UPT and civilian instrument rating

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endoftheline

5-Year Member
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Jan 20, 2011
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hey i was wondering how beneficial do you think that getting my instrument rating before UPT would be? i already have my PPL, and am considering getting my instrument rating this summer. money and time aren't really an issue, but it still a commitment and only one i am willing to make if it really will pay dividends down the road.

the reason i ask is because i've heard different things from different people. the instructors at the club i fly at (mostly prior military pilots) say it definitely will, but i'm sure they are somewhat biased. a few active duty pilots i've had the privelage to ask aren't so sure, so i thought i'd seek answers from a wider network..

what do you think? current or prior AF pilot input is greatly appreciated...
 
I was chatting with another member of my cohort here at RAND who just retired out of F-16s. I was considering doing my multi, but ended up deciding the money wasn't worth it, esp since it wouldn't help towards UPT. My cohort mate said that about the only useful upgrade after PPL was instrument. So, if money and time aren't an issue, go for it! Keep in mind that it won't be quite as helpful since UPT is a long way off now.

It can't hurt you and might help some, if you keep it current and in practice. Bigger issue, IMO, do you want it? Would you have fun and enjoy getting it? If that's the case, then do it!
 
I was talking to some flyers here taking grad classes with me. They asked if i was flying at all before going. I told them I was not and asked if they thought i should. In their opinion, the only benefit is to make sure its something I enjoy. IFS and UPT assume you know absolutely nothing, so it's not like not getting started early will hurt in anyway. Granted knowing some basic skills and terminology certainly can't hurt, but as Hornet pointed out, you shouldn't do it if you're only trying to "get ahead". Assume you're going to go to UPT? Do you want this rating? Now assume you don't get a slot. Do you want the rating? That's really what it should come down to.
 
endoftheline said:
hey i was wondering how beneficial do you think that getting my instrument rating before UPT would be? i already have my PPL, and am considering getting my instrument rating this summer. money and time aren't really an issue, but it still a commitment and only one i am willing to make if it really will pay dividends down the road.

the reason i ask is because i've heard different things from different people. the instructors at the club i fly at (mostly prior military pilots) say it definitely will, but i'm sure they are somewhat biased. a few active duty pilots i've had the privelage to ask aren't so sure, so i thought i'd seek answers from a wider network..

what do you think? current or prior AF pilot input is greatly appreciated...
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I agree with the other two posters. I would only do it if you WANT it and understand it will be for personal development at this point and not necessarily a leg up. You won't have to have any pilot experience to go UPT, but you will have to qualify. Some of the best pilots I have ever flown with had no prior pilot experience before flight school. Back in the day many spent money to get ratings to get hired in the outside world; IMO your money would be better spent on the back side of your military career than the front side for additional ratings.
 
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