PPL to Instrument Suggestions

rt4388

Pre-takeoff checklist
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rt4388
So I'm about to finish up my PPL. I have about 35 hours, have passed my written exam, and am planning on taking the check ride at 40 hours. At some point in the future, I plan on getting my Instrument Rating--but probably not for at least a year.
My CFI and I are probably going to go up in some IMC at some point just in case something crazy happens and I actually find myself in IMC. What study materials would you all recommend for me to get a decent understanding of Instrument flying? By no means do I want to study to pass the test, but I would like to study enough to have a solid foundation for whenever I do start my Instrument Rating.
Thanks everyone!
 
The Instrument Flying Handbook will be a good start. And it's a free download.

Later on when you're ready to get more in depth, The Complete Advanced Pilot by Bob Gardner is a good choice.

And the Pilot Edge video series available on YouTube have some good mentions amongst the PoA denizens.
 
Try the art of instrument flying.
 
The Instrument Flying Handbook will be a good start. And it's a free download.

Later on when you're ready to get more in depth, The Complete Advanced Pilot by Bob Gardner is a good choice.

And the Pilot Edge video series available on YouTube have some good mentions amongst the PoA denizens.

I noticed that the Complete Advanced Pilot can be used to train for the Commercial and Instrument Ratings simultaneously. Is this something you would recommend doing? I don't foresee myself flying for an airline any time in the near future, so how useful would the commercial rating be? How much more do you think it would cost to tack on the commercial rating if I did it alongside the instrument rating?
 
Focus on mastering VOR and flying using only the magnetic compass as well as holding constant heading and altitude. These are critical to success in instrument flying.
 
I noticed that the Complete Advanced Pilot can be used to train for the Commercial and Instrument Ratings simultaneously. Is this something you would recommend doing? I don't foresee myself flying for an airline any time in the near future, so how useful would the commercial rating be? How much more do you think it would cost to tack on the commercial rating if I did it alongside the instrument rating?

The CPL isn't just for those who want to go fly for a career. I know of many who got the training and certificate so they could refine their skills so they are putting the aircraft where THEY want it versus just being along for the ride.

And several of those also see themselves being a CFI one day after they retire from their current professions. So for them, getting the CPL now for both skills and future accreditation made sense.

Typically, IA and CPL are not done at the same time. Do IA first, then move into CPL while you're still in training mode.
 
Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedures Handbook. They are both free.
 
Focus on mastering VOR and flying using only the magnetic compass as well as holding constant heading and altitude. These are critical to success in instrument flying.

How do you hold constant altitude using only the magnetic compass?

You need a few more instruments. Partial panel generally means one system blew up, often the vacuum system (so, cover the AI and HI). You still have all the other instruments.

It's very hard to hold a constant heading by instruments without either an AI or a TC, in addition to the magnetic compass. That's why they are powered differently.

Altitude can be controlled in principle with only the altimeter, but it sure is easier when you have a tach or ASI or VSI as well.

If you lose the static system, you're operating only on the tach. Pull the alt static if you have it. If you don't in IMC (e.g., in a 152), break the VSI.
 
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