Im a better pilot.....

[Ryan]

....now that Ive got my instrument rating! Passed my check last Sunday. I dont have any plans on rushing out into bad weather but I really feel as though the experience has improved my flying skills all around. I do wonder why the FAA doesnt require more instrument training even for the private rating. It seems that some lives could be saved if they did this.

Anyway Ive got to go update my stat page!

Ryan

 

[labbats]

Congratulations!


I think the reason less training is involved in the private is because they want to teach you to get out of clouds. With more than that you might get some people trying their hand in the clouds without the proper background, clearance or tolerance for IFR. That could get ugly.

 

[bobbysamd]

Instrument rating

Congratulations! Use it well and use it wisely.

 

[hammer]

congratulations!

I have just started lessons for my instrument and can already see that it is going to be a tough rating but will make me a better pilot. I look forward to the day that I can post that I am a instrument rated pilot.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Great job! I thought the instrument rating was the hardest yet. Understand that while you have another rating, you now have the *ability* to become a better pilot. Better skills come with experience, obviously. You can't get experience if you don't go get it. Understand that there is a difference in being instrument current, and instrument proficient. It is definately a perishable skill. Whenever you are flying with another pilot and have the chance, go under the hood for 20 minutes. Shoot a couple of approaches each month, not every six months. You will be amazed at what you can do if you remain a proficient instrument pilot.

A there I was story from today. Flew from Clarksville, TN, to Maxwell AFB. Normally a 2 hour flight. Today it was 3.6 due to many diversions around weather. We (myself and my daughter) were flying a Piper Aztec. Dodging Tstorms, flying in canyons of clouds. Negotiating holes in the clouds at 10K like an obstacle course. Almost the entire way the air was smooth, even though we had Level 3,4,5 Tstorms on either side. Got clear of the Tstorms, and finished the remaining hour in solid IMC, but smooth as can be. Didn't have to shoot the approach, but nevertheless it was a great experience, and great training. Not once was I concerned, just alert. I knew what the airplane could do, trusting the instruments, etc, etc. Got the airplane and most importantly my daughter on the ground safe. I was tired, but hey, a pat on the back was in order.

The point of the story is not to show how cool I am (or not) but it just confirms that the system works. We are taught in training that it works. We know it does, but does it REALLY work? Until you fly it single pilot IFR you aren't really subconsciously convinced, in my opinion. I had an instrument IP once state to me, "A good IFR pilot is a lazy pilot". Ask for help if you need it. Use your crew. Ask flight watch for suggestions. Ask center what other aircraft are doing in the vicinity.

Again, congrats on your hard work. Keep the blue side up.

 

[flyer172r]

Congrats on the rating, use it wisely. I think the reason there's not more instrument instruction required for the private is that private pilots are supposed to avoid clouds like the plague!!! They're taught enough to try and get out of a cloud should they accidentally encouter one, but staying out of clouds should be the more emphasized skill

 

[Mr. Cole]

Congrats Ryan! I know we started the IR at the same time and I'm glad to hear that we successfully received a new license to learn around the same time.

Dave

 

[TEXAN AVIATOR]

Congratulations!

​

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

Congrats on passing your checkride! What's next for you?

 

[standaman]

Each person should know thier limits and know thier limits well. I wish more people understood this so that we would not have to read anything bad in magazines. Congratulations