Minnesota accelerated Instrument rating?

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ArnoldPalmer

Pre-takeoff checklist
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ArnoldPalmer
Hi all,

After busting in 2015.. and not going back to finish, I am now more motivated than ever to get the Instrument and the commercial ratings. I have been studying to take the written and hope to have it done in the next month or so.

Still hard to find rentals and instructors around here in West Central, MN. I have been flying at least once a month, and have been using a safety pilot to practice some approaches.

That being said looking for a place where I can go knock the rating out in a few days. I probably need 5-6 hours in the plane and a refresher on the ground/oral test.

Any recommendations in MN or Eastern ND?

Thanks!
 
Not exactly where you're looking, but in case you're willing to expand the search area a bit, I can recommend Livingston Aviation at KALO.
 
A safety pilot is a bad substitute for instrument instruction. PIC can often arrange a rental in addition to their excellent instructors and curriculum.
 
flyingron said:
A safety pilot is a bad substitute for instrument instruction.
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Not necessarily.

An instrument rated safety pilot with experience can be just as good. And, they can pay for some of the fuel:)

I do agree with you as it pertains to a simple PP in the right seat watching for traffic.
 
I have used Dan Vigesaa. He works out of Fergus Falls, Wahpeton and any of the smaller airports in the area.
 
Yes Ron, that's why I said "not necessarily" and "can"(meaning possible but not a sure thing).
 
James331 said:
This is not a rating you want to rush IMO.
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I think we all are wired differently, but for me, I know there is no way I could have done an accelerated program. Just too much stuff to digest. How someone can get it done in 2 weeks, with all the added stress of flying multiple times per day, is beyond me.

Unless, these programs make you do the written prior, and get all the studying done, and it's mostly just flying...
 
training for the test or training for IMC work?
 
Last edited:
flyingron said:
A safety pilot is a bad substitute for instrument instruction. PIC can often arrange a rental in addition to their excellent instructors and curriculum.
Click to expand...

fiveoboy01 said:
Not necessarily.

An instrument rated safety pilot with experience can be just as good. And, they can pay for some of the fuel:)

I do agree with you as it pertains to a simple PP in the right seat watching for traffic.
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Thanks for the reply, all. I took the ride once in 2015. That was after on and off training for almost 2 years. I do not own a plane yet. Hard to find a decent rental, instructor and make it work with the tough work schedule I had. So I've got the requirements and all of that done - going up with a safety pilot just helps reinforce, and keep up the skill once learned (and tested for). Hoping that when I do find time to get away from work - I can go finish up.

James331 said:
This is not a rating you want to rush IMO.
Click to expand...

James331 said:
training for the test or training for IMC work?
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As noted above, I have had plenty of hood and instruction time. Trained for IMC, and now 3 years later...time to finish the written (again) and go train for the test... to get it done.
 
weilke said:
I have used Dan Vigesaa. He works out of Fergus Falls, Wahpeton and any of the smaller airports in the area.
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Thanks. Been talking to the Fergus Falls airport manager. Not heard that name before. Hoping to find a rental and knock it out soon.

muddy00 said:
http://www.venturenorthaviation.com

I did not use him but did talk to him once. Seemed like a great guy. Just outside Duluth.
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Talked to him. He is also a DPE. His fees structure is a bit too high for the amount of instruction and time I need. Basically he wants a flat fee up front + DPE fees + Books/materials .. and I'd have to pay for aircraft rental. Between the drive and hotel expense over there, am sure i can knock it out for less than half of what he is charging.
 
ArnoldPalmer said:
Thanks. Been talking to the Fergus Falls airport manager. Not heard that name before. Hoping to find a rental and knock it out soon.
Talked to him. He is also a DPE. His fees structure is a bit too high for the amount of instruction and time I need. Basically he wants a flat fee up front + DPE fees + Books/materials .. and I'd have to pay for aircraft rental. Between the drive and hotel expense over there, am sure i can knock it out for less than half of what he is charging.
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Do you have an examiner and aircraft you want to use for the checkride? Or are you planning on doing that where you get your last few hours?
 
Depends
Cooter143 said:
Do you have an examiner and aircraft you want to use for the checkride? Or are you planning on doing that where you get your last few hours?
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Nope. I know of a Cessna 172 in KPKD, not sure on the examiner. So looking for someone in the instruction business who can line it all up.... less hassle for me...
 
ArnoldPalmer said:
Thanks. Been talking to the Fergus Falls airport manager. Not heard that name before. Hoping to find a rental and knock it out soon.
Click to expand...

I'll pm you his cell number. I dont think he advertises. Former pilot for ND DOT.
 
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