Originally Posted by
dhc8guru
I am also in the same boat. Haven't flown in 10 years (other then a couple of joy rides) but have nearly 2500 hours and a 1100 of it was at a 121. I started calling all my buddies who are still flying commercially and told them I was going to get back into it and asked if they had any advice about currency, knowledge review etc..
They were told me not to bother spending money on getting IFR current, unless I really felt the need. They claimed was the regional's and corporate fractional's have changed there training around guys like us. The ones who bailed years ago and are getting back into it. I left because of a furlough as did many and now we are coming out of the woodwork for various reasons. There are a lot of guys who stepped away back in 02'-08 and want back in. They aren't going to get your general aviation knowledge back but they will work with you to get your IFR flying skill up to speed.
I am starting out by reading the instrument proficiency handbook and the FAR/AIM. I am going to go shoot a few approaches in an actual airplane to get my confidence back but that's about it.
Great plan! I've mentioned it before with some laughs but I still think purchasing Microsoft (MS) Flight Simulator is the way to go! I own both the X and 2002. I like the 2002 because it doesn't bog my computer down. I use a CH yoke or Logitech extreme 3d joystick (cheaper).
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Fli...ight+simulator
You can use Skyvector to download the IFR charts on your Ipad for free in PDF.
https://skyvector.com/airports
I typically fly the MS Learjet or Caravan because its got a good autopilot. you'll get your scan and procedures back. In addition, everything is computer based training (CBT) nowadays so it will get you tech savy. I went through a 121 AQP program that issued a laptop with the syllabus, FMS trainer, basic flight simulator and systems trainer loaded on the computer, so get used to it now!
Downside: MS does not update flight simulator anymore...sad! So make sure you use an airport that still uses the old nav freqs as published on your new charts. There are certainly other products available for regaining currency.