An accelerated instrument rating course is not for the timid
Can you handle an accelerated IFR course? There are many accelerated instrument training courses out there offering a 10 Day IFR program. It is possible to get your instrument rating in 10 days but it will be the busiest 10 days you’ve probably ever had! An accelerated IFR course is not for everyone though and it takes a lot of commitment.
If you’re hard working, determined and think you have what it takes to get this done, then here are a few things that will help you prepare and give you an idea of what to expect during your instrument training.
A typical accelerated IFR training day
Each day will usually consist of 8-10 hour days, every day until your instrument Checkride. These days will be very busy days with no time to waste because a lot has to be covered in a short period of time. After a long day of flight and ground instruction, you will have more studying to do when you get back to your house or hotel. You should plan for at least a couple of hours of study time each night to prepare for the next lesson.
There won’t be time for a social life during this time. Make sure that everyone knows that you will not be available during your training. This is not a vacation, it is hard work and will require 100% commitment on your part. No phone, no TV, no dinner out with friends. You have to have will power and be determined to make it happen.
Improve your chances of success
Because there is so much to remember, the best way to improve your chances of being ready for your instrument Checkride in 10 days is to study as much as you can before you begin your training. Half the battle of getting an IFR rating in 10 days is flying the plane and the other half is learning the information. You literally have to devote all of your attention and free time to this goal and give it 100%. The more you know before you start your training, the better it will be for you.
You don’t want to be trying to figure out how to read approach plates or what something means, while you are flying. When you are flying, your attention has to be on controlling the plane and staying within the standards required by the FAA. If you want to succeed you must study so you don’t have to think about these things once you’re in the plane!
Even if you’re giving it 100%, you could still become overwhelmed. Some people decide it’s not for them and some people push through it. As hard as you try, you may need an extra day or two. Don’t let this discourage you, just plan on it in your schedule and do the best you can to finish on time. In the end, it is your safety that counts, not making a 10 day deadline.
You may want to consider taking an extra couple of days off after your training to give yourself time to recover. You’ll probably just want to sleep when you’re done because you will be exhausted for sure.
Why take an accelerated IFR course?
The main reason people want to do accelerated IFR training is because they are too busy to drag out their training for several months and it’s just easier to take a couple weeks off and get it done. Because you are doing it every day, all day long you will become proficient very fast. This proficiency level and constant studying is what makes it possible to finish in such a short period of time. To maintain this same level, you must continue to use it. We promise to do our part and make you as proficient and knowledgeable as we can with a very structured and organized IFR training course but we need to work together to make it happen.
