Initial Multi IFR

[shamrock104]

Is it better to get some sim time in before getting the Multi rating in order to get a better grasp of IFR procedures? Tracking and holds are challenging enough for me on the ground without the added stress of getting to grips with a multi aircraft. Any thoughts or suggestions on this would be helpful as I approached a school recently and they wanted me to start with the Multi rating.

[Bookem Lou]

Try Microsoft Flight Sim 2004 for your computer. It isn't very accurate when it comes to simulation of the aircraft but for IFR holds and approaches I find it is very good. That way, when you get in the real airplane, interpreting the instruments won't be an issue and you can spend more time becoming familiar with the handling of the particular aircraft you are in.

If you already own it, great. If not, the 30 dollars it costs to buy will be the most cost efficient training you can get.

[Krashman]

I'm an IFR instructor and some of the worst stuff I see is in the hold... Be sure you know how to hold with wind. Crosswind is the only way you should be practicing.... Know when to increase angle of bank and know when to shallow out turn...especially on an NDB hold. Ask your instructor if you can do sim with him for a few hours before getting in the plane. Most light twins cost about $280 and hour with an instructor. Thats just over $4 a minute!! Be ready for the IFR so you can save a few bucks.

[Degrassi]

I am gonna have to agree with Krashman on this one.. As an ifr instructor myself, the one thing that drives me nuts more then anything else, is when a student says he/she is ready for the plane..when they are not. Simulator trainning is invaluable, do as much as you can, when you are doing your ifr trainning you should be solo in the sim at least 4 hours a week, if you want to get done quickly. The worst is going flying with a subpar candidate, and then having them screw up in terminal airspace. Subconciously it makes me think as though the control guy thinks i am a complete idiot and that i dont know what i am doing... lol i know this isnt a concern for the student, but if your gonna do something you might as well do it right.

[C-GPFG]

How will you know how to fly the simulated aircraft if you haven't flown the real aircraft?

Get the multi-rating first, or at least have a few multi hours under your belt. Save the sim stuff for the days not suitable for multi training, then go nuts with the IFR once you have the multi-rating.

[Red Line]

I used to always supplement my IFR flights with a round of MS Flight Sim that night. I'd try and fly the same flight I did with the instructor (same holds and approaches in sequence). That way I'd be reminded of the weak parts of the flight and why they didn't work out. It was a good mental review of the flight aswell. As mentioned above, desktop simulators are not going to be ultra-realistic, but a lot of IFR flying is the "mental picture" and planning of the correct entry, etc. MS Flight Sim will help exercise your brain. Flying the plane should be second nature by now anyway.

BTW, have you done holds and approaches in a singe-engine first? Stuff happens much quicker in a twin and it could get expensive if you find yourself repeating a lot of flights.

Best of luck,

Red