Just received my instrument rating last week. For the written, just use sheppard air but you HAVE to do it they way the designed it. I know way to many people that got it but decided to do it there own way for some reason and they never get it done. For the actual instrument check ride use the "Pilot Cafe" packet, It covers just about everything that has ever been asked to me in multiple "mock" orals including my actual check ride. Also make sure you know every little symbol on an approach plate and low en route chart. I did all this and I was more than prepared. Good luck!!

 

You have a link for them for the exact product you're talking about?

 

here is the link to the pilot cafe study sheets. i used them and got asked most of it on my oral also. great little guide.

http://pilotscafe.com/download/IFRQuickReviewSheets.pdf

 

Thanks!

Do they have one for commercial or just IFR?

 

Not that i am aware of. I have my commercial checkride coming up mid April and my instructor hasen't given me anything like that yet, if he does though i will let you know.

 

I'm also about to begin my IR and am getting lost trying to sort through all the training material that is available.

Is it enough to just download the free instrument flying books available on the FAA website? Or do I have to buy something like Sporty's video course as well? I'm doing this through part 61.

 

Your best bet is the Istrument ACS, and the Guide i linked above for your checkride. as far as the IRA goes, it is shep air all the way.

link to ACS- https://www.faa.gov/training_testing...rating_acs.pdf

link to pilotcafe instrument review- http://pilotscafe.com/download/IFRQuickReviewSheets.pdf

The way my instructor and i went through the ACS was go line by line. write out everything you know about the subject topic, (ie- deicing/anti ice equipment- weeping wings, defrost, pitot heat, carb heat, de-ice boots, heated leading edges, etc.) Then go back through and write key points and important info about each from info on the internet, FAR AIM, pilotcafe, etc. I took so many notes in my ACS and wrote down so much that it barely all fits on the pages. then just review what you wrote. if you have more questions, ask your instructor or search for the answer. (i asked my instructor a ton of questions because i know it bugs him with how simple i could have googled them. )

the pilot cafe is a good example of what your examiner would ask on the checkride.

Here is also a link for another "know it all" handout like the pilotcafe one. - http://www.igot.net/fly/cfi/files/IF...%20handout.pdf

P.S- know you acronyms. They help A LOT!