Flight School: Adding an Instrument Rating

Connie Sue White

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

Verified

Aric Vyhmeister

Key Takeaways:

The biggest challenge for new instrument students is often a lack of a solid basic attitude instrument (BAI) flying foundation and rushing into complex procedures without mastering fundamentals.
Students must thoroughly understand their aircraft's performance characteristics and learn to effectively manage onboard technology to reduce workload and stress.
New instrument students frequently experience information overload on the ground and workload/communication overload in the air, necessitating structured learning and strong time management skills.
While focusing on instrument conditions, it's vital for pilots to maintain and practice visual flying skills, as traffic avoidance responsibility remains with the pilot in VMC conditions.

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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.