Required skill level for a 10 day IFR course
You must know the plane and equipment
Before you even think of considering an accelerated instrument rating course, you must be able to fly your plane! If you just bought a plane and you are not familiar with it, don’t even attempt an accelerated course. You have to have a good feel for the plane and be totally comfortable with it. You also need to know how to operate everything in the plane. If you just bought a new GPS, you need to become familiar with it. If you’re struggling to load a destination or change frequencies, then it will probably add time to your training.
You must know how to work a VOR
IFR flying is about intercepting and tracking courses and radials. Many airways, intersections, approaches and holds use VORs. If you are not comfortable with tuning in a VOR to identify an airway or if you’re confused about the TO/FROM setting, then you can count on it taking an extra day or so to complete your rating. We provide study material to clarify some of these things but the more you know before you start, the easier it will be for you.
You must be current and proficient
If you haven’t flown for several months, or years and think that getting your instrument rating through an accelerated training course is going to help you get back into the swing of things, you better reconsider. Situations like this don’t usually end up well. It is difficult enough as it is to do this kind of training, but to try to do it when you haven’t been flying much is a setup for failure. We’ve heard stories from examiners about failing applicants in this very situation. Why anyone would even consider signing off a student for their IFR Checkride if they weren’t ready is beyond acceptable. This is something we would never do. We won’t even accept an applicant for our program unless they have recent experience.
Simulated IFR time while under the hood
One of the best things you can do is to practice flying under the hood with a safety pilot before starting your training. If you’re struggling to control the plane while flying under the hood then it can literally add several days to your training. You need to practice flying under the hood until you can at least turn to and maintain a heading within 10° and hold altitudes within 100′ at a minimum. If you can get to the point of being able to hold a constant airspeed while climbing and descending, that will be a bonus and really help you.
Before you sign up for an accelerated IFR course, be sure that you meet all the needed skill requirements so you will have the best chance at finishing your IFR training within the10 days. If you want to be sure that your instructor meets your standards, click the details button below to find out more information and read some awesome testimonials to set your mind at ease!
