Question: I just earned my private pilot certificate and I am debating on if I should roll right into training for the instrument rating or take a break? I am a little burned out on training and since fall and winter is when most of the instrument weather happens, does it make more sense to wait to train in actual IFR conditions?
Answer: While the purpose of the instrument rating is to give you the skills to fly in the clouds that would keep a VFR pilot on the ground, there is no rule that states you must log actual time in IFR conditions during training. I highly recommend it, however, as long as you stay away from icing conditions.
- READ MORE: Considerations for Mountain Flying
If you are training under Part 61, you will likely need to build your cross-country PIC time, as the minimum experience required for an instrument rating is 50 hours. For expediency, I suggest you start building that time and using VFR flight following as much as it is available so that you get used to operating in the controlled flight environment.
In the meantime, start studying for the IFR knowledge test. Pay close attention to the use of VOR and GPS and how they work, and incorporate them into your cross-country planning. The more comfortable you are in the airplane and using the radios and navigation systems the easier your instrument training will be.
Ask us anything you’ve ever wanted to know about aviation. Our experts in general aviation, flight training, aircraft, avionics, and more may attempt to answer in a future article. Email your questions here.
