I would definitely go for Instrument next year (just let me get PPL done finally 😀). My only concern is keeping that instrument rating current, like you've said - TX is Sunny most of the time.
Great vid. I just got my PPL in May, and marine layer here on the West coast makes summer flying tough for a VFR pilot based near the ocean. I'm now training Instrument and looking forward to punching through those marine layers and having more confidence flying long cross-countries to new airports. I knew my Nav and Comm skills were going to have to get way better (holy crap the step-up is intimidating at first), but what I didn't realize was how important it is to really be able to control the plane's attitude PRECISELY just using instruments. It's way more than you go over for your PPL. I still suck at it, but I know it is already making my VFR flying better. One other thing is that a few times I've experienced different forms of spatial disorientation in my training. So far I've handled those instances well by quickly recognizing it and trusting my instruments when my butt was telling me just the opposite. Having the safety of my instructor sitting next to me made it a learning experience to discuss with her (and be amazed at) and not something scary. No joke, instrument training is hard. My brain is tired after a lesson and when I have a tough lesson where I get behind the plane, I'm pretty frustrated walking back to the FBO. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate: All 3 are hard in Instrument training, and it is really easy to get behind the Nav/Comm when you're struggling with the Aviate part (wait... I have my PPL, I thought I already knew how to aviate!), but it is so rewarding and it makes me realize the importance of proper preparation and thinking ahead. I know it will make me a better pilot and a safer pilot. That goes way beyond just being able to punch through a marine layer.
I am thinking about it. I got my PPL in a light sport, so have never worked a VOR in all my 220 hours. I feel like it’s a really hard rating with lots of info.
About 50% of general aviation pilots are instrument rated, yet only 15% maintain currency. Makes me wonder if it's really worth it to a hobbyist pilot renting the trainers they learned on?
That is an interesting statistic. Resource? I live in an area where it is cloudy a lot of the year. So flying IFR is almost essential to fly out anywhere far.
Nice episode. You covered all the reasons why I completed my instrument ticket. One of the hardest tasks I have ever done, yet most rewarding.
Yes I agree, will do. thanks
I would definitely go for Instrument next year (just let me get PPL done finally 😀). My only concern is keeping that instrument rating current, like you've said - TX is Sunny most of the time.
Good luck!!
Great vid. I just got my PPL in May, and marine layer here on the West coast makes summer flying tough for a VFR pilot based near the ocean. I'm now training Instrument and looking forward to punching through those marine layers and having more confidence flying long cross-countries to new airports. I knew my Nav and Comm skills were going to have to get way better (holy crap the step-up is intimidating at first), but what I didn't realize was how important it is to really be able to control the plane's attitude PRECISELY just using instruments. It's way more than you go over for your PPL. I still suck at it, but I know it is already making my VFR flying better. One other thing is that a few times I've experienced different forms of spatial disorientation in my training. So far I've handled those instances well by quickly recognizing it and trusting my instruments when my butt was telling me just the opposite. Having the safety of my instructor sitting next to me made it a learning experience to discuss with her (and be amazed at) and not something scary. No joke, instrument training is hard. My brain is tired after a lesson and when I have a tough lesson where I get behind the plane, I'm pretty frustrated walking back to the FBO. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate: All 3 are hard in Instrument training, and it is really easy to get behind the Nav/Comm when you're struggling with the Aviate part (wait... I have my PPL, I thought I already knew how to aviate!), but it is so rewarding and it makes me realize the importance of proper preparation and thinking ahead. I know it will make me a better pilot and a safer pilot. That goes way beyond just being able to punch through a marine layer.
Great video! I'm studying for the IFR knowledge exam (whoa, lots to remember) and your video is spurring me on to get 'er done.
Good luck with the exam you got this Tim!
I am thinking about it. I got my PPL in a light sport, so have never worked a VOR in all my 220 hours. I feel like it’s a really hard rating with lots of info.
About 50% of general aviation pilots are instrument rated, yet only 15% maintain currency. Makes me wonder if it's really worth it to a hobbyist pilot renting the trainers they learned on?
That is an interesting statistic. Resource? I live in an area where it is cloudy a lot of the year. So flying IFR is almost essential to fly out anywhere far.
The reason I got a instrument rating is because I love to fly into clouds and the more flexibility it give me
Are the only reasons not to get the rating are because of cost or time?
Cost and time are usually the biggest factors in not getting Instrument rating. Granted they are not the only reasons.
I love flying into weather. Said no one ever
I hated private , being instrument rated or getting instrument is much better…. For some reason I hated private …