BrianR
Pre-takeoff checklist
Having decided it's time to start on my instrument rating, the club to which I belong has two, both IFR-equipped and certified: a Warrior, and a 182. The differences are, the 182 has the STEC 60 and the Garmin 430 (non-WAAS), while the Warrior has no autopilot and an old Garmin 300XL. Both have second comm radios, two VOR receivers, GS and localizer. The Warrior also has DME. The Warrior is $100 per hour, while the 182 commands $135 per hour.
Of the two, I much prefer the 182 for any kind of long distance travel. Once completing the rating, I assume if I were to actually fly in IMC, chances are it would be in the 182.
However, as for instrument training, I'm pretty sure the presence of an autopilot isn't really a consideration, as I doubt the CFII will spend much time having me use that, since he knows it can keep the airplane right side up and pointing where it's supposed to be.
So does it make more sense to conduct the training in the airplane which I'd most likely use, or does it make more sense to save the extra $35 per hour ($1400 over the course of 40 hours, not insignificant) and just use the Warrior?
I'm fairly comfortable using the 430, for VFR operations anyway, and wonder whether the learning curve for instrument flight is steep enough it would be worthwhile to do the training in that airplane...or is that a silly reason to spend the extra $$$?
i know which way I'm leaning, but am curious what others have to say.
Of the two, I much prefer the 182 for any kind of long distance travel. Once completing the rating, I assume if I were to actually fly in IMC, chances are it would be in the 182.
However, as for instrument training, I'm pretty sure the presence of an autopilot isn't really a consideration, as I doubt the CFII will spend much time having me use that, since he knows it can keep the airplane right side up and pointing where it's supposed to be.
So does it make more sense to conduct the training in the airplane which I'd most likely use, or does it make more sense to save the extra $35 per hour ($1400 over the course of 40 hours, not insignificant) and just use the Warrior?
I'm fairly comfortable using the 430, for VFR operations anyway, and wonder whether the learning curve for instrument flight is steep enough it would be worthwhile to do the training in that airplane...or is that a silly reason to spend the extra $$$?
i know which way I'm leaning, but am curious what others have to say.