To all those who have replied to my post:

First of all, I’d like to thank every one of you. I have read each response carefully and have evaluated what has been said in each response. I am new to this forum so I’m not really sure how to reply to each individual person who has posted a response, as opposed to a general response for all to view. Although I’d like to learn, this pesky IFR flying thing has the priority in my quest of knowledge. With the assumption that this will be viewed by everyone, I reply with the following:

First of all, I feel relieved simply by the fact of knowing that I am not the only one who feels this way. I had a former understanding / belief that with enough time, and enough ratings (i.e . ATP) , the feelings of vertigo simply cease to exist. It’s great / comforting to know that even the legacy drivers / military pilots experience the same thing from time to time, and that I’m not a substandard pilot for feeling this way.

For those of you who have commented on the use of an FTD, I certainly understand your position and greatly appreciate the advice. I use an FTD regularly to keep up with the procedural / logistical tasks of IFR flying. However, my FTD is firmly located in my home, and there is no chance of getting vertigo because my inner ears know that I’m straight and lever no matter what. With that said, I’m starting to wonder if because of this device, I am subconsciously expecting a “no vertigo” situation- thus causing me more problems.

Since achieving the “fatal rating” to which I have heard it referred, I have flown with my CFII to build time in the “clag”. I have expressed my concerns to him and he simply tells me to go fly in the clouds alone to build confidence. This is great in theory but in my mental state, fatal in practice.

In summary, I think the best thing I have learned is as follows: Vertigo, much like s*$t happens. What I do to combat those feelings is the ultimate question. I’m a cop full-time / aspiring airline captain. In my current profession I have been consistently trained to “trust your gut and instincts” in every situation. I have had loaded guns pointed at me, and have felt minimal stress in this arena. But the thought of an ILS to minimums fills me with feelings of soiled undergarments. I feel comfortable in saying that I need to override this training with respect to instrument flying.

Thank you to all. If any of you are located near Indianapolis, Indiana please let me know if you would like to fly