Instrument Pilot Course

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this course is to gain the aeronautical skill and knowledge for safe operations in instrument meteorological conditions and under instrument flight rules. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, the student will be prepared to take the Instrument Rating - Airplane practical test.

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INTRODUCTION:

The Instrument Rating is one of the most difficult courses for a pilot. It is a major transition from visual flight which is rather lackadaisical for most pilots, to precision flying that requires constant attention to detail and awareness of your situation. It is not an impossible goal, but be prepared to work.

As your instructor, it is my job to explain, demonstrate, and guide you through your learning experience. It is also my job to evaluate your performance and knowledge. I consider it my responsibility to provide honest evaluations, and will make every effort to do so. I will not tell you that you are doing good if you are not. You undoubtedly worked hard to raise the funds to pay for this course and it would be unfair to allow you to waste them through my silence for failure to provide a realistic report of your progress. If you wish to waste your money, you may--but only after I've told you that you are.

We are about to enter a relationship. In order to make it as pleasant as possible and to facilitate your learning, mutual respect and consideration are important. I will make every effort to be on time for lessons. I will treat you with courtesy and concern for your feelings and personal situation. Please do the same for me.

Do not hesitate to ask questions. If you do not understand what I'm saying, please tell me. I will go over it again and rephrase my discourse. Also, do not be reluctant to inquire about subjects that may not be related to the course. All aeronautical subjects are important and if you are unsure or ignorant of something it may affect your performance and learning in ways that you do not realize.

I will be teaching the procedures and methods recommended by the FAA. I will also be providing additional knowledge based on over 30 years of personal experience. I have found that these procedures and methods provide the maximum degree of safety and efficiency.

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PRE-COURSE PREPARATION / CONDITIONS:

There are certain aeronautical experience requirements that must be met in order to the eligible for the issuance of an instrument rating. Not all of these involve instrument construction and I have had to turn away a number of applicants who had not complied with some seemingly minor requirement.

Therefore, before even commencing the course, it is wise to ascertain what aeronautical experience has been completed if any areas need to be addressed.

General requirements for the Instrument Rating:

1. Holder of current private pilots certificate.
(If a restricted certificate, you must meet all US experience requirements for an unrestricted private pilot certificate.)
2. Holder of a current third class medical certificate.
3. Minimum of 125 hours total time
4. Minimum of 50 hours PIC X-Country.
5. Minimum of 40 hours flight by reference to instruments.
6. Minimum of 15 hours flight instruction by CFII
7. 1 Instrument X-Country of at least 250nm with 3 different approaches at 3 different airports.
8. Written test for the instrument rating within 24 calendar months preceding the date of the proposed test flight. An application (8710) will be "roughed" at the beginning of the course and appropriate aeronautical experience checked. The student's logbook will be evaluated at this time as well.

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COURSE OUTLINE:

The course outline, below, is a listing of the major areas of knowledge and steel that must be mastered in order to become an accomplished instrument pilot.

Most of the flight lessons will consist of at least two periods of flight and some will be more. A couple of the lessons made the accomplished in one session each, notably the cross-country flight and the simulated flight test.

The ground lessons will each normally be accomplished in a single session each. The duration of these lessons will ordinarily be about an hour, but some may be longer.

In all cases the number and length of lessons will depend greatly on the student. If you do not study and prepare for your lessons, it will result in more lessons and greater expense to the student.

I cannot do the work for you. I can only explain and guide you on your way to becoming an instrument pilot. You are the one that has to do the learning.

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IFR FLIGHT LESSONS:

Flight Lesson 1 Basic Instrument Flight
Flight Lesson 2 Partial Panel
Flight Lesson 3 Radio Navigation
Flight Lesson 4 Holding Patterns
Flight Lesson 5 VOR Approaches
Flight Lesson 6 IFR Emergencies
Flight Lesson 7 NDB Approaches
Flight Lesson 8 IFR Emergencies
Flight Lesson 9 Cross Country Flying
Flight Lesson 10 Simulated Practical Test Flight
Flight Lesson 11 Review IFR Flight Procedures

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IFR GROUND SCHOOL LESSONS:

Ground Lesson 1 Aircraft Instruments
Ground Lesson 2 Magnetic Compass
Ground Lesson 3 Radio Navigation
Ground Lesson 4 Holding Patterns
Ground Lesson 5 Approach & ATC Procedures
Ground Lesson 6 Meteorology
Ground Lesson 7 Federal Aviation Regulations I
Ground Lesson 8 Federal Aviation Regulations II
Ground Lesson 9 Flight Planning & Aircraft Performance
Ground Lesson 10 Written Test
Ground Lesson 11 Review
Ground Lesson 12 Review Paperwork

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