IMC Club Fox Valley and EAA Chapter 252 Join Forces

February 2016 - We are pleased to announce that Fox Valley IMC Club is merging with the EAA Chapter 252 (the Steve Wittman Chapter) based at Wittman Field in Oshkosh.

Andy Miller, a CFII based in Appleton and a Cessna 182 pilot, founded the Fox Valley IMC Club back in 2013 and will assume the role of IMC program coordinator for Chapter 252. In addition to leading the Fox Valley IMC Club, Andy has traveled around the nation for nearly a decade as an instructor for AOPA’s Air Safety Institute.

For those unfamiliar with the IMC organization, it was started to help pilots who fly under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) by getting together on a monthly basis and discussing instrument flying. The meetings are primarily scenario-based, whereby a real-world set of facts is shared and then a discussion ensues around how each person in the room might handle the situation. Each chapter has at least one CFII who helps lead the discussion.

Much like in the real world of flying, there is generally no 100-percent-correct answer. The discussion and different points of view always result in learning something new. It is a great way for an instrument pilot to keep learning and improve his or her safety as an IFR pilot. Attendance at these meetings also earns FAA Wings credits.

Since the Fox Valley IMC Club will now be part of our chapter, all members of Chapter 252 will be able to attend the IMC meetings.

In order for members of Chapter 252 to better understand the IMC Club format, there will be a joint meeting with the IMC group in March. Andy will conduct a mini IMC scenario, one that will be of interest to all pilots. If you have been considering getting into instrument flying, starting IMC programming at your chapter is an excellent opportunity to get your questions answered by knowledgeable CFIIs and experienced IFR pilots.

Chapter 252 President Charlie Becker said, “I believe this consolidation will be an excellent opportunity for both of our groups, and a situation where combined we will both be stronger. I’m sure many of them will want to get involved in other Chapter 252 activities, like our two pancake breakfasts and Young Eagles rallies. Let’s go out of our way to get to know these new chapter members.”