IFR training question

[Murdoughnut]

I have a question about IFR training. I'm getting to the point to where I want to begin preparing for my IFR training. I'm a bit confused, however, as to the steps I need to take.

When I got my private, I took ground school at the FBO while I was flying. For my IFR rating, however, I wanted to do a self-study option. If I simply purchase the Sporty's IFR Rating Course videos (or perhaps another brand) and complete them, does that make me qualified to take the IFR written? Do I begin my IFR flight training after I take the written? Do I need ground school before I can take the IFR written? I admit I'm a bit confused at the process.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Amish RakeFight]

I have a question about IFR training. I'm getting to the point to where I want to begin preparing for my IFR training. I'm a bit confused, however, as to the steps I need to take.

When I got my private, I took ground school at the FBO while I was flying. For my IFR rating, however, I wanted to do a self-study option. If I simply purchase the Sporty's IFR Rating Course videos (or perhaps another brand) and complete them, does that make me qualified to take the IFR written? Do I begin my IFR flight training after I take the written? Do I need ground school before I can take the IFR written? I admit I'm a bit confused at the process.

Thanks in advance for the help!

The IFR rating video courses offered by Sporty's is a good start (and better than KingSchools) Although I don't know if the videos alone will adequately prepare you for the written exam. It seems to address more technique from an operational standpoint. The course may come with a Q & A booklet covering the test questions which in that case would be fine. If not, I highly suggest using the Gleim (gleim.com) book for this and any other written exam you might take. They have a good course outline and offer both book and DVD versions. Make sure you get updates to the edition you might have. FAA questions periodically change and are updated on the Gleim site for use with their books.

Watching the videos before beginning training will give you a better understanding of what is going on while learning under the hood with your instructor. You'll know what to expect and why things are done. The videos are excellent in conveying the proper techniques to instrument flying. This will save you money in the end. The videos will also cover a lot of things your instructor may miss.

Also, you won't need to take the written before starting your training, but it would be wise to study the material concurrently. Although you may have watched the videos, you will still require an endorsement from your instructor stating that you are prepared to take and pass the written test. If you've studied the written test guide and have taken a few passing tests, you'll get signed off. The Gleim DVD will get you through the material a lot quicker than the book. It also simulates the different testing vendor screen formats as well as allows you to forulate your own test sesions and study what you're weak on.

I would also recommend purchasing a flight simulator program with a yoke if you can afford it. This will do wonders for your procedural skills. "On Top 8.0" from ASA is a good one. They also have one that is for training purposes only, but Im not sure what its called. Check their website. Either one is better than Microsoft FS.
An inexpensive yoke to buy would be the USB 3 lever yoke from CH Products. Much better than using a joystick.

You should also own a copy of the FAA Instrument Pilot Handbook. It has a lot of good information in there that can help sew evrything together.

Good luck.

 

[Murdoughnut]

Thanks for the advice - I'll definitely check out some of the things you recommended. I do have the CH Flight Sim yoke which I've been using with Microsoft FS, but I may check out "On Top" to go with it. I've still got to build some CC time before I can actually work on my IR, but I wanted to come into it with as much background knowledge as I can get. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me some insight. Thanks!

 

[RefugePilot]

To take the written test you need an instructor's endorsement. To take the practical, you need

50 hours of XC PIC
40 hours of instrument or simulated instrument
15 hours of instrument or simulated instrument with a CFII
more likely you will need much more than that with a CFII.

I would recommend the Sportys videos and the FAA Instr. flying handbook to prepare for the test. After starting to study get with a CFII to begin the flying portion of your training. Once you have much of the instrument flying procedures down get together with another instrument student for XC flying. As long as one of you is under the hood and the other is the safety pilot you both get to log XC PIC and one of you gets simulated instrument time.

If you buy the CH yoke you can also purchase X-plane to use for practice. Just remember to take off the foggles and fly the airplane visually ever so often so you don't forget how. It is easy to become a good IFR pilot while becoming a poor VFR one.

Good Luck