Priorities: Instrument Rating vs. RV Build

[Clayton]

Being new to the forum I have been overwhelmed with all of the great information, knowledge, and inspiration for building my own RV. In fact, I have spent way to much time surfing the VAF forum. I was introduced to the forum after having had the pleasure of a intro ride with Randy Richmond at Northwest Regional (52F). I have come to conclude that ride will be the most costly 15 minutes I will have spent as a passenger in my short history in aviation. I certainly understand what the RV is all about.

I received my Private Pilot certificate in December 2010 and have logged just over 250 total hours. About 100 hours cross country since then in a Cessna 210.

As much as I want to focus my energy and resources on building an RV-8, I really know that I need to place an instrument rating ahead in terms of priority. I would imagine that most on this forum would agree.

The reason for my post is to solicit advise on what are the best resources for the FAA written exam. I have a really great instructor when it comes to time in the plane. What I am looking for is advise from those who might have experience with some of the online ground schools that are offered. I like the computerized study approach, as it seems to work best for me.

Your insight and advise will be most appreciated.

All the Best,

Clayton

[fatherson]

Welcome, Clayton! I know what you mean about expensive "free" RV rides, but it's worth it in the end.

I'm not at all sure about your assumption that everyone here would put getting an IFR ticket above starting a build, but that doesn't matter. Just like you should eventually build the plane you want, not the one someone else wants you to build, your choices about how to spend your resources should be your own. Either order has plenty of merit.

The only real choice is how much to spend on aviation in toto, to which the only acceptable answer is: all of it. :-)

Oh, and for me, the Gleim materials have been great.

--
Stephen

[Hens07]

Clayton-

I had a situation slightly different then you this past year. I finished my private pilot in 2010 and then started building my RV-7 tail feathers in Spring of 2011. By the time Summer came I realized that I really missed flying and decided to put more effort towards my instrument rating. After passing my checkride in October I can say that the instrument rating has improved my flying dramatically! Not because I can now fly in crappy weather but it teaches you how to fly the machine precisely. I am really glad that I made that decision and now I can finish up my elevators during the cold winter nights :-) Not to mention, I now appreciate some of the nice gizmos/avionics that are out there on the market and plan on making my RV-7 IFR capable!

[jwilbur]

I had to make a similar decision and chose to build. I got my PPL in 2009 and After less than 100 hours I realized renting wouldn't do. I would have to own an airplane to do what I want to do. For practical reasons I decided to start building before getting an IFR rating.

Mostly, I can't afford to fly much while building (as it turns out, both flying and building cost, nay, consume money), so if I did the IFR first, I'd grow pretty rusty on those skills before ever really using them. My plan is to get my IFR rating during the last year or 6 months of my build. It will force me to get my skills back up, prepare me for transition training in my 10, and it'll help reduce the insurance premiums. I felt with my more limited financial resources and the time involved in the build, this would be the safest route for me. Though I have to say that not flying very much (hardly at all) is pretty tough - especially on those beautifull VFR days.

Anyway, that's been my reasoning. If you think out what's best in your particular situation, I'm sure you'll make the right decision ... and start building immediately. (Just kidding on that last part.)

[Clayton]

Originally Posted by Hens07

Clayton-

I had a situation slightly different then you this past year. I finished my private pilot in 2010 and then started building my RV-7 tail feathers in Spring of 2011. By the time Summer came I realized that I really missed flying and decided to put more effort towards my instrument rating. After passing my checkride in October I can say that the instrument rating has improved my flying dramatically! Not because I can now fly in crappy weather but it teaches you how to fly the machine precisely. I am really glad that I made that decision and now I can finish up my elevators during the cold winter nights :-) Not to mention, I now appreciate some of the nice gizmos/avionics that are out there on the market and plan on making my RV-7 IFR capable!

Andrew,

Glad to hear that you knocked out the Instrument training. Can you tell me if you took the independent study approach, and if you did what study material you used for the ground school portion?

[Clayton]

Originally Posted by jwilbur

Though I have to say that not flying very much (hardly at all) is pretty tough - especially on those beautifull VFR days.

Joe,

Wish you lived closer, always looking for someone to go flying with.

As for the instrument ticket, I will be spending a lot of time cross country, including over the Rocky Mountains, with family, and just not comfortable delaying. And besides, my wife insists that I fly more so I can get my instrument rating.

I jokingly tell here that it is my job to fly Miss Daisy. Whatever it takes to make her happy! I just can't wait to see how happy she will be in an RV!

All the Best,

Clayton

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by Clayton

Joe,

As for the instrument ticket, I will be spending a lot of time cross country, including over the Rocky Mountains, with family, and just not comfortable delaying.

I've spent a lot of time over the Rockies, but prefer not to fly designated flight paths. I go where the scenery is. Use SPOT satellite tracker.......for others to know my location.
I let the multi & IFR rating go........as I got into the RV build. Had been working on both, at the same time. Was the mid 90's. Wouldn't mind finishing the IFR rating before I'm 70 or so...

L.Adamson

[jwilbur]

Originally Posted by Clayton

Joe,
... As for the instrument ticket, I will be spending a lot of time cross country, including over the Rocky Mountains, with family, and just not comfortable delaying.
Clayton

That sure sounds like the right decision for your situation. Sounds fun, too.

I hope to be looking for IFR study materials in a couple of years myself. Can't wait. ... For now, I'll have to be content just learning to work with proseal for my tanks (which I'll be starting soon). ... Alas, I'll dream of IFR training each time I accidentily smear proseal all over my glasses.

[donoltman]

It took two long cross country flights in my Comanche 250 to figure out that high performance without a IFR ticket doesn't work forever. A 210 is pretty high performance and getting into trouble with your family on board is no fun. The best thing I ever did was set aside a weekend and take one of the many weekend accelerated courses around the country that end with taking the test. The rest of the ticket was a piece of cake.
Don

[frazitl]

with about 250 hours in the book (1994) using John and Martha (Sportys) for the study materials. Passed the written in the high 90's IIRC with no classroom training. Self study and practice tests worked great for me.

I started building in '05 and was pretty competent with IFR in our Mooney at that time. By the time I finished the RV 7A in '09, I was very rusty and had (still have) lots to learn about the new EFIS based avionics. Not IFR current yet.

My suggestion is to hold off on your IFR ticket until you can do it in your own RV. You will be MUCH more comfortable flying in the soup in the plane you trained in.

Of course, YMMV. Best.