IR 141 vs. 61

Bubba

Bubba

New Member
Just wondering if anyone that has done the IR @ skymates or an instructor could answer this one.
What are the real differences between the 141 and 61 IR? I know about the 50 xc req'ment, and I only have about 20 xc since my PPL. I'm leaning toward the 141 route, not so much that I won't have get another 25-30 xc hours (about $2500 extra), but for my comfort level. I believe the IR should be earned before going off on long x-country trips. I know 50nm isn't far, but a lot of weather can happen sometimes.
I also know there are stage checks, but I'm not that familiar with 141 stuff, so I'd like to know more.
Anything at all will help.
Bubba
 
I am just finishing up my IR at Skymates, and I have done the program 141. Here are some of the differences....with 141, there is no XC prerequisite, the minimum # of hours is 35 (40 with part 61), and you may use the Simulator for 50% of the hours. 141 ends up being less expensive because of this.

With 141, you have a set syllabus from the King Schools "Cleared for Approach" course. The syllabus includes stage checks. The one downside about 141 is that the course is very regimented, and it tends to progress slowly. However, there is no reason that you and your instructor can't decide to move quicker through the material. For example, instrument approaches aren't technically covered until lesson 13 or 14, but I did instrument approaches every single time I returned to GKY. That just made it easier once I actually got to the official instrument approach part of the course.

Bottom line....fewer hours, fewer prerequisites, and more possible sim time with 141.
 
One thing to consider, though, is the next rating and getting hired down the road. I think the 50 hours X-C for the part 61 IFR is a good confidence and timebuilder. You'll need the hours sooner or later to get a CFI job.

Also, ground trainers can be used for 50% of an IR under part 61.
 
I agree that it'll be less expensive via 141 especially since I need about 25 more xc hours. I also plan on getting my CSEL and CFI, so I'll definitely have 50+ xc by then.

I feel that I would be a safer pilot by having the IR before accumulating a bunch of xc hours. In the long run I really think 141 is for me, but I still do appreciate every bit of input. thanks guys!
 
Honestly I think 61 is better training for instrument. 141 you have to go by a strict sylabus. Its hard to get away from the home airport and do different approaches.

61 you get to go do some cool x-countries to where you want to go. Thats the best way to learn. When I get a new instrument student(its been a while) I train them under 61. I can do it faster that way.

I agree with Don. Dont treat the x-countries as an added requirement but rather a awesome learning experience!
 
61 is actually cheaper as well, because only 25 of the 40 hours is required to be dual. You can legally split the time with another private pilot acting as your safety pilot and build that cross country PIC time simultaneously. I recommend flying with an instructor for a couple of flights to get a good instrument scan down, and then build the rest of your 25 hours of PIC cross country with other students.
 
According to 61.65

"(i) At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought;
(ii) At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the test"

Wouldn't that only be 15 hours required instruction, or 18 hours with the practical prep?

I guess I assumed the 40 hours was dual, just not actual or simulated time.

It all looks about the same, timewise, but how difficult is it to find and coordinate flights with another instrument student? Also, wouldn't I still need all 40 hours simulated time? I didn't think I could split that as safety pilot.


Thanks
 
Bubba said:
According to 61.65

"(i) At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought;
(ii) At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the test"

Wouldn't that only be 15 hours required instruction, or 18 hours with the practical prep?

I guess I assumed the 40 hours was dual, just not actual or simulated time.

It all looks about the same, timewise, but how difficult is it to find and coordinate flights with another instrument student? Also, wouldn't I still need all 40 hours simulated time? I didn't think I could split that as safety pilot.


Thanks
Click to expand...

Doh! You are right, it is 15 hours. The 3 hours of PTS prep can be included in the 15, as long as it is done within 60 days. It isn't very difficult to coordinate with our students here. I just had 3 private students pass their checkride in the past two weeks, and there are many more looking to build up time. The remaining 25 hours of instrument time that the 15 hours of dual doesn't cover can be done with a safety pilot. That is the only way you can legally log simulated instrument time.
 
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