***Update***
SPIFR Flight Training is no longer providing
flight training.
Andrew Ike, founder and primary CFI
is now teaching the Hawker 400XP in the corporate world. Thank you for all
the wonderful customers who trained with us over the past 7 years. Past
customers can still call or email Andrew
directly (419 283 1552). Limited refreshers may be
available for graduates of SPIFR.
For IFR training, we recommend GATTS in
Manhattan, KS. Andrew worked with GATTS during 1999-2000. Call Jason
or Dale Wolcott for more information 888-778-6676.
The original SPIFR content is contained below for reference
purposes:
IFR
Benefits
The instrument rating
has numerous benefits. We believe no active pilot should leave the
ground unless they have their instrument rating. In addition to the benefits
listed below, aircraft owners often see significant reductions in their insurance
rates once they are instrument rated.
Top 5 Reasons why every pilot should have
their instrument rating:
- Increase Safety
- Master Precise
Pilot Skills
- Possess Superior
Knowledge
- Understand the ATC
System
- Maximize
Flight Planning Options
First and foremost, safety is the primary concern for pilots.
Earning your instrument rating will equip you with the skills to avoid one of the biggest fatal
threats to VFR pilots: Continued VFR flight into deteriorating weather.
Having the instrument rating will allow you to safely navigate through, around,
or simply avoid potentially adverse weather altogether.
Flying at night can also be a dangerous activity for VFR
pilots. Flying over unpopulated terrain can leave pilots with little
visual clues to maintain spatial orientation. In addition, VFR pilots
flying at night have no way maintaining visual separation from clouds.
Pilots flying at night on a regular basis should have an instrument rating
regardless of the weather conditions flown in.
Even if you do not plan on flying intentionally in hard IMC
conditions, the instrument rating will provide a safety net for those times when
IMC conditions or poor visibility are accidentally encountered.
Top
The instrument Rating is the best way to fine tune those
piloting skills to gain that professional smooth and light control touch.
The instrument rating will help you hold precise heading and altitude, track
courses along the centerline, and follow precision glideslopes that set you up
for a perfect landing. The instrument
rating will give you a professional edge that improves your safety and
confidence in the airplane.
Top
The instrument rating will expand your knowledge and
understanding of every aspect of aviation. From weather and flight
planning to aircraft systems and avionics, the instrument rating will provide a
new level of confidence in the complex world of flying.
Top
Instrument Rated pilots fully understand that the National
Airspace System was designed for IFR operations from the ground up. As a VFR pilot,
it often feels like rules were added for non-IFR pilots as an after-thought.
IFR pilots, on the other hand, are provided with the best treatment
from every airspace related service. From ATC handling to search and rescue procedures, IFR
flights get the red carpet treatment.
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5. Maximize Flight Planning Options
IFR pilots rarely have to look at a layer of clouds from
the ground wishing they could just pop through them and still make their
flight. IFR pilots also have more choices for landing at or close to their
original destination. The IFR
pilot is better equipped to maintain his or her original flight schedule and
meet important business and personal commitments.
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In fact, we cannot think of any good reason why an active
pilot should be flying without an instrument rating. Even pilots who plan
to avoid clouds at all costs can reap the rewards of filing IFR flight plans in
good weather. And when unforecast poor weather is encountered, the IFR
pilot has the skills and confidence to maintain aircraft control and return to
visual conditions or navigate to their destination.
The sooner you earn your instrument rating, the sooner you can
avoid some of the greatest dangers VFR-only pilots face and begin to reap all the
rewards of the instrument pilot.
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