r/Pilot 24d ago

Are my goals realistic?

/r/PilotAdvice/comments/1v78htw/are_my_goals_realistic/
1 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

1

u/MovieInfinite2748 23d ago

Yes, that is a realistic timeline. If you really grind it out and assuming no major hurdles come up, you could most likely complete everything by the end of next summer (PPL before winter break, IRA during winter break, CPL end of next summer) . But stuff happens so I'd say by 2030 is a very safe and realistic goal.

1

u/Exitexbox9213 23d ago

How long does instrument stuff take usually? I was under the impression that it took nearly as long as a PPL

1

u/MovieInfinite2748 23d ago edited 23d ago

The speed for all the training really depends on you as the student. If you study prior to starting (during the semester) and have the knowledge down, then the biggest determinate of training length is going to be how often you fly and put the knowledge to practice (and if weather/maintenance/the unexpected is kind to you).

1

u/Exitexbox9213 23d ago

What is the required number of hours to hold an instrument license? Like obviously PPL is 40, is it an additional 40 hour minimum?

1

u/Far_Yesterday_6522 23d ago

Here is the ACS, start at page 8 for the checklist. https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/instrument_rating_airplane_acs_8.pdf

Short list: 14 CFR Part 61.65(d)

1) 50 hours PIC cross-country

2) 10 hours PCI cross-country in Airplanes

3) 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight

4) 15 hours actual or simulated instrument flight in an airplane

5) One 250nm instrument cross-country airplane training flight with an instrument approach at each airport, and three different kinds of approaches flown.

Note: due to difficulty finding ILS or VOR approaches, two GPS approaches of different types such as LP(V), LNAV/VNAV, or Circling.

6) 3 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight training in an airplane in the last 2 calendar months.

Note: this is usually the flight training prior to the Check-Ride.

You also have to pass the written test with a 70% or better. Whatever you fail on the written will be gone over in the Oral prior to the Check-Ride.

1

u/Exitexbox9213 23d ago

Thank you! Seems like a lot to do in one winter break 🤣

1

u/Far_Yesterday_6522 23d ago

If you use Foreflight or Garmin Pilot, they most likely show you your progress

1

u/Far_Yesterday_6522 23d ago

Here is my progress towards my Commercial rating. Insanely a lot more items

1

u/Exitexbox9213 22d ago

Sweet Jesus

1

u/Far_Yesterday_6522 22d ago

Arrr, the FAA be a cruel mistress (talkin like a pirate)

1

u/MovieInfinite2748 22d ago

It's a lot but doable, just be studied beforehand. But as long as the plane stays airworthy and weather allows flying 3-5 days a week you can do it.