Let s take a look at a few of the problems I see on instrument rating practical tests. CFIs should be sure that their students can handle multiple tasks at the end of a flight, both for VFR as well as IFR ratings. Fatigue and mild hypoxia are two of those sneaky human factors that affect our performance and ability to think clearly. Do everything necessary to complete the flight. Here in the western U.S., there are several problems to be considered.
Distances are great, sometimes requiring a fuel stop depending upon the airplane used.
Terrain elevations are high, resulting in high MEAs, so airplane performance is a concern, as is the requirement for possible oxygen use. While VDPs are not yet used extensively in civilian instrument approach procedures, they are there. More appear all the time. While putting revisions in my chart book the other day, I noticed a new one in a familiar procedure to help avoid an obstacle near the final approach path. And so on.