Well, I finally bit the bullet and began my instrument training. Lord forbid I call it my IFR training. I have seen too many “Professional Pilots”, if you will, dog the student for calling it IFR and not instrument training so I will just knock that out now. After much review and asking a ton of pilots for recommendations, I ended up with the Sporty’s Instrument course. I have been working on it now for about 2 months but< in my defense, Fall is the 
busiest time of the year for me at work so that plays a major factor in my slackness. The other thing is, It’s hard, lol. Well, I don’t guess it’s really hard, there is just so much information to learn. In the Sporty’s course, there is probably 7+ hours of videos to watch and, well….. I’m on my second go around. I was only about halfway down to the runway the first time around, if you know what I mean.
I find it a little strange that part of the “Instrument” course is high altitude flying and pressurized cabins. I’m not really sure exactly what that has to do with the instrument. I would think that more of a “Commercial” rating study.
I have had a slow start to the flying portion, once again, due to my workload this time of 
year but, I should be in the clear now. I use a local instructor and friend, Rodney Hardin. You can visit his web page at https://gaaero.com/ We have only had the opportunity to fly instrument once together. I have some instrument time prior to him but I do have a lot of time to make up.
I’m really looking forward to earning that rating. Not only will it be a great accomplishment but will most certainly add to the level of safety for which I try to fly.
I would like to hear your stories of training for your instrument and what you found to be the most challenging. I would also like to hear how it has changed your stick time. Be sure to leave a comment below and please share this story on your social media page.
Steer clear and land safe,
Tommy Eldridge
