To add the instrument rating to your private or commercial certificate is to join with the true professionals of the sky. It lets you fly on days when the weather is less than perfect, makes you a more precise pilot, and gives you more complete access to the air transportation system.
A good question to ask yourself before you start instrument training is, why do you want this rating? As I travel around the country teaching courses for passing the instrument knowledge examination (written exam), I often ask that question. The answers can usually be grouped into three areas. One common answer is that it's a good thing to have in your pocket just in case you need it. Next is that it's just another important step to a career in aviation. The third reason is that you want to increase the productivity of your personal or business flying.
There are different ways to obtain training for your instrument rating, and the reason you want the rating may have an effect on the training method that you choose. Should you enroll in a highly regimented FAR Part 141 school? Perhaps a full-time or part-time instructor at your local airport could do the job. Then, there are the accelerated courses. Some of these come to your location and provide intense training in your own airplane. Others require that you travel to their location. These ac-celerated courses usually have you finished up in 10 to 12 days. What's the best? That depends on you.
Let's start off with the "have it in my pocket" answer. Whenever I hear this, I am pretty sure that the individual doesn't fully comprehend the significance of instrument flying and the instrument rating. It doesn't work like a parachute. In order to fly IFR, you must make a commitment to continued study, practice, and training. As I said earlier, even a private pilot who uses the IFR system must accept the mantle of a true professional. But, someone who has recognized the fact that instrument training can improve his skills-even though he doesn't intend to fly IFR-is onto something. Having a good knowledge of the IFR system can make your VFR flying safer and more enjoyable.
OK, you're a VFR pilot and you realize that the "have it in your pocket" idea is not realistic, but you still want to improve your skills by working toward an instrument rating. The regimented training academy or accelerated training program may be too intense or too expensive to suit your ultimate goal of increased knowledge. You may find that a local flight instructor could customize a training program to fit your needs. For instance, start off with a few hours of some one-on-one ground training. Next, plan on five to eight hours of really learning how to fly your airplane on the gauges. You will learn skills that can be used every day in your VFR flying. Terminal procedures, en route procedures, and instrument approaches can all be divided into training blocks. Think of the instrument rating as a target to keep you in training. If you decide to actually get the rating, you can make the choice of how and when to use it. Even if you decide not to use it, you will find the journey toward the target well worth it.
Those of you seeking an instrument rating in the interest of an aviation career may already be enrolled in a highly regimented training program. A number of schools offer "from the ground up" professional pilot programs, often called ab initio training. Many outstanding college programs also are available.
Becoming a professional pilot requires a professional approach to training. If you're doing it on your own, piece by piece, you have chosen a challenging way to get the job done. You need to be educated about the requirements of your training. Make sure that the school or instructor is well aware of your goals. Ask your instructor to assign you a study program. If you choose an accelerated training program, be prepared by putting in some precourse preparation. Talk with a professional who is successful in the field in which you want to work. Remember, as you move toward being an aviation professional, your knowledge of IFR procedures and your instrument pilot skills will play a very important role in any evaluation of your abilities.
Now let's talk about the pilot who wants to get more productivity out of flying. Many of these pilots already own an airplane and want to find ways to use it more. One of my former students, Terry, has a beautiful F33 Bonanza and uses it for business travel. He realized that getting an instrument rating would allow him to get more use out of the airplane. It took us several months to get the job done, but the extended length of the training program allowed us to do some real instrument flying-in the clouds in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). A thoughtfully planned, extended training program can work, but it's not for everyone.
You can take a weekend ground school and pass the knowledge exam at the end of the second day. Add on an 8- to 12-day accelerated flight program, and it's possible to have your instrument rating in about two weeks. Is accelerated training a good idea? Does it really work? My answer is yes to both questions. The airlines and the military use intense accelerated training programs, and they work well. Of course, there are some things you should do to make this an efficient and safe way to go.
When you schedule an accelerated program, remember that preparation and follow-up are up to you. If you enter an accelerated training program with no preparation, you may find it to be less than you expected. If you think you are a fully capable IFR pilot just because you have passed the FAA exams, you may be dangerous. When you decide to use accelerated training, prepare ahead of time with self-study or ground training with your local instructor. If you can't find any local advice, ask the people who are going to do your training for guidelines to help you prepare.
It is very important to schedule follow-up practice training with a local instructor after finishing an accelerated course. Practice your new skills by filing IFR flight plans on your VFR flights. You may have obtained your instrument rating without ever being in actual IMC. When some safe IMC shows up, make some practice flights with an instructor. You want to make sure that the accelerated training has taken hold. An airline copilot who moves to the captain's seat is limited to restricted IFR approach minimums for many hours. Remember that you can be no less professional than that captain.
Does the instrument rating make you a safer pilot? That depends on you. Knowledge is beneficial if it's used correctly. Your attitude and aeronautical decision-making ability make the difference. If you're committed to acting like a professional and you want more productivity from your flying, the instrument rating is for you.
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