Instrument Rating
 

I have a private pilots license with 10 hours of PIC XC. My instructor told me to have some fun, and get a total of 35 hours PIC XC, then come see him for the instrument rating. I am very confused on how the training for an instrument rating goes. For my private license, I knew exactly how the training was going to go. I am clueless for the instrument. All I know is I need a total of 50 PIC XC, 15 hours on instrument training from an instructor, and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time. And some of this can be in a simulator.


I am wondering if you can chime in and let me know how the training for an instrument rating usually. What is the best way to hit the minimum hours requirement at the least cost? Do you do the XC's all under the hood? Do you usually spend a lot of time in the sim, or would you recommend doing it in the airplane?
Thanks.

The best way to minimize cost is to practice PROCEDURES using MS Flight sim...learn the procedures in the SIM/airplane and practice on the PC until they become second nature.

You should do the XC's under the hood in order to develop your scan so that it becomes second nature (you need to in order for it to count anyway). If you can fly in actual, even better.

The amount of sim time you can credit depends on the regs you are under, but the sim is invaluable because you can stop, back it up, and repeat things rapidly. Also you can practice the fundamentals without getting screwed by ATC messing up your practice approach. If your instructor does not want to use sim time, he is probably padding his own logbook at your expense. Even if you exceed the sim time that can actually be credited, continue to use it until you can do easily do everything in the distraction free sim environment...then go to the airplane. You never want to waste hobbs time on something that can be learned in the sim. Note: If you are training to be a professional pilot, it may make sense to spend more time in the airplane to build your total time for the comm rating.

Your training should progress something like this...

Basic Attitude Instrument Flying (Sim)
Steep Turns / Unusuall Attitudes (Sim)
Instrument Departures (Sim)
Precision Approaches (Sim)
Departures / Precision Approaches (airplane)
Steeps / Unusuals (airplane)
Non-Precision Approaches (Sim)
Non-Prec. Apps (Airplane)
XC Work (Airplane)
Checkride Prep (Airplane)

I have probably forgotten something. There is a written test and ground training required also. You will probably need/want to do GPS approaches...that should come after you have mastered the traditional non-prec approaches.

You will spend less money training in the sim obviously, so do as much as you can there. The less you spend the better.

but you can only count 15 hours toward it...

good tip that got me thru... on MS flight sim 2004, Rod Machado walks you thru approaches at Paine Field and a couple others.. do them over and over again.. although they are not overly difficult procedures, they teach you a lot about situational awareness when following needles, station passage, etc.... when done with the flight portion, go and look at your ground track and see what you did right and wrong

Sim Time?
 

I understand using sim time to better your skills, but you aren't suggesting that you actually log time using something like MS flight Sim towards your instrument time??

When you log sim time it must be using and FAA approved flight simulator (PCATD). But you can use MS Flight Simulator in addition to your training, do not go logging time playing in MS Flight sim in your logbook :eek: Still confused?

No one is suggesting logging MS Flight Sim. In order to log sim time:

1) There must be an instructor
2) The sim must be approved by the FAA, not just that make and model, but each individual simulator. It must have an FAA authorization letter displyed nearby. These are valid for 12 months (or maybe 24?).

Each rating has limits on how much sim time you can apply towards the rating, but log all of the valid sim time you can get. It can help with airline hiring and/or insurance mins.

For practicing the procedures flight sim is an excellent tool. Nothing however replaces the aircraft. The instrument rating seems to be the most difficult to achieve for the majority of students (mostly due to poor instruction). Remember that once you get your ticket it is a free pass to fly in whatever, but keep in mind that you may not be CAPABLE of flying in it. Dont let your new found freedom put you into a situation of too much weather and not enough pilot. It happens more than it should, once again due to poor instruction. Good luck with your rating IAHFLYER

Do not also forget that you need to train in how to hold, different types of holds include vor holding, dme holding, intersection holding, and gps holds. Also to you need to practice dme arcs. Also if you are going to log under the hood time you need a safety pilot on board to watch for traffic.

Check out part 61. You'll find the minimum requirements there. Go ahead and get a copy of the instrument PTS now as well.