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IFR FAQs
Giving accurate quotes for instrument ratings can be difficult due to the many variables that are involved with how someone decides to go about actually obtaining their instrument rating. For the most complete breakdown and explanation, please refer to the instrument rating information page.
Can I really fly inside clouds with an instrument rating?
Yes! An instrument rating allows you to fly an IFR equipped airplane inside clouds from shortly after takeoff until you are on your final approach for landing.
What are some things that I will learn? What skills improve with an instrument rating?
An instrument rating will increase your skill and ability in many areas. To name a few, navigation, aircraft control, ATC procedures, multi-tasking, and confidence as a pilot will all be strengthened. In addition, an instrument rating will teach you much about aircraft systems, weather, and the abilities that your airplane has available to you.
Will I get "actual" experience in IMC conditions with your instrument program?
Yes! If there are actual IMC (instrument meteorological conditions), we encourage flight into those conditions assuming they are prudent and safe conditions to be flying in. There is nothing like the real thing for teaching and preparing someone to become in instrument rated pilot. Flight lessons that are conducted in actual conditions will be a great benefit and resource for you to draw upon after you become an instrument rated pilot flying on your own.
Do I really need 50 hours of PIC cross country time?
50 hours of cross country time is only required for those who plan on completing their IFR training under part 61. For those of you planning to continue on with your training and obtain a commercial pilot license, it can be a wise move on your part to plan out your cross country time while you are working on your instrument rating. For those of you looking to simply add an instrument rating and avoid the 50 hours of XC time then, completing an instrument rating through a 141 program is the best choice for you. Pacific Air is associated with 141 affiliates that will enroll you in a 141 program and allow you to bypass the 50 PIC cross country hours. For more information, please contact us.
Is an instrument rating a difficult license to obtain?
An instrument rating is challenging and well worth the investment it takes to obtain it. Being a safe and properly trained instrument pilot involves a substantial amount of work when it comes to reading and studying the materials on the related topics. There is another written knowledge test, just like when you were working on your private license. The amount of material that is new in your learning process is comparable to the amount of material you learned while working on your private pilot license. An instrument rating is challenging, but it is an incredibly rewarding accomplishment that opens up your flying to truly amazing possibilities. Both your skills and proficiency will be boosted up to be on par of an professional pilot.
Does the simulator (i.e, “Flight Training Device”) fly like the airplane?
The simulator is a practical tool for learning IFR procedures, not a substitute for the aircraft. It is quiet, completely safe and costs little to operate. Many pilots believe that it is more difficult flying the simulator because of its sensitivity. Because of this, pilots who train in the simulator become better prepared and find it much easier to operate the airplane in IFR conditions. In a simulator, you can stop to discuss a point or back it up to repeat an exercise. You perfect your procedures in the airplane. With this method, you learn IFR procedures approximately four times faster than you could in the airplane alone.
How many hours will I put on the airplane?
It all depends on the student, but the minimum required is 20 hours, whereby 20 hours can be attained in the simulator (Flight Training Device).
Can I really get my instrument rating in only 10 days?
If you have the time and motivation, you can easily earn your instrument rating in 10 days or less. For further information on the 10-day course, please contact us.
I already have some IFR training experience; can Pacific Air help me complete the training?
Regardless of the amount training you've had in the past, our instructors will evaluate your skills and pickup training from where you left off. Our goal is to customize a program that fits your schedule and skills.
If I "cram” with the 10 day program, won't I lose my skills just as fast?
Professional pilots, civilian and military, train on an intensive, full time basis, both for initial and recurrent training. Though not everyone has the time for a 10 day program, studies have shown that you learn better and retain more in a well organized, accelerated training program. It is only when you spend a lot of time without training, that you may lose skills and knowledge.
Could the course be delayed by weather?
Severe icing conditions or thunderstorms can prevent flying on a given day. But the curriculum is so flexible and the simulator so versatile that the course is very rarely delayed.
Pacific Air Flight School is a Pacific Elements, Inc. company
