---------------------------------------------------------- RV6-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sat 12/28/02: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 07:50 AM - Re: Accidental IFR!!!! (Ron Lee) 2. 08:14 AM - Re: Accidental IFR!!!! (Ron Lee) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 07:50:03 AM PST US From: Ron Lee Subject: Re: RV6-List: Accidental IFR!!!! --> RV6-List message posted by: Ron Lee Excellent posting. Seems that there are several issues here. One is that you should be competent to fly IFR for a short period just to handle cases like this. This incident sounds like the scenario that often leads to fatalities if the pilot is not prepared. I have only flown true IFR on one occasion about two months ago. Shortly after entering the clouds the instructor suggested that I add right rudder (RV-6A). Upon doing that a minor case of vertigo appeared. I noted it to the instructor but trusted the instruments rather than my inner ear. Had I not, a spiral dive or similar bad thing likely would have ensued. The other question is about GPS. I can't get into the website that shows how many satellites were visible then but it is unlikely that it was a GPS problem. I would check connections and make sure that the antenna has a clear view to the sky (that being where the satellites are). You make a good case to have a backup system. Personally, I would like LORAN. Point to point navigation is the only way to go. I do carry three GPS units when I fly so the chance of a GPS equipment problem causing a problem is essentially eliminated. Ron Lee ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:14:41 AM PST US From: Ron Lee Subject: Re: RV6-List: Accidental IFR!!!! --> RV6-List message posted by: Ron Lee I just ran visibilities on GPS for your flight and there should have been about nine satellites visible. That is many more than needed for a position fix so I would check your GPS unit for possible problems. And carry a backup GPS! Ron Lee