Accelerated IR training in the US

[Deniz]

Dear Forum, I hope that I can get in touch with someone from the US who could give me insight or personal experience for an accelerated IR course.

I'm going though an extensive panel upgrade this winter, therefore the next consequential step is to obtain my IR. As time does not allow me to do it the classic way, I am looking for a flight school that offers such courses.

Any hint is much appreciated!

[toto]

I've heard very good things about GATTS, if you're interested in traveling to the midwestern US for this

https://www.gatts.org/pilot-training-courses/7-day-ifr-instrument-training.html

[Schllc]

Be aware that you still must accumulate all of the experience required for a checkride. That may  be difficult, if not  impossible, to do in an accelerated course. 

You also need to have passed the written. 
I do personally believe an accelerated course is a great way to prepare for a checkride.  
Just make sure you understand what is required before attending. 

[AJ88V]

53 minutes ago, toto said:

I've heard very good things about GATTS, if you're interested in traveling to the midwestern US for this

https://www.gatts.org/pilot-training-courses/7-day-ifr-instrument-training.html

One of the great things here in the US is readily available flight training and often significantly cheaper than other parts of the world (as in EU).

I too have looked at GATTS and would consider such a program ($10K USD, their aircraft).

The following are listed on their websites as

• Pilots must have a current BFR and medical.
• Pilots must have flown a minimum of 5 hours in the past six months or 15 hours in the past year.
• Pilots must have the instrument written passed upon arrival.
• Pilots must have a minimum of 15 hours of instrument time logged before starting the course.
• A minimal 50 hours of Pilot In Command Cross Country time are required to start training.

So you might want to get those taken care of first.  I'm sure it would be helpful no matter who you ultimately train with.

There are also instructors who do intensive 1-on-1 in your aircraft or yours where you fly real-world.  I couldn't find the link that I was looking for, but did run across this website with some pretty good references:

https://flightsimcoach.com/blog/accelerated-flight-training-guide/https://flightsimcoach.com/blog/accelerated-flight-training-guide/

The website proprietor is basically marketing a 'flight sim' approach to learning IFR.  While it will not get you an actual rating, it might get you well on your way to a rating without having to travel to the US and all the expense of that.

Finally, the Mooney Flyer lists many qualified Mooney-specific instructors who offer 1-on-1 training and have their own aircraft

https://themooneyflyer.com/cfi.html

[bigmo]

I can personally vouch for Venture North Aviation (VNA) - absolutely stellar organization with phenomenal people and aircraft (and you can bring your own too). From the start of my instrument, to my checkride was 8 days. Come prepared to learn and expect some long days. At VNA you will get your own CFII that is JUST for you. You'll spend 3-5 hours a day in the aircraft and another 4-6 in one-on-one ground. It's by far the most prepared I have ever been for any checkride. One aside, the location tends to have quite a bit of sketchy weather, so well over 1/2 my training was in actual IMC. Having 20+ hours flying approaches in the clouds instead of a hood made the first time post checkride uneventful.

Bill (the owner) has built an incredible team of instructors with great ethos. Not a bad egg in the bunch.

I will say, you pay for quality & time. I found what I got worth the $ spent, but there are cheaper options out there. I'm heading up in a month to knock out my II and know they are booking about 4-5 months out.

Good luck!

[Ibra]

Two friends of mine from UK got their FAA CPL/IR tickets with Atlas Aviation in Tampa (KTPF) in an accelerated fashion, I did some training and rental from them (not IR tough), I can highly recomand them. My prayers and thoughts are with them during the hurricanes ! 

It's worth getting FAA written tests done (only in US unless you can get into Ramstein or Lakenheath as USAF or NATO serviceman) anndsome experience ready (this can be done in Europe), it makes life easier once you arrive in US, good luck 

Edited October 8, 2024 by Ibra

[Deniz]

Thank you for all the helpful replies. I found finally a flight school in Merritt island with a German FI. Will keep this thread updated about how things go… or not… 

[Bunti]

It looks like that you have your own, German registered Mooney. I suggest that you do the theoretical part via a long distance learning school in Germany and then  do the flight training in Germany with your airplane at a German flight school. This saves you a good amount of money for the airplane rental, hotel, air fare to the USA .... If you want to use your license also in the US, you can transfer it later. This needs a written test, some introduction flight training with a CFII resulting in a final endorsement for an instrument proficiency check and an instrument proficiency check. All based on the assumption that you already have a FAA private pilot license. 

If you do the training in the USA, you would have to transfer the license to the EASA later on. The steps are similar as the steps from the EASA license to the FAA license.