If you ask any helicopter pilot – new or experienced – to name one of the most dangerous obstacles they might possibly face while in flight, most will likely respond with inadvertent or unintentional entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC/UIMC). This is more simply explained as unexpectedly flying into a condition that may degrade, reduce or eliminate the pilot’s reference to the ground or horizon. These conditions are caused by weather - such as fog or dense cloudiness - or even the nighttime environment. While flying in IIMC, pilots can feel disoriented without a reference point, making them question both the aircraft instruments and their own intuition of what is actually happening. They must rely on these instruments to identify “which way is up” while experiencing human sensory inputs that could be telling them the opposite. Learning how to avoid and react to this scenario is the goal of the Bell Training Academy’s IIMC training course.

Being prepared to handle this aerial obstacle starts with quality training from instructors who are well versed in operations under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Our BTA Certified Flight Instrument Instructors (CFII) have thorough training and experience under a variety of instrument conditions and helicopter upset recovery scenarios. Our course of instruction enables pilots to recognize and avoid IIMC and then builds upon this lesson through scenario-based simulation training and recovery techniques. Our BTA pilots guide the customers through these experiences to show them how to trust their instruments, manage physiological responses and remain calm throughout the scenario.

Objectives drive every business, from demanding off-shore transportation, military marine operations, agile business travel to helicopter emergency medical flights. Weather and terrain can be unforgiving and pose serious barriers for these critical missions. With the Bell Training Academy’s IIMC course, the challenges of high altitudes, ocean fog or a low cloud ceiling can be managed and assessed, helping you or your pilots get where you need to go safely. Are you ready to explore this risk-averse solution and strengthen your pilot skills?