Flight School: Adding an Instrument Rating

Connie Sue White

Tuesday, March 01, 2011 at 05:08 AM ET

Verified

Aric Vyhmeister

Key Takeaways:

A primary challenge for new instrument students is failing to build a solid basic attitude instrument flying foundation and lacking a deep understanding of their aircraft's performance.
Students frequently combat overload from extensive ground information and the high workload, communication, and procedural complexity encountered in the air, particularly during approaches.
Overcoming these challenges requires effectively managing onboard technology, adhering to a structured curriculum with instructor guidance, and crucially, maintaining visual flying skills for scenarios like visual approaches and traffic avoidance.

See a mistake? Contact us.

What are the biggest challenges new instrument students face?

(February 2011) — Eric Radtke is an airline transport pilot, Gold Seal flight instructor, advanced ground instructor and NAFI-accredited Master Flight Instructor. Eric has been involved in aviation education since 1998 and currently serves as president and chief instructor of Sporty’s Academy, the educational arm of Sporty’s Pilot Shop.