Going for or not going for an instrument rating?

[Copterpilot213]

Hi everyone, I've noticed some people are going from private to CFI without getting an instrument rating. Everyone I know (besides through the internet) is getting their instrument rating and I was wondering how many people have it (or are going to get it) and why they have it or don't have it.

[heligirl03]

I guess I don't know why you WOULDN'T. If you're training, it's easy to piggy-back it in with your commercial and save some cash. If you're going to fly your own heli, I guess you can choose to never go up with a cloud in the sky. If you plan on working ANYWHERE, why would you shortchange yourself in terms of employability to save a fraction of the coin you're shelling out for training anyway? And in this business, why would you choose to not equip yourself with the maximum safety potential available? Just my .02c, but everyone I know who didn't get their Instr rating from the getgo had to go back and get it for a job later down the road anyway, and one driver I know lost his job when they upgraded requirements and he didn't have it. Oops. I guess the bottom line would be, why sell yourself short on safety AND in the job market? What are you really saving?

 

Fly safe.

HG03

[justfly]

If you're going to fly your own heli, I guess you can choose to never go up with a cloud in the sky.

HG03 - I STRONGLY agree with your reply and advice to the OP, except that one sentence about your own helicopter. A helicopter Instrument Rating will not usually give you any opportunity for flight in actual IMC. That won't typically occur until you progress to larger multi-engine helicopters. Most single engine helicopters can't (practically) be certified for flight in IMC. The rating will open up additional opportunities and give you other skills as you say, but I found one of the most valuable ones to be an increased appreciation for the need to avoid inadvertent IMC in a non-certified aircraft. A number of pilots have come to grief ignoring that advice. Even the rating and a certified aircraft are little protection if you're not current or the aircraft is not capable of dealing with the atmosphere creating the IMC. I would strongly suggest that all pilots make a point of going for some training flights in actual IMC, even if that means spending some time in an airplane! The total lack of outside visual cues can be a real "eye opener"!

[jehh]

These days, an instrument rating is pretty much required. There are a few jobs left that don't need it, but those are getting more rare by the year.

 

As a side note, if you're buying your own helicopter, you may well find that your insurance rates are lower with the instrument rating, it may well pay for itself with the price difference.

[Copterpilot213]

Thanks for the replies everyone and just to clarify, I am and was already planning on getting my instrument ticket. As a matter of fact my checkride is October 1st.

 

This originated from my observations of other peoples comments that they are not going for their instrument ticket or aren't planning on doing so.

 

I too agree with HG03's statements.

 

Thanks for the replies/responses to the poll, I'm looking forward to more.

[Tenacious T]

I passed my instrument check ride on Sat. and resumed flying VFR the next day to get ready for commercial and my flying was more precise than it had ever been. Instrument training makes you a better pilot, period.

 

 

PS, copterpilot213 good luck today on your check ride

[Copterpilot213]

Congrats and thanks Tenacious T! I passed my checkride too, time to get commercial done. I'm really looking forward to getting back to VFR flying.

[volition]

I'm doing it now, and boy, I totally agree everyone should have it!!

[BOATFIXERGUY]

Instrument rating is a must have for most large companies, but the insurance companies will not lower your rates if you have one as they would for your fixed wing. All they care about is time, experience, and what you are doing with your bird.

[ascott20]

Instrument Ratings are definitely the way to go. Not just for the requirements, but also the knowledge you gain of cockpit and airspace operations and management. I have it in airplanes and helos, and I think it was probably the best choice I made for additional ratings.

[BOATFIXERGUY]

ascott is correct...get the instrument. Even though the bird you're flying isnt IFR certified, it can save your life in the real world. As a comm pilot, you'll have to fly in marginal weather, which in turn always turns out worse. You'll be glad you can control the bird without reference!

 

Ever tried SVFR in fog!

[chamerican]

With my job I am "by regulation" required to file IFR except for training. To tell you the truth? I like it, I find it challenging and even more so it gives me something to do en route.

[eagle5]

A 5 year old poll, somebody has a lot of free time.

 

I don't need an instrument rating for the job I want, but I do need it to compete for the job I want!

[aeroscout]

A 5 year old poll, somebody has a lot of free time.

 

I don't need an instrument rating for the job I want, but I do need it to compete for the job I want!

It's nice to have if you ever need it. Consider the alternative.

[eagle5]

Consider the alternative.

 

You mean landing in the Hooters parking lot because the fog has come in,...?

[Flying Pig]

Getting your instrument rating is like deciding whether or not to pursue your Bachelors. You can think of a 100 reasons why you dont need one, until the day comes when having it would have put you one point above the guy who beat you out of the interview for that job you always wanted.