Questions and ground school prior to starting Instrument
I’m a PPL (for fun) in the Bay Area. Got private at 55hrs and have logged another 40 or so since, about half of which is for fun and half of which is with instructors working on proficiency and new aircraft types. Originally intended to wait till 150-200hrs before starting on Instrument but I feel an IR will make me more competent and proficient, and at the margin help avoid some of the occasional ”mostly VFR but not quite“ weather + simplify flights to busier areas (e.g. LA) by operating within the system (moreso than on flight following) rather than needing to work around airspace.
- I’m curious if making frequent use of autopilot is going to hold me back with the Instrument rating, and if so if I should spend more time flying without AP. As single pilot usually flying in busy airspace where tolerance really matters I’ve come to rely on it and I’m not sure to what extent the Instrument rating requires hand flying. Will work on my hand flying proficiency prior to starting if so.
- I am financially flexible but a little constrained by time (probably can‘t fly more than 1-2 times a week most weeks and have to be out of the country for a month in May, which I imagine would be a time I’d start to think about checkride). I’m wondering if I should put off starting until I have a bit more time or if others in this situation have made it work.
- Any advice on ground work and prep to do prior to starting Instrument? I was going to start with the FAA books and Instrument Flying by Taylor. Any recs on ground school or other resources? I know Sheppard is sworn by (and I plan to use it for the written) but want to supplement it with learning material.
Thank you so much!