Scanning your panel

Attitude instrument flying is controlling an aircraft by reference to flight instruments, rather than outside visual reference. In the instrument course we learn how to refine this skill to the point where we can maintain precise control of the aircraft solely by instruments while carrying on the many additional duties of IFR flight.

We must master three fundamental skills: instrument cross-check, instrument interpretation and aircraft control. Imagine the pilot as a computer: you input data from the instruments, process this data in the brain and interpret this data as the aircraft's behavior, and for last the pilot applies an action to correct the aircraft's previous behavior or to achieve a desired response from the aircraft. Pretty much simple, ah? Well, it might be but takes a lot of practice.

While learning raw data from ground school and books, no flights yet. Actually half of this course is made on simulators, where you can simulate situations that would be almost impossible in real flight, or very difficult at least. You can also pause during a simulation to discuss the subject with your instructor. If any of you is interested on learning how to fly by instruments too, you can try starting with Flight Simulator on your PC at home; seems like a very good training!

I had to buy some maps and books today, the FAA regulations here are a little different than ICAO and JAA so we have to study flight regulations all over again... It looks like a dictionary, it's endless and boring.
:)