The Instrument Rating requires more than mastery of instrument procedures and flight skills -- it also requires mastery of the paperwork that tells you when you're current and when you're not.
With tax time looming at the next fiscal waypoint, it might be a good time to mention Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code, which says that deductions are allowed for 'ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred' in sustaining 'any trade or business.'
I was in the right, front seat of a new Beech Baron. My student, owner of the factory-fresh Beech, had smoothly taken off, beginning a wide, standard-rate turn to the left, away from the airport and toward our practice area. The morning was cool and bright, the sun muted through a thin layer of cirrus clouds far above.