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How do you know if you're ready for the instrument
rating? The
short answer is: if you've got the right mindset and the right skill
set
then you're ready. The first element, the right mindset, was
covered in the companion
article: Accelerated Training Programs.
This article addresses the practical skills required before
undertaking
instrument rating training. There are quite a few hard questions
a pilot must ask himself before undertaking a rating which requires
such discipline and precision. The instrument rating is a
turning point for the casual flyer -- this rating puts a pilot into the
same IFR system that the big boys use. And the newly instrument
rated pilot must perform like the big boys or disaster will surely
follow. Nothing puts a stop to an instrument
rating than something on the aircraft that doesn't work. I've
experienced it all: doors that wont open, avionics that don't
work, collapsed nose wheel struts, an engine failure, and a cracked
main landing gear that the owner never noticed. Do you want a tip
that will save you a lot of money? Show up with a solid,
mechanically sound aircraft. One that has been through a
no-excuses annual might be ideal. If your avionics don't work,
don't bother even trying to get an instrument rating. If you're
lucky to be in the position of purchasing new avionics, stop now and
follow this piece of advice: get a simple panel! A single
garmin 430, with CDI, audio panel and a transponder makes a very simple
checkride. Adding the 2nd comm radio, DME, CD player, etc can
come later after your checkride. Remember, if its installed, your
examiner must test it. So get rid of the ADF!!
Finally... Its a sign of a good pilot who decides to undergo a training program to refine existing skills or reacquire those which have quietly departed. The safe pilot is one who recognizes limitations and seeks a training partnership which facilitates the growth required to undertake a new certificate or rating. An old sage at the airport told me... the instrument rating is just as hard as getting a private pilot certificate... afterall you're learning how to fly the aircraft again, but under the hood. For a list of common knowledge area deficiencies for students seeking a flight review or other flight training, see the article: Common Problems - Flight Review. For more information about Checkrides, read: Part 1: About Checkrides and Part 2: Are You Really Ready For That Checkride? Get started on your instrument rating with the Instrument Ground School Complete your instrument rating with a 7-day Instrument Rating Training Program Want to know more? Read about Basic Attitude Instruction and Instrument Lesson Plans Curious about the instrument checkride? See the Instrument Rating Plan of Action Reader Comments
Date = Saturday, May 23, 2009 6:36 AM Name = David |
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