Click Here to Return to

I'm just starting my IFR training. I've got basic instrument flying and partial panel stuff down cold and we're starting approaches next lesson. (We're starting with VOR approaches, for what it's worth.) I need to order a hood, so I was online browsing and saw all kinds of IFR training stuff:

-timers (the ASA seems popular, but others advocate the local supermarket)
-"IFR Plotters"
-instrument covers
-different lighting gizmos (cap brim, flashlights, boom lights, etc., etc.)
-yoke clips (for chart/approach plates? What if you already have a GPS on your yoke?)

Someone also told me to get an "IFR kneeboard," something about the six-hole punch to hold approach charts?

Can anyone who's doing or has done their IFR training give some guidance? I don't want to waste money, but I also don't want to make learning harder by not having something that's helpful.

All advice appreciated.

You need a timer. Unless your airplane has a good enough one that you can track time efficiently. IFR plan requirements requires a clock with a sweeping hand in the airplane. The only reason people get these timer gizzmos is they present much better than the FAA minimums.

You really don't need all those other things. Simple post it notes work well for covering instruments.

I tend to be a minimalist or practicalist depending on how you want to look at it. You need a good kneeboard to keep you organized. Having pen/pencil holders available are good to have items, as you are for ever having to write things down and losing pens while flying instrument.

For writing paper, I like to use the postit note size notepads as I can write my clearances and if need be stick them somewhere. I don't have to worry too much about a bunch of loose paper flying around.

A Yoke clip is handy for keeping the approach plates in front of you.

Finally for x-country planning, and we hate marking up our charts, but I use Crayola erasable markers (not the wipes) They have a nice rubber eraser at the end so you can use it to highlight your routes and erase later. They are pretty cheap and can be found at most office supply stores.

IFR-there are a lot of gadgets out there all designed to make your life easier and the cockpit more efficient. Some of them are mandatory, but many of them you'll find after some experience what you like and you don't like. Problem is, where do you start?

Timer, absolutely, anything that keeps time.
Yoke clip-yes, unless you have another way to attach the text/graphic approach is a visual spot
Knee board-truthfully I have found that I want as much space to write as possible. A big blank piece of paper is perfect. A full size clipboard has become my IFR kneeboard. I pull the plates out I need and organize before I start. Then I just pull them out of the clipboard and onto a yoke.
Pencils, and lots of them

Night IFR, this is another discussion, but you'll want lighting enough so you are confident in any situation. But until you are there in training...don't worry about it.

Truth is you want to keep the cockpit as efficient as possible and uncluttered. With time you will develop systems and preferences, for now add "gadgets" as you see a need...with guidance from your instructor.

Timer --definetly, I used the ones that have all numbers in it , that way you can put the time which most of the time is not whole min like 2:15, 2;41 etc etc do I do punch those numbers right away and up to the next thing
Kneeboard-- well I guess you didnt used one for your private but I dont fly without it,, I started to fly with it since day one and Now I have to use it, it is very helpful and doesnt take much space
Yoke holder, I do recomend it, you would clip your approach charts and have them in front of you, right where you need them
Lights--I personally carry 2 flashlights with new spare baterries, I also carry with me a small light for use on charts, kneebord etc etc
Hood--yes you need one but this one can be provided by your instructor, I have my own cose I diddnt want to fly with somebodyelses dry sweet on it. lol

thats all you really need, they are tons of nice things on the market but NOT necessary for training, if you have the money and like to het as many gadjets, go ahead, but if money is an issue (and fly training is an issue) dont spent more than what you need,,Good luck buddy