What is the best way to become instrument current?

[rumpletumbler]

In addition to the other obstacles I'm currently trying to overcome I'm a good 20 years out of instrument currency. I've shot approaches since then and been fine but that was SIC with a current pilot there for backup. I think I'd need more than an IPC (no kidding) but I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a package that provides "good training"......not just a money sucking ride along. I'd like to get the CFII as well but that will have to come later.

 

[BoDEAN]

In addition to the other obstacles I'm currently trying to overcome I'm a good 20 years out of instrument currency. I've shot approaches since then and been fine but that was SIC with a current pilot there for backup. I think I'd need more than an IPC (no kidding) but I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a package that provides "good training"......not just a money sucking ride along. I'd like to get the CFII as well but that will have to come later.

1. Hit the books, refresh on the procedures
2. If you have X-Plane, or MS Flight sim, do a few flights on that
3. Go up with a CFII (after you complete 1 and 2, safe you money and frustration)

 

[jimtrustycfi]

Ipc?

How about flying with another pilot that needs what you need? TIME!

Take time about flying the route and approach, critique well and often, follow the chart and plate to a tee, cover yourself with some FAR/AIM discussion, get in some soup time. Get a comfortable feeling about what is going on and then add to it. Take a six leg trip within a few miles of your airport, don't file at first, let the safety pilot be your Controller, lots of planning, different approaches, correct procedures, let the safety pilot write down what you are doing wrong or better yet, draw it! This can be a lot of fun. It's how I work with CFI's who got their ticket from me when they tell me they are getting stale. Remember, instrument flying is not about more training, it's about staying current..........

 

[Lead Sled]

How about flying with another pilot that needs what you need? TIME!

Good points, but make sure you don't find yourself in a position where the blind are leading the blind. I would recommend a slightly different approach. You didn't tell us how much instrument you had before allow your currency to lapse. Assuming that you had the rating and perhaps a few hours and were out of instrument currency for 20 years, you are basically an instrument student who won't be required to take a written and a checkride. That being said, if you were a friend or family member, I'd recommend that you find a good, experienced CFII and jump in with both feet. (Spend some time looking for the proper instructor - an inexperienced CFII will be able to do little more than teach you how to manipulate the controls. Remember, you can't teach what you don't know.) Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the books and at least 10 to 20 hours dual. I would also highly recommend two books - Instrument Flying by Taylor and Weather Flying by Buck. Those two books are worth several hundred hours of "actual instrument" experience.

Lead Sled

 

[rumpletumbler]

That sounds like a good suggestion. I read about a course somewhere in one of the flying magazines a couple years back about an IFR refresher type course that was in the neighborhood of 20 hr's flight time and was supposed to be really good. I think it was in California somewhere. I'm sure that would be far beyond my reach but I'd like to know what it is if anyone remembers.

 

[Lead Sled]

I honestly don't think that you need a specialized recurrency course. I'm sure that they're out there though. Just find yourself a good instructor and work with him/her until you're both satisfied that you're back up to speed. There have been a lot of changes in the past 20 years - mostly in the equipment and flight planning arenas - all for the best. If I were in your position I think that I would find myself a good Instrument Course (King perhaps?). After I've gone through that a time or two then I'd go looking for a CFII with a meaningful amount of "real world, honest to gosh" instrument experience. When it comes to stuff like this there is a big difference between 1000 hours of experience and one hour of experience repeated 1000 times - if you know what I mean.

Lead Sled