INSTRUMENT RATING
Client Meeting in Rockford
You’re flying to Rockford, IL (RFD) for a meeting (assume it's within Private Pilot Privileges) . You are flying solo with 40 lbs of luggage. The airplane is IFR certified and just got some avionics upgrades. Winds are 150° at 12 knots, leading to the ILS RWY 19 approach. Weather is IFR with 600-foot ceilings. If you miss the meeting, it may affect future business negotiations because it's too late to drive now.
PILOT LOGBOOK DOCUMENTATION
Simulated IFR time with a safety pilot should be signed by the appropriately rated safety pilot.
A copy of the letter of authorization from the simulator may be required in order to determine the number of hours that can be credited.
All endorsements should match the student's legal name. No nicknames, partial, or abbreviations will be accepted.
Plan on your math being double-checked. Errors could cause you to wrongfully believe you are meeting the requirements.
Since you are PIC for the checkride you must have a current flight review or check ride within the preceding 24 months
Make sure that simulated instrument + actual instrument equals total instrument on your application
Endorsements pre-printed in logbooks are not always current or acceptable. Most do not exactly match the FAA's recommended verbiage in the advisory circulars.
This should be included in your logbook even if it was signed-off through an online ground school.
FLIGHT REQUIREMENT ITEMS TO DOUBLE CHECK
Check to see that the three approaches are noted in the remarks section of the entry and they meet the requirements. Simply logging 3 generic approaches isn't enough.
Cross counties are 50NM or greater to meet airplane experience requirements for an instrument rating 61.1(b)(ii). For example, some cross country time from a helicopter could count, but only if it is over 50nm.
Be familiar with the maximum number of simulator hours that can be credited. Do you keep separate log? Will you be able to explain what regulations apply to use of simulators?
The total instrument time is not the same as the total time of the flight. Was taxi, run-up, takeoff, time "broken out" of the clouds, landing, and shut down in visual conditions accounted for?
Simulated IFR time with a safety pilot should be signed by the appropriately rated safety pilot.
Instrument instruction received time doesn't count towards the minimum required if that instructor was not an instrument instructor at the time of the flight. For example, instrument time from your private pilot training may not qualify.
Because IFR applicants are flying with safety pilots, doing other VFR flights to stay current, and using simulators, it is easier to overlook the recent hours required.
8710 AND IACRA
Airplane is selected
Use the type including model designator, for example CE-172-M
Is a simulator an airplane? It may be intended to represent one but it is not. Make sure it is split out on the application.
You will need to login to IACRA on the day-of the checkride to sign your application. Most people use their own device because that is where their password is saved. Make sure pop-up blockers are turned off on your device.
Mismatch is an automatic disqualification. This must be corrected by your FSDO. Be prepared to provide proof of citizenship for the country indicated.
Be sure to complete the class totals and fill out your airplane PIC time as well as carry down your simulator totals. Simulator time should be dual received
Select DO NOT USE or be prepared to show proof that your SSN is correct.