On Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:50:26 -0700, Daniel wrote:

So it's that time of year again. My aircraft insurane policy was due for
renewal. Broker got back with me and the proposal came out to $1200
higher than last year.

Now, while we were trying to figure this out, one of the topics of
discussion was my instrument rating. Insurance carriers will often
refuse to entertain coverage for a pilot flying a high performance
complex without the extra rating. So...

We cleared up the confusion and the proposal came out to be only $150
more than last year. Fair enough, I approved the proposal and I meet
them Monday to sign everything and pay.

But the age old question, for those of you who have the instrument
rating, is it as daunting as I expect? Dude from flight chops just got
his and it appeared grueling for him.

'You're going to have tons of fun getting your ifr dude.' Those words
came from my old cfi.

So I've printed out all the handbooks from the faa site, ordered the
exam handbook, and will soon discover the areas of far/aim i must learn.

Got my bfr on Sunday, so maybe we'll get a good idea if we can turn and
burn with my training and have the rating before next year's renewal
hits.

Some say insurance goes down considerably with the extra training.



Daniel,

I don't know where you're located, but in the Los Angeles area traffic
congestion is unbelievably dense (compared to the early '70s) . While
it is certainly possible to navigate the LA basin with minimal ATC
contact, an Instrument Rating is an asset that makes the PIC more
confident and professional. And, training in actual conditions is
some of the most memorable flying I've experienced; it was definitely
tones of fun.

Of course, the "right" CFII is paramount. See if you can find one who
holds instrument ground school classes. Also, community college
ground training can help the material sink in. I found the big red
Gleim book useful:
https://www.gleimaviation.com/produc...instrumentbks/
.. The FAA documents, not so much...

An instrument rating will make it much easier to "fit in" in today's
congested VFR ATC environment even if you never shoot another approach
after you earn the rating. Despite finding the time and the cost of
maintaining instrument currency rather daunting, there is no question
the knowledge and experience gained completing the rating has made me
a more competent and professional pilot.

Have fun!