WWYD thread: Instrument Rating Aircraft

BaronPete

BaronPete

Jaw Harp Troubadour
So a bit of a "what would you do" thread.

I'm working on my instrument rating and have almost exclusively flown a Cessna 210 for the past two years. I'm a low time pilot (around 180 hours), but I've got just shy of 100 hours in this 210. Recently, I became a named pilot on the insurance and worked out an agreement with the friend/owner, so all indications are I'll continue to use the 210, as it's a great platform for getting around, visiting friends/family, etc.

However, a few people have pointed out to me that I should simplify things and do it in a 172 instead of the more complicated 210. I'm comfortable in the 210, but obviously things do happen faster, more chores, more advanced avionics, etc.

As far as money goes, it's nearly a wash. 172SPs run about 150-160/hour around here and I'm paying roughly 175/hour for the 210 utilizing tach time, not a Hobbs meter. I figure that alone probably saves me 15% and makes it nearly the same as a local 172SP. I also don't have to jockey with scheduling time in the 210, as it's generally available when I want it.

Most signs point to it making sense in continuing to use the 210, but at times it just seems like it would be easier to stay ahead of the airplane while learning new things in a 172.

What do you guys think?
 
BaronPete said:
So a bit of a "what would you do" thread.

I'm working on my instrument rating and have almost exclusively flown a Cessna 210 for the past two years. I'm a low time pilot (around 180 hours), but I've got just shy of 100 hours in this 210. Recently, I became a named pilot on the insurance and worked out an agreement with the friend/owner, so all indications are I'll continue to use the 210, as it's a great platform for getting around, visiting friends/family, etc.

However, a few people have pointed out to me that I should simplify things and do it in a 172 instead of the more complicated 210. I'm comfortable in the 210, but obviously things do happen faster, more chores, more advanced avionics, etc.

As far as money goes, it's nearly a wash. 172SPs run about 150-160/hour around here and I'm paying roughly 175/hour for the 210 utilizing tach time, not a Hobbs meter. I figure that alone probably saves me 15% and makes it nearly the same as a local 172SP. I also don't have to jockey with scheduling time in the 210, as it's generally available when I want it.

Most signs point to it making sense in continuing to use the 210, but at times it just seems like it would be easier to stay ahead of the airplane while learning new things in a 172.

What do you guys think?
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I would suggest training in the harder enviroment. I got my PPL at KBUR and think that training in that airspace was a bonus regarding situational awareness and radio work. It would have been easier a couple miles away at KWHP but I'm a glutton for punishment.:)
 
While I was an instructor I trained three different guys in their C210's. One was an 800 hour private pilot with a couple hundred of that in his C210, one was an 18 year old brand new PPL flying his dad's C210, the third was a low time PPL that had just bought a C210. None of them had any problems different than a typical Instrument student.

I say if the cost is the same, go with whatever is comfortable.
 
Blackhawk said:
If you are going to fly the 210 then get your instrument rating in the 210.
The instrument rating is not some kind of box you check. It is a tool to give you more flexibility in an airplane- on your case primarily a 210 not a 172.
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Understood - thanks.
 
I would argue the 210 will actually save you money. The 172 is much slower. The 210's speed will allow you to do more approaches, hold entrys and arcs per flight hour than a 172 by far. And it will give you the legs to go other places faster to do different approaches in different places. You're already familiar with the airplane so I wouldn't worry a bit about the extra complexity.
 
Obviously the key to any flying, especially the instrument rating is staying on top of the plane and not getting behind. You obviously feel comfortable with the 210 so I would stick with it. Just don't get behind and you'll be good to go. Starting with a new plane, although a slower one, might lead you to struggle although the plane itself is slower. Not to mention the examiner will think you're way kewler! ;)
 
Actually, in the high task load area of training, ie., approaches and holds, etc., the 210 can be slowed to near 172 speeds anyway.
 
Another vote for the 210. Instrument flying doesn't really change all that much between aircraft. 99% of the time you will prefer more airspeed anyway.
 
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