During the Flight


‰Stay in VMC. Follow the FAA’s guidelines on how to remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) during a flight (see bit.ly/FAA-HFH, pages 11–24 through 11–26 for more information):


X If the weather ahead appears questionable, slowly turn around BEFORE you’re threatened by deteriorating visual cues. Proceed back to VMC or to the first safe landing area.


X Don’t proceed further when the terrain ahead isn’t clearly discernible. It’s called VFR for a reason.


X Always have in mind a safe landing space (such as a large open area or airport) for every segment of the flight.


‰Follow Expert Guidance. If you do find yourself in the clouds, follow FAA guidance on how to respond to VFR flight into IMC. (A brief summary of


these steps is included in this issue’s “5 Dos and Don’ts,” on p. 19.)


‰Be Calm and Confident. If you experience IIMC, remain calm and trust your instruments and your IFR/IIMC training. It will pay off.


Further Resources


The guidance available on dealing with IIMC is much too extensive to cover completely in this article. I strongly encourage all pilots to refer to the 2019 release of the FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21B. Chapter 11, pages 24–26, includes several updates that address how best to avoid and respond to VFR flight into IMC.


Additionally, the US Helicopter Safety Team has identified several helicopter safety enhancements focused on addressing the primary causes of fatal helicopter accidents, including IIMC. Visit www.ushst.org.


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