Readers Poll – Are you IFR rated ?
If you’re not a newcomer to this blog, you certainly know that I’m a private pilot with an instrument rating. But what about you ? If you’re a private pilot as well, I’d like to know whether you’re instrument rated or not, and why.
The why particularly applies to those of you who don’t held an IR ticket. I know many possible reasons:
- Lack of time ?
- Money ?
- No FTO where to train in your area ?
- No IFR aircraft ?
- No IFR airport ?
- You think there is too much complex theory ?
- Or that getting the rating is too complex ?
- May be too complex to maintain ?
- Getting an IFR rating is useless ?
- Flying IFR in small planes is dangerous ?
There are probably other reasons, so feel free to add yours to the list. If, on the other hand, you’re instrument rated, you probably know why. I however would like to know the reason that decided you to get it.
If you don’t mind, I also like to know from which part of the world does your license comes. I already know what to expect, but it will be a confirmation. And who knows, may this will help other pilots to join the IFR club. This is my (no longer) secret (naive ?) hope behind this post: encouraging more pilots to get this wonderful rating.
I’m indeed ready to discuss all of objections you could have against the fact of getting IR rated. Not only because it is safer, but also because it enlarges the range of what is possibly to fly, and improves flying skills. I’m not trying to criticize VFR pilots, nor to say that IFR pilots are somehow superior. Any comment in that direction will be deleted. The last thing the aviation community needs is one (more) internal conflict.
Now, please let us know if you are IFR rated or not, and why. If you prefer do to that in a more confidential way, you can also send me your answer per e-mail, via the About page.
Thanks in advance.
UPDATE: this poll will never get closed, but here are already some reflections about the results.
12 Comments, Comment or Ping
Paul
I’m IFR rated. Mostly it was because for two months of the year my local airport is socked in my a marine layer and you need the rating to punch through it. But I also think its a great way to tighten up the skills. I never really understood trim until I did my IFR.
Sep 5th, 2008
Michael Smith
I am not IFR rated, but I am studying for my Instrument Written at the moment. I just recently talked with my (likely) future CFII, so I am on the way. Why I want it is an easy answer, I want to expand the utility of my pilot certificate.
Sep 5th, 2008
jb
I am NOT IFR rated (but I indeed did an introductory course to the IR)
Most of the reasons you mention apply in my case (time, money) but I also would add a new one: good weather (in Spain) makes the IR ticket less appealing to PPL’s…
Sep 6th, 2008
Francois
I am IFR rated because it is the only possible way to use one’s pilot rating for professional use. In the 17 years I have been IFR rated, I have done hundreds of business and personal trips and 1800 hours with the following statistics:
- Trips cancelled for weather reasons: 1
- Trips cancelled for other reasons (technical): 1
- Trips delayed by up to 4 hours for weather reasons: 2
- Trips delayed by up to 4 hours for other reasons (technical): 2
- Landing at alternate destination due to weather: 2
- Landing at alternate destination due to a technical problem: 1
- In-flight emergency (loss of 1 engine on a twin) : 1 (landed at destination, no sweat)
It’s not too bad a statistics, isn’t it? My airline travel statistics (counting all reasons including strikes) are much much worse.
Finally, my bags have been lost/misdirect by airlines (with higher frequency in the last years, courtesy of TSA) uncountable times. It never happened with private flights!
Do it, it’s worth it!
François
Sep 6th, 2008
Jess Sightler
I’m not IFR rated, and the first two (time, money) are the culprits. I fly in the southeastern US, and it could be useful here at times. I suspect that it will happen one day, though… but that its probably quite a way off.
Sep 7th, 2008
Tryphon
I’m not IFR rated because I’m not PPL yet. Not even my first solo after 25hours. I find it extremely difficult to learn to fly VFR, so I doubt I’ll ever be skilled enough qualify IFR.
Sep 7th, 2008
Julien
Same as JB. Weather here in Brisbane, Australia, is just too good, no need for an instrument rating if the only flying you’re doing is private flying. The only days when conditions are IMC you really do not want to be out there in a small airplane anyway, IFR or not, because you’re most likely to come across sub-tropical thunderstorms.
That being said, I think I’ll eventually tr to get an Instrument Rating, but of course I need my PPL first
Checkride booked for October 22nd. All keep your plastic fingers crossed for me 
Sep 7th, 2008
Adam Smith
Student Pilot going for my private checkride in 3 days. I would like to go right into my IFR as soon as I get my ticket but I don’t think it will happen due to proximity to airport/time/cost in that order.
Sep 10th, 2008
Doug
i’ve had my PPSEL for about 8 months and am working on my instrument rating now (2 or 3 more sim lessons in the Frasca 142). the main reasons that i’m working on the IRA is for safety, additional experience and something an instructor in wilmington, NC said to me last dec, “it will make you a more precise pilot”.
Sep 15th, 2008
Ross Younger
I recently added the IMC rating to my PPL (allows IFR in IMC in airspace classes DEFG, only here in the UK). It was a lot of fun to get and very worthwhile given the British weather. However I don’t see myself getting the full IR any time soon; it’s ridiculously expensive, there’s no nearby FTO who offers it, and I don’t currently have access to a full airways-equipped aircraft (although I do know where to hire one near to me, it’s also ludicrously expensive). The theory is pretty painful, too, as the study options are aimed at those taking the full ATPL course. Plus, I don’t currently fly enough to make good use of an IR, which is largely because of money!
Oct 7th, 2008
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