are in the United States, but there have been chapters established in Botswana, Chile, France and Germany.
IMC Club Meetings provide a forum to highlighting guest speakers and for promoting participation and discussion of IFR flying. Sharing your experience through our IMC network, helps promote you, and your business, while promoting the continuing education and experience of IFR pilots everywhere.
The IMC Club believes that safety and proficiency are developed through education and experience. The monthly meetings use real world scenarios to engage our members and allow them to share and build their experience.
DON'T MISS! IMC Club, EAA Establish IFR Proficiency Center
The IMC Club and EAA have created a new skill-building center at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014. The IFR Proficiency Center will be a hub for instrument pilots and will feature Tech Talks, IMC Club chapter meetings, and eight Redbird flight simulators on which pilots can gauge their instrument proficiency by flying various approach scenarios.
“Instrument flying skills are key to a great many of our members,” said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman. “The IFR Proficiency Center will add an important dimension to AirVenture and another destination site for our guests.”
The IFR Proficiency Center will feature six different Tech Talks–two per day–conducted by noted experts from Jeppesen. Topics include glass cockpit secrets; weather planning; and instrument chart tips and tricks. In addition each day the IMC Club will conduct a model chapter meeting open to the public to demonstrate the “organized hangar flying” the club is known for.
Eight Redbird flight simulators will be available each day for pilots to test and improve their proficiency by flying multiple instrument approaches under the direction of actual air traffic controllers.
“This is a unique attraction at AirVenture and a great way to help pilots feel more comfortable and capable in our instrument system,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, founder and president of The IMC Club.
The IFR Proficiency Center will be open every day, Monday through Sunday of AirVenture. There is no charge to participate.
Did You Know? (REALLY COOL Facts About IMC Clubs)
- There are 91 IMC Club Chapters on four continents.
- Basic Membership Is Just $3.00 (Yes, that's three dollars) per chapter meeting.
- The IMC Club website offers a virtual library of aviation related educational media, including Audio and Visual Training presentations, books, documents, manuals, articles and more, with more being added on a continual basis.
- The IMC Club "Safebook" allows pilots to register, and/or search for instructors, safety pilots or airplane owners looking for a safety pilot.
- Through the IMC Club Member Profiles, Chapter Profiles and communication tools, members have the opportunity to get to know pilots in the IFR community and share observations, opinions, interests and expertise.
- You can become a lifetime IMC Club member with a one-time donation of $2,000.
- Corporate memberships are available.
- IMC Club was founded by Radek Wyrzykowski; a Master Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and Multi-Engine Instructor. As a flight instructor in Norwood, MA, Radek developed a volunteer mentor program to help instrument pilots improve their proficiency, and they loved it.
- The IMC Club Brown Jacket is awarded to one general aviation pilot each year by the IMC Club International. The award recognizes excellence in three areas; Flight proficiency, Continuing Education, and Service to the aviation community.
IMC Clubs... In The News!!!
FMI: http://www.imcclubs.org/, Oshkosh Display Area: IFR Proficiency Center
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