When to do Instrument.

gator4798 · May 2nd, 2008, 19:26

Hey folks. I got my PPL a few months ago and planned on flying for several months then doing my instrument training this summer when I dont have school. However with the weather getting warmer and warmer and a noticeable lack of clouds I feel as though I should wait. I fly out of Reid Hillview in San Jose, CA. I want to get some actual instrument time while flying. I plan eventually having everything through my CFII with MEI. Think I should hold off till fall to do my Instrument? Is there any training I could do in the mean time that would be helpful? I dont know what other certs I can get with out my Instrument. Thanks in advance!

SeanD · May 2nd, 2008, 19:43

Why wait, if you have the money I would get started. Money is the only thing keeping me from starting mine. I live in Vegas. We have 3 clouds a year and less than 1/2 inch of rain annually. Im sure you'll eventually get that actual IFR flying time. Get it done and have fun.

PatrickCPS · May 2nd, 2008, 21:22

While its important to get actual instrument time, don't worry about not getting it during the instrument training. If you continue flying, you will certainly get your share of actual sooner or later. If you have the time and means necessary, I would start on it now.

Speed Pilot · May 2nd, 2008, 22:06

Do it now before prices go up even more.

bdhill1979 · May 2nd, 2008, 22:10

I agree do it sooner rather than later.

The only thing I would wait for is I would try to have at least 25-30 hours of cross country PIC time before you start, or be flying a lot in addition to the IR training. That is the biggest problem I have with Instrument students is all the other requirements get met, but they are often short on the XC PIC time requirement of 50 hours.

Red-Baron · May 2nd, 2008, 22:34

As already mentioned, if you're doing your training on PART 61 (and I assume so) you need 50 hr of x-country time for your instrument check ride, and if you wait until fall (which in my opinion is not a good idea) your training/check ride might be delayed because you couldn't get your x-country time in due to weather! So why wait, get started now, and get it out of the way!
And it's also a good idea to include all of the commercial (x-country requirements) in this 50 hr, like the 250 n.m. and five hours of solo night flight.

gator4798 · May 3rd, 2008, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdhill1979

I agree do it sooner rather than later.

The only thing I would wait for is I would try to have at least 25-30 hours of cross country PIC time before you start,

Thats why I planned a few months off inbetween. I have till late June to get all my XC done. Thanks for all the input guys! Super helpful!

taseal · May 3rd, 2008, 15:25

do it now! prices are going up due to gas.... at least it just did at my school.

PWK_Pilot · May 3rd, 2008, 22:24

ASAP!!! I started mine just last week-[JUST got home from a sim session at my CFI's mansion

] and hope to have it done before these ******* insane fuel prices push the archer's rate to $200/hr or higher.........

Good luck to you and safe flying!

Peter

Beech driver · May 4th, 2008, 01:20

Here is an option. Whenever possible, do the training at night. Much harder to cheat and see the outside world. After all, what are you going to see? A few lights sure, but also a lot of black. Flew 75% of my instrument training at night. Not the same as flying in the clouds, but closer than in broad daylight.

Oh, and to your original question, sooner the better to start.

gator4798 · May 4th, 2008, 01:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beech driver

Here is an option. Whenever possible, do the training at night.

I like that! Cooler as well so get better performance out of the plane as well. THanks!

FrankiegPilot · May 4th, 2008, 04:43

Yea dude get that Instrument ticket asap. Dont worry about actual time, worse case after you get your IR, if your not comfortable to fly in IMC conditions, than go up with an CFII one or two times until you are. Thats what I would do anyway. Speaking of which I'm about half way done with my Instrument training. Let me know if you are ever interested in splitting some flight time. I train out of KCRQ in san diego.
Good luck!