Jeff writes:

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As an designated pilot examiner, if I had an applicant who wanted to take his instrument checkride in a complex aircraft-- well more power to him. He just doesn't get any slack if he forgets to put the gear down at the marker, or neglects to put in the prop for the go around. Its still a bust. And yes, I have seen these things happen, personally. The checkride is hard enough-- why make it harder?
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Because LIFE IS HARD.  A wise man will elect to be tested under the most demanding conditions, not the easiest.

Having  completed IFR training in my IV-P, I took my instrument checkrides in my IV-P AND a rented C172. In truth the C172 was only used for the NDB portion of the test and the examiner did inquire why we didn't just use the C172 for the entire test.  I replied that the objective was to test my competence, not to simply "get a rating".

My experience is that airmanship in a IV is VERY proportional to "time in the seat" and the degree to which accuracy is demanded. IMHO if you plan to fly IMC in a IV you MUST train in it OR practice until you can really demonstrate competency (to the same limits as the examination). IFR flying is a cerebral exercise and if you have to concentrate on aircraft stability you have less "processor power" to dedicate to situational awareness. Practice transfers some of the aircraft control from your conscious brain to the "seat of you pants".

I remember the same effect when I was endurance road racing. After a certain number of laps at a particular track you stopped thinking about apexes, shift points and late braking and started concentrating on tactics and lap intervals. IFR training is the perfect time to practice your skills. Why waste it on only practicing the IFR skills and not the piloting skills as well?

If you want to improve then make things more difficult, don't whimp out. Sure, it may be a little more frustrating for you and the instructor but when you get it you will really get it and not just think you have gotten it because you lowered the bar.

Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Regards
Brent Regan