Next step after Instrument Rating

[N48302P]

Howdy everyone,

Looking for some advice from my fellow pilots. So, I am hopefully going to be finishing my instrument rating within the next month. I will be around 100 hours give or take a few when I am done. So, what is usually the next step after that? I know you need 250 hours for commercial. But can you do some training in between then, or just fly around to build those hours? What was your path after Instrument training?

Thanks in advance for the help/advice.

 

[ckthepilot]

You're going to have to build some time via cross country flights. I also recommend getting a seaplane rating while you're at it. You can always find a FBO and see if they're hiring for line service. That way you may be able to get reduced flying rates while building your time. Another option is to find another pilot in your situation and split the cost and flight time.

 

[scooter2525]

Go get time in something that goes upsidedown.

 

[youngflyer]

You should try to go for a glider add-on. It will get you used to looking outside of the cockpit after the instrument training. If you are in an area where long flights are easily attainable, it can also be a very cheap way of time building. If you like to remain in something with power, consider getting a tail-wheel endorsement.

 

[Pay2]

I did my multi private add on and did some of my xc trips in a Seneca. That way I got my xc country time as well as some multi time in one shot. You can start your comm before you have 250 hrs, so you may consider getting with an instructor and learning the comm maneuvers. Then go out and practice those maneuvers on your own so that as you get close to 250 hrs you can finish you commercial quickly. You can also spice things up by flying from the right seat while your building your time and talking to yourself out loud as if you were instructing.

 

[JordanD]

I did my multi private add on and did some of my xc trips in a Seneca. That way I got my xc country time as well as some multi time in one shot. You can start your comm before you have 250 hrs, so you may consider getting with an instructor and learning the comm maneuvers. Then go out and practice those maneuvers on your own so that as you get close to 250 hrs you can finish you commercial quickly. You can also spice things up by flying from the right seat while your building your time and talking to yourself out loud as if you were instructing.

I did my multi private add on and did some of my xc trips in a Seneca. That way I got my xc country time as well as some multi time in one shot. You can start your comm before you have 250 hrs, so you may consider getting with an instructor and learning the comm maneuvers. Then go out and practice those maneuvers on your own so that as you get close to 250 hrs you can finish you commercial quickly. You can also spice things up by flying from the right seat while your building your time and talking to yourself out loud as if you were instructing.

Be careful with that. A lot of rental agreements prohibit it and it could get you into trouble.

 

[CFI A&P]

1) Now really learn how to fly - tail wheel, glider, seaplane, fly upside down.

2) If you plan on CFI'ing- get checked out in very different make and model around, especially at the school you're likely to instruct for. If you're already checked out and meet insurance requirements, it'll be easier to teach in them later.

3) Fly 50+ NM and make a landing every time you go flying. 500 hours XC is easier to achieve if you start early. My buddy has 1,600+ TT and less than 200 XC. Even though he has the total time, he has a long way to go to finish the times needed for 61.159.

 

[jafra98]

Get the Private multi add on, seaplane, glider and aerobatics course.................

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Go get time in something that goes upsidedown.

Yes, now you can *really* learn to fly.

You should try to go for a glider add-on. It will get you used to looking outside of the cockpit after the instrument training. If you are in an area where long flights are easily attainable, it can also be a very cheap way of time building. If you like to remain in something with power, consider getting a tail-wheel endorsement.

Also not a bad idea, but not at the expense of aerobatics.

Be careful with that. A lot of rental agreements prohibit it and it could get you into trouble.

Mine did not, at the time—merely stated that I had to occupy a pilot station. Read carefully.

 

[Pay2]

Be careful with that. A lot of rental agreements prohibit it and it could get you into trouble.

Forgot to mention that. Be sure the school is ok with you flying solo from the right seat. It's not a bad idea to get an instructor to give you a right seat "check out."
I do remember a post here on JC from someone who got in serious trouble with their flight school for flying right seat. Read over your rental agreement and or talk to your flight school manager about it first.