Brian Williams

Senior Project

Ms. Mathis 1A

21 October 2022

Annotated Bibliography #2

Twombly, Ian J. “Practical Instrument: Welcome to the Real World.” AOPA, 1 May 2021,

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/may/flight-training-magazine/instrument-

training.

In this article, fellow pilot Ian Twombly talks about his experience with instrument flight

training and gives good tips on how to succeed. He first discusses his enjoyment after completing

his first instrument solo flight. He says, “For me and I’m sure many others, the euphoria of

passing a checkride often turns to nervousness. It can feel like you’ve gotten away with

something and aren’t truly prepared to take on the challenge of flying in the real world. Looking

back on that first solo instrument flight I realized that success after the checkride comes down to

trusting that you are ready and having a plan to get better. With a goal to increase proficiency

that begins soon after the checkride, you can continue to build on your training, and more

importantly, build confidence in the process.” (Twombly) He says that having the ability to

effectively work in the IFR system, having the basic attitude of instrument flying, and having

great weather interpretation are important skills to have to become a great instrument pilot. He

says that once you get your rating, fly as much as possible so that it comes familiar to you. His

last important tip is to set personal minimums for your instrument flights. This helps prepare you

for unpredictable weather conditions that could cause you to fly lower than your normal
approaches. If you know that you don’t feel comfortable flying below 500 ft approaches, you

might want to have a personal minimum of 1000 ft.

This article was in the news and media section of www.aopa.org. The AOPA website is a

credible and useful source given that they are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. From the start,

they have fought to protect the freedom to fly while keeping general aviation safe, fun, and

affordable. They have many programs that help pilots grow and succeed in their aviation careers

such as the You Can Fly program, the Air Safety Institute, and flight training scholarships for

students. The AOPA foundation is a great pillar in the aviation community.

This website is an extremely useful source to use when working on my project. This

website lists many tips and tricks when it comes to flying as an instrument pilot. This website

will help me practice these new skills and help explain how these skills can be taught through my

simulator. These new tips will help me look out for certain things when I fly and what I can do to

better myself. My goal is to help teach students how a simulator works and how it can help them

learn so many cool things. In conclusion, this website will be valuable to the final presentation of

my project.