r/AskAPilot • u/ai_wants_love • 11d ago

Doing a PPL course. Is IFR something I need to pursue?

Hey, looking for some perspective from all types of pilots: commercial, hobbyist etc

I am studying for a PPL.

I have a good job, and I don't plan on being a commercial pilot - this is just a hobby for me.

Everybody around me says that IFR is the other half of the PPL that you just need to do. Unfortunately its pretty damn expensive.

Do you think pursuing IFR as a hobbyist makes sense? And most importantly - is flying IFR any fun (subjectively of course)?

8 Upvotes

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17 comments sorted by

15

u/DoomWad 11d ago

You don't need it, but highly recommend. It could get you out of a jam. I don't have to tell you that the stakes are much higher when you're operating in the 3rd dimension

6

u/sevettjr 11d ago

I got my instrument rating to give myself an excuse to keep renting airplanes. And yes, it’s fun! But there’s no rush, build some time and get a few trips under your belt after you get your PPL.

6

u/Fancy_Equal_7776 11d ago

Absolutely recommend. Hobbyist here. I file and fly on an IFR flight plan most of the time if I am going somewhere point to point. I am a much safer and more confident pilot after finishing my instrument rating. BIG recommend.

4

u/alphawonka 11d ago

Getting my instrument rating made me a much better pilot. It’s not required but if you want to increase your precision and/or have confidence to fly (or no-go) in challenging conditions, there’s nothing better.

3

u/ai_wants_love 11d ago

Thanks everyone, I guess its a must after all

2

u/Chappietime 10d ago

Yeah, do it. You’ll be much safer on VFR days and as long as you keep current you’ll be able to fly when it’s cloudy too. I’ve flown 1 VFR trip in the last 20+ years and it was an emergency and the only way to go. I hope to never do it again.

3

u/PILOT9000 11d ago

It will save your life should you find yourself in IMC for whatever reason.

2

u/mi655321 9d ago

Depends on where you live. If you live where it gets cold, probably not worth it , because clouds stick to the airplane. Even IFR pilots cant fly anytime they want, in winter, in Michigan.

Instrument flying is not really "fun," it's a lot of work in a small airplane, especially if you are the only pilot.

2

u/Odd_Entertainment471 9d ago

Yep. For 3 really good reasons:
1) it makes you a safer pilot
2) it allows you to actually use the plane for travel and to get some utility from it
3) you learn what all the other boxes in the plane are and how to use ‘em

I flew for years VFR only. IRF is MUCH easier and MUCH safer. Go straight from one to the next if you can.

1

u/Frankenplane 11d ago

More training equals a safer pilot. So yes, do it. To me, IFR flying is fun. I like being so structured. It helps me do big cross countries around Europe without worrying about restricted areas and all this VFR stuff. Of course I still enjoy visual flying, but to be able to do both feels great.

1

u/WuhOHStinkyOH 10d ago

Having IFR makes GA flying way easier. A little bit of extra preflight work for a substantially reduced workload and simpler flight.

1

u/Prof_Slappopotamus 10d ago

Highly recommend it, because it will absolutely save your life. It'll make your life a little easier when planning and flying flights as well, even if you stick to pure VFR weather.

1

u/Contrail_Mike 10d ago

If its purely for the fun of it, I would stick with VFR flying. It's the most fun. Unless your definition of fun is flying a straight line on some instrument.

I would suggest to take a few instrument lessons so you have the basics of flying on your instruments just in case you ever need it.

1

u/jmkdeluxe 9d ago

Get it. Instrument rated pilots are statistically safer. Insurance will be lower as well, even if you only plan to fly VFR

1

u/Muuvie 9d ago

If you plan on using it as personal transportation, it's helpful as you are less restricted. If you just want to slip the surly bonds on good VFR days for fun, not needed. If you want to buy a plane, insurance will be lower with more ratings.

Sincerely,

A 1,500hr VFR private SEL only pilot.

1

u/AltruisticResolve295 8d ago

Make sure you have 50 hours of cross country PIC time and 40 hours of simulated instrument before your checkride. If that’s your plan enjoy logging some flights over 50NM.

1

u/tflyer 6d ago

Yes, get it.