Instrument Ground Schooling

[Raptor05121]

I'm wanting to start doing some homework on the instrument course. Now, I did Gleim's Private Kit when I did my private, but I know the PTS was just changed to ACS. Plus I'm not wholly confident in what is needed and what isn't needed with these $200+ "kits" I'm seeing online.

Does anyone have recommendations on what kits are good, what to avoid, and are current?

[1964-M20E]

I did mine 4 years ago independently with an independent instructor.  Technically all the information needed is available from the FAA web site.  I purchases several IFR book as well.  I have posted before

1. start by looking at approach plates and learning the symbols on them and understanding what they are telling you

2. talk to instrument rated pilots

4. go up by in the plane on a good VFR day at an uncontrolled airport and fly the approaches while looking out the window to get the feel of where you are and what the instruments are telling you

5. find a safety pilot and get some hood time just flying point a to b and maneuvering the plane independent of approaches.

6. start using low altitude en-route charts for VFR flights and learn the symbols on them

7. Study the AIM on instrument procedures

8. find an instructor and get hood time form him as well as let him file IFR plan and get some real IMC time much different form hood time.

9. get one of the practice exam programs and take the written exam multiple times.

 

Edited July 17, 2016 by 1964-M20E

[carusoam]

Since the knowledge aspect is different than the real life aspect....

Gleim is a nice way to get going on the hundreds of standardized test questions.

You can really get used to the questions doing the online gig.  Especially when your work environment allows for it.  Ten or twenty questions per day is about all I could take...

You will immediately recognize the questions are written in a way to try to catch you off guard.  Using this method, I scored about a 98%.

The IFR flying is much easier and more fun than the knowledge.

Best regards,

-a-

[RLCarter]

Here is the new Instrument ACS, the flying portion and the regs haven't changed. I used Sporty's for both my PPL and IR, get comfortable flying under the hood, straight & level, climbs & descents on a heading and while turning to a heading. Power settings are a big part as well so get use to your Mooney, then grap an instructor and have some white knuckle, sweaty palm fun

 

[TWinter]

I've been using the Sporty's DVD course, countless hours watching different Youtube Instrument training and two Instrument ground school books (they are at my office right now..sneak study time in when I can therem don't recall the author or what company published them). Lately I've slacked some on my IFR training, but the Sporty's DVD course will be a start for you. I'm doing pretty good now..Usually, on multiple choice questions it now only takes me two wrong out of three to get it right..lol  

I thought as we got older we got wiser? I guess being wise and aptitude to learn are two separate traits  Good luck!!

 

 

-Tom

[Jerry 5TJ]

I took a semester-long evening class at local community college for "Instrument Pilot" ground school.   There were about 10-12 of us students.  The interchange between us was a big part of the gain for me. 

Then at the end of the class I took a weekend cram course with about 12 contact hours in 2 days.  It was a good review but would have been nearly useless as sole course.  That Sunday afternoon I took the written, and I was well prepared. 

I also found a flying buddy with a PPL and a similar level of (lack of) experience who was also doing instrument training.  We went out flying together -- one acting as safety pilot for the other, posing problems & equipment failures.  That was very valuable, too. It counted as simulated IMC hood time. And it was fun. 

The common theme here is interaction with instructors & fellow students. PC based training is good, but is missing the whole extra dimension offered by others also learning and questioning the subject matter.

Of course, all that took place way back in the 20th century.  Interesting that most of the material remains relevant today.  

More recently I've done sim training and find the same effect--training with another student or two at the same time is far more valuable than training when you're the only student.  

You asked which course material is good: I suggested a slower but more thorough approach.  Almost all the instrument material is practical & you use it flying the system, so learning it well is important. 

Until we can download knowledge and skills (like the gal in The Matrix who learned to fly a Huey in 5 seconds) we still need effective IFR training.  After all, as Ernie Gann wrote, "in this game we play for keeps."

 

 

 

[1964-M20E]

Oh I forgot one thing turn off Otto and had fly everything while you are preparing to get your instrument rating.

 

 

[flyboy0681]

I got my IR two years ago and did not attend any school, just purchased the King online course and bought (used) the great Gleim Instrument Pilot Written Exam book. After finishing both I found several websites that had practice tests and hunkered down with those for a few weeks. In the end I went into the test room and reemerged an hour and a half later with two wrong. I would also suggest obtaining a (used) Sporty's electronic E6B. Once I got to know the calculators functions I zoomed through the test questions to the point where it felt like I was cheating, while watching the guy across the room struggling with his whiz wheel.

Practice practice practice.

Edited July 18, 2016 by flyboy0681

[Brian Scranton]

I have a thing for Martha King (John is cool too) so I STRONGLY recommend King Schools for their online course. So old school. So good. The way Martha awkwardly swallows (so loudly) between sentences...the gulps are something to behold. John's dorky metaphors. I'll NEVER forget that and LDA is on an angle--becausse of Martha's pneumonic "localizer DARN angle"...watch on the iPad, watch on your laptop...goes fast, easy to remember, plus the tests at the end are super helpful.     

[flyboy0681]

Just now, Brian Scranton said:

I have a thing for Martha King (John is cool too) so I STRONGLY recommend King Schools for their online course. So old school. So good. The way Martha awkwardly swallows (so loudly) between sentences...the gulps are something to behold. John's dorky metaphors. I'll NEVER forget that and LDA is on an angle--becausse of Martha's pneumonic "localizer DARN angle"...watch on the iPad, watch on your laptop...goes fast, easy to remember, plus the tests at the end are super helpful.     

What I liked best were her orange jumpsuits.

 

[ArtVandelay]

I use King, between PP and IR writtens I got one question wrong, they do a great job of teaching you what you need to know. Presentation is not the best, but content is there.

One of these days I'll retake a practice test to see how much I have forgotten (ADF etc)

[slowflyin]

+1 for King

[N5756v]

I am using kings online course also

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Oldguy]

Another +1 for King.

[rainman]

I did the King DVD IR course. It worked fine for the written. Got my IR in the Mooney at a finish up course in Long Beach after some work with various instructors here. Use the system once you get the rating.  Enjoy.

[Raptor05121]

12 hours ago, 1964-M20E said:

Oh I forgot one thing turn off Otto and had fly everything while you are preparing to get your instrument rating.

 

 

I don't have one. Hand flying is all I know.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

[1964-M20E]

Ok I originally had a 64E without Otto and that is what I used to get my IR.

 

Good luck

 

 

[kris_adams]

King here as well...

[madjano]

I am using King for the ground as well, but I don't think it has been updated for the "new" ACS since there really is no database for the new questions.  I hope it all translates well.

My old CFI hosted classes at the Silverhawk FBO for Private and Instrument, but that's when I lived 10 minutes away from KLNK.  Have to admit the open two way discussion helps me to retain more than just sitting through videos and quizzes.

[Robert C.]

Used King schools for PPL and IR and am now starting on the Commercial. Corny but effective.

[dlthig]

A long time ago when I got mine I used the FAA books, but when I was teaching I thought Gleim worked well. Its been posted, but the written and practical are different animals. You'll need to understand a bit of theory in the written that you'll never use in your airplane. Unless there's been a change, if you've got it and it works you may have to demonstrate how to use it. I had dual nav/coms and an ADF in my old Cherokee, so that was my test, but I did have to answer a few minor questions on DME. After you get some basic concepts, AOPA has some great exercises for you to practice. Good luck with the ride. PPL + IR = a lot a capability and responsibility.

 

 

[ryoder]

King schools can't be beat for the written

[MattOK]

I used the Gleim book and the typical FAA publications for study material while taking flight lessons with my instructor.  I got the book almost two years ago, but some life events kept me from getting finished as quickly as I wanted and I was delayed until they rolled out the new written exam.  I finally took the written in June and got an 88% on it.  Would have done better except for the cluster at the testing center and was in a rush to get back to work.  I think Gleim is decent if you are willing to investigate and learn further on your own following the questions that they present.  I don't think any of the test guides are a good replacement for curiosity and an eagerness to learn.  Hopefully I will get to go for my Instrument Rating checkride next week!