Instrument training

FlyBoyAndy

FlyBoyAndy

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
216
Location
Syracuse, NY
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FlyBoyAndy
I have had my private certificate for several years and I flew as a student pilot for many years prior to that. I consider myself a low time (approximately 250 hours) pilot because I do not fly often. I continue to read web boards likes this, physically attended ground school for refresher and I've taken on-line refresher courses.

I just joined a club as the plane that I've flown for a long time has relocated. When I checked out in the club plane, the CFI was happy with my "skills" and endorsed my book. I consider myself a safe and competent pilot, however, I often treat myself like I'm a pilot still in training because I do not get as many hours in as I like and some rust sets in. Typical things that I experience are things like rusty landings and some in the air rustiness.

We do not have many good VFR days in my area and I was considering some instrument training and hopefully achieving the rating. I'm hesitant because I believe that the CFII may not only be instructing me with instrument instruction, but may find themselves working with me in other areas. I believe that I am going to start flying more often as I may have the time and money soon.

Any thoughts?
 
FlyBoyAndy said:
We do not have many good VFR days in my area and I was considering some instrument training and hopefully achieving the rating. I'm hesitant because I believe that the CFII may not only be instructing me with instrument instruction, but may find themselves working with me in other areas. I believe that I am going to start flying more often as I may have the time and money soon.

Any thoughts?
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The underlined sounds like a very good reason not to hesitate.

And your lack of good VFR days sounds like one of best reasons around to go for the rating. Especially if it means you will be able to fly more, rust (which we all experience to one degree or another) is less likely to accumulate.
 
I'm with Mark. If you know your basic skills are rusty, get some professional help to knock the rust off. If that means spending the first two days of an intensive IR course on non-IR fundamentals and extending the course as needed, go for it. Your instructor will definitely not mind giving you your best chance for success in such a program. Believe me, it's really frustrating for the instructor when you start an IR course and cannot safely and consistently land the airplane or keep the ball centered in turns -- you don't progress, and neither of you succeed.
 
Count me in, too. Working on an instrument rating will be a great opportunity to polish up some of your other issues at the same time. Go for it.
 
Andy, welcome to POA! As a new private pilot, I see nothing wrong with "treating myself like a pilot still in training," because I've yet to meet the pilot who knows everything! I think instrument training is a great idea, and it's something I'm considering for my own future. Instrument pilots I know tell me the first steps in the training are developing precise aircraft control, which you can, of course, practice on your own without an instructor.

Out of curiosity, which club did you join? I am located about 50 miles south of you, and am currently looking for rental/club options, as the 172 I fly most often has now been out of service for three months following a prop strike. I have been flying a 150, but don't really care for it. I have talked to Waypoint, but they just pulled their plane out of Hamilton.
 
Thanks for the replies. I didn't realize it was my first poat as I have been reading this site for a while

I'm in Syracuse and I joined the Syracuse Flying Club.

Thanks for the advice.
 
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