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C172 instrument flight instructor in a G1000 equipped aircraft that he is not familiar with; has been told to fly VFR only. IMC is inadvertently encountered and an IFR clearance requested; but remembering the chief pilot's instructions; a turn and descent are initiated before the clearance is received.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1105056 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201307 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.TRACON |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Direct |
| Flight Plan | None |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Instructor |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Commercial Flight Crew Flight Instructor |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250 Flight Crew Total 1250 Flight Crew Type 7 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Track / Heading All Types Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence |
Narrative:
Today's lesson began as a simulated IFR flight. During preflight the weather of the destination airport was 6 SM and my student decided to complete the flight. I am new to the glass cockpit cessna 172 and my chief pilot specifically instructed me 'VFR only'. During our cruise I was playing with the G1000; trying to understand the system better and be able to teach to my students. Before I realized [it]; the visibility went from +6 to less than 1. Immediately I asked for a pop up IFR clearance to my destination. Having received my clearance I began setting up the GPS for navigation purposes and situational awareness. I then recalled the instructions from my chief pilot; 'VFR only' and realized the need to return. I asked for a return clearance back; without canceling my IFR clearance. ATC asked me if I wanted to cancel; but the visibility was still poor and realizing I needed my clearance; I opted not to cancel. Without receiving a new clearance I deviated from my course and began a descent to the proper IFR altitude. I understand the mistake I have made today - far 91.123 no PIC may deviate from a clearance unless an amended clearance has been received; an emergency exists; or a alert on the TCAS system. I asked ATC for a clearance to return back; however I did not receive my clearance before beginning a descent and turn. However what I did know were the minimum enroute altitudes for the victor airways I was most near and all have a MEA of at or above 3;000. I am not using this as an excuse; and I completely admit that the deviation of far 91.123 was a blatant lack of thinking and patience on my behalf. I have always found that I learn most from my mistakes; never have I violated an IFR clearance; but my IFR experience is not extensive. For this reason I chose to be a flight instructor. To learn from my mistakes and to teach from my own experiences. I apologize for my ignorance.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: C172 instrument Flight Instructor in a G1000 equipped aircraft that he is not familiar with; has been told to fly VFR only. IMC is inadvertently encountered and an IFR clearance requested; but remembering the Chief Pilot's instructions; a turn and descent are initiated before the clearance is received.
Narrative: Today's lesson began as a simulated IFR flight. During preflight the weather of the destination airport was 6 SM and my student decided to complete the flight. I am new to the Glass cockpit Cessna 172 and my Chief Pilot specifically instructed me 'VFR only'. During our cruise I was playing with the G1000; trying to understand the system better and be able to teach to my students. Before I realized [it]; the visibility went from +6 to less than 1. Immediately I asked for a pop up IFR clearance to my destination. Having received my clearance I began setting up the GPS for navigation purposes and situational awareness. I then recalled the instructions from my Chief Pilot; 'VFR only' and realized the need to return. I asked for a return clearance back; without canceling my IFR clearance. ATC asked me if I wanted to cancel; but the visibility was still poor and realizing I needed my clearance; I opted not to cancel. Without receiving a new clearance I deviated from my course and began a descent to the proper IFR altitude. I understand the mistake I have made today - FAR 91.123 No PIC may deviate from a clearance unless an amended clearance has been received; an emergency exists; or a alert on the TCAS system. I asked ATC for a clearance to return back; however I did not receive my clearance before beginning a descent and turn. However what I did know were the Minimum Enroute Altitudes for the Victor Airways I was most near and all have a MEA of at or above 3;000. I am not using this as an excuse; and I completely admit that the deviation of FAR 91.123 was a blatant lack of thinking and patience on my behalf. I have always found that I learn most from my mistakes; never have I violated an IFR clearance; but my IFR experience is not extensive. For this reason I chose to be a flight instructor. To learn from my mistakes and to teach from my own experiences. I apologize for my ignorance.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.