Instrument training is an excellent addition to a private pilot’s training program. If you are a VFR pilot looking to boost the credibility of your pilot certificate, adding an instrument rating is the way to go. It is considered a bonus to your private or commercial pilot certificate, allowing you to fly on an IFR flight plan.
Depending on your geographic location, unpredictable weather can pose many challenges to inexperienced pilots, especially when seasonal changes are at their peak. Upon successful completion of your certification, which includes a theoretical and practical test, you will be able to handle harsh weather conditions usually off limits to VFR pilots. Here’s a few more reasons why instrument rating is definitely worth your time and investment.
Get Ahead of The Aircraft
Modern aircrafts are incredibly versatile as the technology behind them has been evolving for more than 100 years. While the technology benefits us in many ways, it also means pilots have to keep tabs on more processes than before. Each pilot must be mentally prepared for the next step before it happens. Instrument training prioritizes task management and the ability to plan ahead. Here, you will learn new skills to approach issues which may happen during flying so you can stay one step ahead of the aircraft at all times.
Heightened Pilot’s Intuition
Flying under IFR requires precision and focus to stay on the right course. Limited visibility can pose many challenges when maintaining a safe distance between other aircrafts. Split second decisions when maintaining tighter tolerance becomes critical in such scenarios. With instrument training, you would feel more confident coordinating the flight controls in every situation.
One of the most significant learning curves pilots face is when they have to understand the relationship between pitch and power. Some pilots might argue power and pitch are independent of each other, but in reality, they both must be altered proficiently to achieve desired results.
More Knowledge About Aircrafts
Pilots who undergo IFR training receive in-depth knowledge of the instruments within the aircraft. However, in order to understand the underlying function of each instrument, they must understand other technology included in the aircraft as well. Instrument training has a large circumference which includes a variety of programs focused on helping pilots become proficient at not only handling but also understanding how various instruments in an aircraft function.
Become an Expert In Weather Prediction
For many pilots, predicting the weather accurately becomes second nature as they spend more time flying. It is an essential part of being a pilot whether you undertake IFR training or not. Luckily for those who undergo instrument training, their ability to notice weather changes and predict weather conditions is uncanny. A major part of their training modules focus on weather theory and understanding the pattern of weather changes. This enables IFR certified pilots to be highly efficient at recognizing frontal passages, thunderstorms, fog, and more.
IMC Flight Preparation and Traffic management
Once in a while you may inadvertently fly into meteorological conditions and face a unique set of challenges many pilots without IFR training are not prepared to handle. But with instrument training, you will be better prepared to navigate in limited visibility brought on by unexpected weather changes. Instrument rated pilots are also very accurate in gauging nearby traffic and effectively planning their course of action.
If you are thinking of getting an instrument training post your private pilot’s certification, then you are on the right track and there is no time like now. Airlink Flight School offers an Instrument Flight Rating Program to enable you to tackle complex problems and busy airspaces with confidence. We understand it is imperative for pilots to reach airline-standard skill for flying, and we do our best to ensure you get there fast.