5 Tips to Maximize Your Instrument Rating Training

Tip 1: Use an AATD, Not a BATD

One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right flight simulator. Not all simulators are created equal when it comes to logging time toward your certificates.

Why This Matters for Your Future

Many pilots start training for hobby flying, but circumstances change. Consider this scenario: you own a Cirrus and want to upgrade to a Baron or another complex aircraft. Insurance companies often require a commercial pilot certificate to meet their minimums.

If you trained on a BATD, those 10 hours don't count toward your commercial certificate. But with an AATD, you're building toward both certificates simultaneously. It's a future-proof decision that costs the same upfront.

Tip 2: Get Your Written Done Early

The instrument rating written exam is a significant hurdle that's best tackled early in your training. Completing it first allows you to focus entirely on flying during your practical training.

Recommended Study Resources

While there are several options available—Sporty's, King Schools, and others—we specifically recommend Sheppard Air for instrument rating written preparation.

When to Take the Written

Ideally, complete your written exam before or early in your flight training. This approach:

• Builds foundational IFR knowledge before you fly
• Lets you focus on practical skills during flight lessons
• Removes the "I still need to pass the written" mental burden
• Allows your instructor to reference written concepts during flights

Tip 3: Plan Ahead If You Want to Instruct

For pilots considering a career in aviation, particularly flight instruction, there's a smart strategy that can save significant time and money.

Why Take Multiple Tests Together?

The question banks for these three exams have significant overlap. While there are some differences in emphasis, the core IFR knowledge is the same. If you've studied thoroughly for the instrument rating written, you're already 80-90% prepared for the other two tests.

By taking all three tests while the material is fresh, you avoid having to study for instrument knowledge multiple times throughout your career. The written test results are valid for 24 months.

Tip 4: Maximize Your Cross-Country Time

A common obstacle for pilots transitioning from private to instrument-rated status is not meeting the cross-country flight requirements. Many newly minted private pilots simply don't have enough cross-country time logged.

The Dual-Purpose Lesson Strategy

Here's a practical solution: plan lessons that accomplish two goals at once. Instead of doing maneuvers in a practice area, fly to an airport more than 50 nautical miles away.

How to Structure These Flights

1. Choose a destination airport at least 50 nautical miles away with an instrument approach
2. Practice maneuvers en route—instead of circling in a practice area, do your turns, climbs, and descents as S-turns along the route
3. Execute a full-stop landing—this is required for the cross-country time to count
4. Take a break—find an airport with a restaurant, reset your focus before the return leg
5. Return with different approaches—practice different types of approaches on the way back

NYC Area Cross-Country Destinations

From the New York City area, several airports make excellent cross-country training destinations:

• KPOU (Poughkeepsie)—Multiple approaches, great restaurant
• KACY (Atlantic City)—Class C airspace practice, ILS approaches
• KBDR (Bridgeport)—Shorter distance option with several approaches
• KITH (Ithaca)—Challenging terrain, GPS and VOR approaches

Tip 5: Consider Complex Aircraft Endorsements

Your instrument rating training presents an opportune time to pursue additional endorsements. If you're planning to transition to more capable aircraft—a Cirrus, a Bonanza, or eventually a twin—consider getting your high-performance or complex endorsements during your IFR training.

Why Combine Training?

Yes, these aircraft have higher rental rates. But consider the value proposition:

• You're already paying for instructor time
• IFR training requires significant dual instruction anyway
• Learning aircraft systems while learning IFR procedures builds real-world competence
• You'll be more comfortable when you eventually fly these aircraft solo

Endorsements to Consider

Training at Aviator.NYC

For pilots in the New York City area, our instrument rating training program is built around an FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device. Here's what that means for your training:

Our instructors are active airline pilots who bring real-world IFR experience to every lesson. They understand the procedures, the workload management, and the decision-making that professional pilots use every day.

Frequently Asked Questions