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Instrument Rating
Ask any pilot and
they'll probably tell you that the instrument rating is the most challenging,
but satisfying rating to obtain.
An instrument rating will make you a safer pilot and it will increase the
utility of flying. There will still be times when severe weather will ground
you, but the marine layer that often covers the Bay Area will no longer keep you
from departing or arriving. And if the weather is marginal, there's no need to
scud run - simply file IFR!
In the first phase of instrument training, I'll help you with your basic
instrument flying skills - climbs, descents, turns, slow flight, steep turns,
and unusual attitude recovery - all solely by reference to the instruments.
You'll learn how the various instruments work and how to recognize when an
instrument has failed. These skills will give you the foundation needed to
perform more complex instrument procedures.
The second phase of instrument training introduces the accurate tracking of
navigation aids such as NDBs, VORs, and the use of DME and IFR-certified
GPS units. You'll learn how to enter and fly holding patterns and DME arcs.
You'll understand the details of each navigation system and you'll be able to
fly a course more accurately than you thought was possible.
Next comes instrument departure and approach procedures. This is where you put
the above mentioned skills to use. If you're like most pilots, you'll never tire
of breaking out on top of a cloud layer, descending into the clouds, or seeing
the runway appear in front of you - right where it was supposed to be.
Then you'll put everything together and fly an IFR cross-country, handling
everything from pre-flight planning and weather briefing to flying the
instrument approach to your destination.
During your instrument training, we'll use the ES-200 simulator. You can log up
to 10 hours of dual instruction on the sim, which saves both time and money.
When not flying the simulator, you can expect to fly on instruments under the
hood or in actual conditions. It is a good idea for instrument rating candidates
log as much time in actual instrument conditions as possible.
We'll cover IFR-certified GPS units as well as the appropriate use of VFR
GPS units for situational awareness and emergency situations.
Instrument Rating Eligibility (14 CFR 61.65)
Hold at least
a private pilot certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Receive & log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor
Pass a knowledge test
Pass a practical test
Instrument Rating
Aeronautical Experience Requirements
At
least 50 hours of cross-country time
At least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time:
At least 15 hours of instrument instruction
One cross country, 250 nm distance, 3 different IAPs
Click here for
West Valley Flying Club
Questions ? contact us at:
plong@outback-aviation.com
or (408) 406 7370
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