Instrument Flight Training
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Pilot Safety and Instrument Flight Training
After you've obtained your private pilots license, the safest thing you can do is head to one of your local flight schools and get some instrument flight training. Obtaining your instrument rating will greatly enhance your piloting skills and open you up to new opportunities for flying. You'll also greatly reduce the number of days you'll be stuck on the ground and you won't find yourself having to change your planned route because of the weather.
Remember... just getting your instrument rating isn't enough. Statistics show that less than 20% of instrument rated pilots are instrument current right now. Just like your basic VFR currency, you have to stay up on your instrument currency. If you're planning on going on to ">ATP flight school, you'll definitely be staying current and shouldn't have to worry about this. But this is your first step and the foundation on which your future career will be built. Get as much as you possibly can out of your instrument training.
Remember... just getting your instrument rating isn't enough. Statistics show that less than 20% of instrument rated pilots are instrument current right now. Just like your basic VFR currency, you have to stay up on your instrument currency. If you're planning on going on to ">ATP flight school, you'll definitely be staying current and shouldn't have to worry about this. But this is your first step and the foundation on which your future career will be built. Get as much as you possibly can out of your instrument training.
Completing Your Instrument Flight Training
Here's what it takes to get your Instruement Rating
Just like your private pilot license, you're going to need to complete several steps before you can get your Instrument rating. It's not going to be more difficult, it's just at a different level of thinking, so take your time and follow along and you'll successfully complete your instrument training.
- Ground School - You'll need to take some sort of ground school or training module to teach you the principles behind instrument flight. You'll learn how to use this knowledge once you're in the air, but first you need to get it. It may be best to do this before you start your instrument flight training.
- Written Exam - Just like your first private pilot written exam, you're going to need to spend a good amount of time studying for the test before you sit down and take it. There are several study guides available as well as the knowledge of other instrument rated pilots you may know. This is also 80 questions, like the private pilot exam.
- Instrument Flight Training - Now it's time to get into the air and work all the stuff you learned. If you'll recall, there were some things you learned quickly as a private pilot and some things you really struggled with. It's going to be the same way here. Don't beat yourself up when you can't seem to master something. You'll eventually figure it out and move forward.
- Instrument Check Ride - Again, you'll be sitting with a designated FAA examiner and going through an oral portion before you get in the aircraft and show him or her that you have what it takes to get your instrument rating. You're going to be nervous, but you should look at it the same way you did as a private pilot, as a learning opportunity. Of course, you will have to get in the aircraft and go through all of your maneuvers and approaches which you should be very proficient at by the time your CFII signs you off.
- Instrument Rated Private Pilot - Now you've opened up a whole new opportunity for flying. At the same time, you've greatly increased the safety level. Every expert on aviation safety will tell you this will do more to keep you safe than any other activity. Insurance companies agree and will typically decrease your premiums once you've completed this flight training. Congratulations.
FAA Requirements for Instrument Flight Training
Here's what you're required to do before taking your checkride
There are a good number of accelerated instrument flight training programs available around the country. Regardless of whether you take one of these or go the slower route at your home airport, you'll still need to have completed all of the FAA requirements before you can take your checkride.Here's is a summary of what's required. Your CFII (Instrument rated certified flight instructor) will be able to give you all of the details.
Hold at least a third class medical certificate.
Passed the FAA written exam for instrument pilots.
A minimum of 50 hours pilot in command on cross-country flight (of which 10 hr. must be in airplanes). Cross-country is considered any airport more than 50 nautical miles away.
A minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time. Up to 20 hr. can be in a flight simulator or flight training device and no more than 10 hours can be in a personal computer based aviation training device.
A minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight training in an aircraft. This training must be completed with a CFII (this is a CFI who has been certified to instruct instrument training).
Your CFII will need to sign off on your competency before you'll be able to take your checkride.
Insturment Flight Training Resources
You'll be doing a lot of studying before you finish this training
These items will enhance your learning along the way and prepare you for both your written and practical examination. I've searched all the pilot shops and Amazon proves to be the most affordable place to pick up these books.
Very Cool IFR Stuff from eBay
Here are some tools you can get to help your instrument training
by Patch_Adams
Patch_Adams
Patch is a licensed private pilot who's just started on his way toward obtaining an instrument rating. His hope is to help you get through this proce... more »
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