After earning your private pilot certificate, what are the next steps you need to take? One of the primary objectives of many pilots is to obtain an instrument rating, which enables them to fly in IFR conditions (Instrument Flight Rules). This indicates that you can navigate through the clouds without making any reference to the ground or the horizon.
If you do not have a rating for flying under instruments, you are restricted to flying under VFR, which stands for visual flight rules, and you are only able to operate on days with clear weather and good visibility. Besides the most obvious advantage, which is the ability to fly in conditions below the minimums for vfr ratings, there are also several obvious benefits of obtaining instrument ratings. If you have been considering adding an instrument rating to your pilot certificate, here are five compelling arguments in favor of beginning the process right away:
Acquire A Profound Understanding Of The Instrument
You will become very familiar with the avionics equipment that is installed in your aircraft while you are undergoing your instrument training. You will have an understanding of how each of the instruments in your aircraft functions, and more importantly, what to do if an instrument stops working. The additional information you have about your instruments will prove to be of great assistance in all of the different flying conditions, including VFR and IFR.
Learn About And Evaluate The Current Weather Conditions
In-depth knowledge of weather systems and reports is required for the successful completion of instrument training. You will be able to understand and interpret weather data like you never have before after completing instrument training, and this ability will benefit you during both preflight and flight. When you’re in the air, the weather can change suddenly, but because of your training, you’ll be ready to handle any kind of weather condition you encounter.
Improve Your Communication Skills
One of the most crucial skills for flying in IFR conditions is radio communication, as you must rely on air traffic control (ATC) to keep you safe when you’re above the clouds. Following the controller’s rapid-fire instructions and reading back clearances clearly and concisely is essential for flying under instrument flight rules. It may take some time to become comfortable with the radio calls used in IFR, but with practice, you will gain confidence in your ability to communicate effectively.
Cancel Fewer Flights
If you have a rating for flying under instruments, you will no longer be limited to flying only on days when the weather is clear. Instrument flights can frequently make it possible to continue with journeys that would otherwise have to be canceled due to adverse weather conditions. You will be able to fly more freely through difficult airspace and clouds, which will result in fewer trips having to be canceled and will open up exciting new possibilities for your flying.
Become A Better, Safer Pilot
There is no doubt that earning an instrument rating is a fantastic way to improve your abilities as a pilot, and getting this rating is a great place to start. You will be prepared to use your skills to safely recover from a situation that could have dangerous consequences if you find yourself flying into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) by accident. If you want to reduce the risk of spatial disorientation or an accident involving controlled flight into terrain, you might want to consider filing for and flying under instrument flight rules (IFR), even if the weather technically qualifies as VFR.
Conclusion
The instrument rating is widely considered to be one of the most difficult ratings to earn. It requires commitment, as well as time and money. The single most important thing you can do if you want to be a safe IFR pilot is to dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to training and development. After it’s all said and done, many pilots consider earning their instrument rating to be one of the most gratifying things they’ve done in their careers.
