Instrument Flight Training - Learn To Fly IFR With Confidence!

Instrument flight training and IFR flying. My favorite subject to talk about!

Before I got my ,instrument rating, I used to think that the instrument rating was "what separated the men from the boys" when it came to pilots. Of course now I know that's not necessarily true, but still, there is a true sense of pilot professionalism when you can file an IFR flight plan and go fly in the system.

Now, I would be remiss here if I were to somehow communicate (either intentionally or unintentionally) that by taking an instrument flight training course and getting an instrument rating, that you can charge right out and make a flight in hard instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). You may be legal at that point to do just that, but there is LEGAL and then there is SAFE.

According to a recently published report by the Air Safety Foundation (ASF), weather related accidents are on the rise. In spite of all the new technology available in GA aircraft these days, pilots are still getting themselves into deep trouble with the weather. I think this underscores the need for HIGH QUALITY INSTRUMENT FLIGHT TRAINING!

IFR Training Requirements

It is very important to know prior to embarking on an instrument flight training course exactly what is required of you, both in terms of the pre-requisite flight requirements as well as what will be expected of you during the training itself.

Here is a brief outline of both the pre-requisite as well as the flight training requirements:

1. Hold at least an FAA private pilot certificate.

2. Be able to read, write, and speak in the English language.

3. Hold a current FAA airman medical certificate.

4. Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course. Subjects to include the following:

a. Federal Aviation Regulations
b. IFR-related items in the Airman's Information Manual (AIM)
c. ATC system and procedures
d. IFR navigation
e. Use of IFR charts
f. Aviation weather & weather services
g. Operating under Instrument Flight Rules
h. Recognition of critical weather
i Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
j. Crew Resource Management (CRM)

5. Pass the FAA instrument rating knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.

6. Accumulate flight experience (14 CFR part 61.65):

a. 50 hr. of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which at least 10 hr. must be in airplanes:

(1) The 50 hr. includes solo cross-country time as a student pilot, which is logged as pilot-in-command time.

(2) Each cross-country must have a landing at an airport that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM from the original departure point.

b. A total of 40 hr. of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed in 7. below, including:

(1) 15 hr. of instrument flight training from a CFII (a Certified Flight Instructor with an added rating authorizing her to give instrument instruction).

(2) Cross-country flight procedures that include at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under IFR and consists of:

(a) A distance of at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-directed routing

(b) An instrument approach at each airport

(c) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems

(d) If the instrument flight training was provided by a CFII, a maximum of 20hr. may be accomplished in an FAA approved flight simulator or flight training device.

a. Preflight preparation
b. Preflight procedures
c. Air traffic control clearances and procedures
d. Flight by reference to instruments
e. Navigation systems
f. Instrument approach procedures
g. Emergency operations
h. Post flight procedures

8. Successfully complete the instrument rating practical test.

Where Should I Take My IFR Training Course

Choosing the right flight training facility and/or CFII for your instrument flight training is of the utmost importance. In fact, in my opinion, choosing the right place for you to learn the skills necessary to become a SAFE and PROFICIENT instrument rated pilot is probably the most important decision you will ever make as a pilot. I really mean that!

There are so many dynamics at work in IFR flying, you as a future instrument pilot really need to make sure that you receive proper instrument flight training and then stay proficient subsequent to your training and Practical Test.

Now, I don't want to scare you out of pursuing your instrument rating here. In fact, I personally believe for anyone who is halfway serious about their flying really should get their Instrument Rating. Having an Instrument Rating and using it properly can both give your flying a higher level of utility AND enhance the safety of your flying...even when flying VFR!

Again, the key to becoming a safe and proficient pilot is proper training!

SIDEBAR: I've said it before and I'll say it again - and this is especially true for Instrument Flight Training - don't look for the cheapest training available! Look for QUALITY training. You will thank me later :-)

So, how can you tell if the flight training center and/or CFII is the right one for you? Thought you'd never ask! Here is a list of things you should look for when shopping for your IFR training center and CFII:

1. Does the flight training center use and religiously follow an FAA approved Instrument Flight Training syllabus?

2. If the answer to question 1 is yes; Is this syllabus an INTEGRATED flight and ground training syllabus?

3. Does the flight school one on one (instructor/student) style training?

4. Does the flight school require full payment for the training course up front (if the answer to this question is yes, then RUN, don't walk away!!!)?

5. Are the flight instructors knowledgeable and COMMITTED to your training success or are they just building time (THIS IS HUGE!!!)?

6. Does the flight school have an FAA approved simulator (ask to see the documentation)?

7. Does the flight training center have FAA testing on site?

8. Are there Designated Pilot Examiners available on location?

9. Are the CFIIs knowledgeable about ALL the avionics in the training aircraft?

10. How well are the training aircraft maintained (look at the airplanes on the flight-line) and are the flight school personnel willing to allow you to inspect the maintenance records?

11. Multiple instrument approaches at or near the airport where the flight school is located?

12. Are the support staff knowledgeable, helpful and friendly?

13. If you are an aircraft owner; does the flight school give you the option of training in your own aircraft?

14. How is scheduling? Do they have some kind of computer based scheduling system?

15. Are the instructors available when you need them?

16. What is the ratio of students to CFIIs and students to training aircraft (I recommend no more than 4 or 5 students per available resource and no more than 2 students per available resource at an accelerated flight training center)?

17. Does the course syllabus provide for progress or stage checks with a senior member of the instructional staff?

18. Does the flight school return your phone calls/emails promptly?

19. Are the restrooms clean?

20. Is there a pilot shop on location or very nearby?

Of course, this is not the end-all checklist which will guarantee that you are making the right choice. My recommendation would be to go to the flight school, talk to the staff, talk to other students at the flight school, look at the equipment and the environment, the classrooms, etc. and then make a decision based on evaluating all the criteria listed above and your own gut feeling.

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