Instrument Pilot Information Letter

As a pilot, the learning process is never complete. One step that can be undertaken, is to pursue an Instrument Pilot license. The benefits that this will afford you and the opportunities it opens up can be truly rewarding. A private pilot license allows you to fly, an instrument rating allows you to fly during many more periods of time that are not available to a VFR pilot while still allowing you the ability to travel safely.

The purpose of this letter is to acquaint you with the flight-training program, the expectations placed upon you during this program, and to outline various bits of information and policies of value to you during your training.

Training Program Course:

This training program is designed to cover the basic areas prescribed in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.3, 61.56, 61.57, 61.65, and 91.167-91.91.187 as to prepare you for an Instrument Pilot rating. You are expected to read and fully understand these FAR parts. Within these regulations is vital information for you regarding the flight-training program that you will undertake. While these are areas specifically relating to the IFR rating, pilots must also remain proficiency and cognizant of any VFR regulations and general flight regulations that will remain applicable during IFR flight. A list of suggested study areas can be found in the first few pages of the FAR/AIM to further develop your study focus.

The time it will take you to complete this flight-training program will vary depending on your dedication, availability to fly at regular intervals, and study time devoted. The rapidity at which you will be able to complete the Instrument Pilot rating will depend on the pace you will be able to fly and study. Flight training is not a competition between students, it is a learning process. Rushing does not yield good pilots. This rating requires a variety of total flight hour requirements that can be found in FAR 61.65. These must be met prior to taking of the practical standards test.

During your training for the Instrument Rating you will be exposed to four main stages that include attitude flying, approaches, IFR cross-country planning and practice, and a review section. These areas are described as follows:

Attitude Flight – This will consist of straight and level flight, climbs descents and turns. Climbs and descents with constant airspeed and constant rates will also be introduced in this section. Unusual attitude recognition and recovery along with steep turns are included in this section. Supporting and Primary instruments and partial panel work along with magnetic compass turns are included. This section will finish with tracking and intercepting radials and with holding patterns.

Approaches – All types of applicable approaches will be taught in this section of the training. ILS, NDB, VOR, LOC BC, SDF, LDA, Contact, Visual, and PAR approaches are examples. This training will include how each approach is to be set up and flown. An integral portion of this section of training will focus heavily on the understanding, interpretation, and flight of procedures of approach plates and learning where to find information as needed for each approach procedure.
IFR Cross-Country – This section will include introductions to Standard Instrument Arrival Routes, Standard Instrument Departure routes. It will include IFR trip planning procedures, Victor Airway information and different types of VOR’s. Another portion of this section will include the importance and interpretation of IFR weather (Icing and Thunderstorms), FAR part 91.167 through 91.187 must be adhered to, and some type of navigation log will be introduced.
Review – In this portion of the training we will review what has been learned to date and prepare for the final Practical Test that must adhere to the IFR Practical Test Standards.

Administrative Requirements, Costs, and Expectations:

Insurance.	While it is not absolutely necessary, it is recommended that you obtain renter’s insurance for while you are solo flying. I recommend a coverage minimum of $10,000 for Hull Damage and standard liability coverage. While the planes themselves are insured, this will protect you for instances you could become involved in if something unexpected should happen for which you are found negligent. You may never have to use this service, but without it an incident can become extremely expensive.
Costs.	The overall cost of the entirety of flight training will vary depending on the plane that you decide to fly and how long it takes you to complete the lessons.
Schedule.	Lessons are by appointment. If an appointment cannot be kept, notification is expected to cancel or reschedule. In the case of adverse weather (inability to fly due to weather minimums or unsafe weather conditions), the lesson will be rescheduled.
Lesson Length.	The length of each flight lesson will vary slightly depending on the material to be covered and the student’s degree of fatigue. Typically, lessons will be between 1 – 1 ½ hours of flight time in length.
Equipment.	Students are expected to wear shoes with a full sole. For many, some form of a sun-limiting device are desirable such as sunglasses or a hat. As a student progresses they will also be expected to purchase and carry with them a current VFR Sectional Chart, state airport directory (such as the Michigan Airport Directory), and a current Airport Facilities Directory. The purchase of a headset may also be an option for during flight.
Flight Physical.	For the Commercial Pilot’s license, a Third Class medical is required for testing purposes. However, to actually exercise the privileges of the rating, a Second or First Class medical will be required. I recommend that students obtain at least a Second Class medical prior to completing their training for this rating. Names and telephones of certified FAA doctors can be obtained at the airport or through the local FSDO. This should be obtained early in the training process to prevent unnecessary expense for flight in the event of a medical condition that would prevent obtaining a pilot’s license.
Alcohol and illegal controlled substance use.	While by FAA regulations pilots are expected to not have consumed alcoholic beverages for at least 8 hours prior to flight and be below a .04 blood alcohol level, I request a higher standard. For flights over which I serve as the instructor present or the instructor of authorization for the flight I expect at least 12 hours prior to flight of being alcohol free. This is a minimum. This also includes legal tranquilizers or sleep inducing drugs. I would prefer 24 hours, which is the standard that I personally follow. Any illegal controlled substance use is extremely prohibited. This is not just an FAA regulation, but a personal belief of my own as well. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Students found to be in violation of it will no longer be allowed to be a student of mine. This is a safety concern that I do not give any exceptions for.
Student Dedication.	The acquisition of a Commercial Pilot’s rating requires dedication on the part of the student for study, learning, and performance. It is advisable that this process be considered fully before undertaking the training. If you are unable to dedicate the required study and practice time, it may not be the appropriate time for you to begin this training. As an instructor, I will dedicate a great deal of time and effort to prepare you to be a competent pilot, please do the same in your own work.

Flight Expectations:

For flight operations, students are expected to;

to conduct a preflight prior to each flight,
operate the aircraft only as scheduled,
know and understand emergency procedures to include engine fire during startup, fire in-flight, emergency landings, emergency radio procedures, carburetor icing and loss of flaps,
comply with the standard traffic pattern and practice collision avoidance,
use a pilot’s checklist for all appropriate operations within the aircraft,
remain clear of clouds and operate no lower than 500’ AGL in the local area or lower than 1000’ AGL over any town or city,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a pilot, and I look forward to having the opportunity to be a part of your learning process.

Sincerely,
Jason E. Blair

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Dodgen Aircraft • 740 Grand Street • Allegan, MI 49010 • Allegan: (269) 673-4157 • info@dodgenaircraft.com