Accelerated IFR Training

Those of you who follow the blog know that we started it when I headed out to Colorado in August 2006 to get my private pilot’s license through an accelerated training program—flying every day for 3 weeks to go from 0 time logged to licensed private pilot.  I had a blast out there and really seemed to learn well in that type of a structured, accelerated environment where I can get away from everything and just focus on flying.

 

I had worked with Dan pretty extensively through the summer/fall of 2007 towards my instrument rating (IFR).  While he’s a great teacher and I learned a lot, I just couldn’t seem to get the skills down consistently enough to the point that I felt comfortable.  I failed the instrument checkride and decided against trying a second time just before my medical certificate issue.  Dan and I have spent a lot of time since talking about and dissecting where my learning issues were—unfortunately, we weren’t able to pinpoint specifics.  The frustrating thing is that it was never the same items I was missing—they always varied on each flight.  Dan always did laugh though that in actual instrument conditions, especially at night, I seemed to be dead on!

 

Now I’m preparing to tackle my instrument ticket again.  I’ve decided to do another accelerated program.  After research into various options, including returning to Colorado, I picked Sporty’s Academy outside Cincinnati, OH. (http://sportys.com/academy/)  Sporty’s is a large pilot supply company I’ve been using for years and they have a strong reputation in the aviation industry.  Their flight academy also gets good marks and they’ve got a number of recent model aircraft with an assortment of avionics (electronics) packages, including numerous steam gauges and a couple with glass cockpits.  They’ve got a number of NAFI (National Association of Flight Instructors) master instructors and FAA Gold Seal instructors (folks who have met certain FAA standards regarding their instruction). 

 

In April I’ll head out for two weeks of training.  It may not take me the full amount of time, depending on how quickly and consistently I fly, but particularly with instrument flying, I want/need to do it right so that I feel comfortable and certain of my skills. If I do happen to finish early, it may leave me an option to do some additional training regarding flying instruments on glass cockpits.

 

For now, it’s back to the books, studying all the various materials, including books, notes from my instrument ground school a couple of summers ago, Sporty’s video training dvds and the online Sporty’s content, including their online sample written tests.  I’m trying to get about an hour of study done each day on the train.  As I get closer to taking the test, probably in the third week of March, I’ll take the online practice tests to see what areas I need to study harder.  They were great practice the first time around.

Comments

[KC]

Good luck. I found the accelerated IFR program worked for me too. I had been working on my rating for 2 or 3 months, but just couldn't finish. I flew with Bill out of KSCH last September, polished my skills, had a blast, and earned my rating. It was much easier to finish with all the training condensed.

[PeteT]

Thanks! I seriously considered flying with Bill--I had seen good things about him. Ultimately opted for larger school/fleet option, but hopefully the same sort of individualized training.

[Dave]

Hang in there man, you can definitely do it! And it's a great accomplishment. I blew the first ride and realized the thing working against me was me.... so good luck and keep a positive outlook and no problem!