Instrument Rated! How I FINALLY passed the Flight Test!

Took 5 years of blood, sweat and tears, but here we are!
Proud to be associated with ForeFlight: www.foreflight.com/flightchops/
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Thanks to ALL the mentors that have helmed me along the way.
For this video, I want to shout out Dennis Simo and Jason Miller from TFP.
Dennis runs Next Level Flight Training (NLFT) of Milton, Ontario,
providing flight training for various licences and aircraft types.
NLFT’s mission is to help make your experience as a pilot safer, more efficient, and more fun.
New planes, new places, and new ratings are just around the corner.
Contact us now to take your skills to the next level.
www.nlft.ca/
Jason from TFP has been an inspiration since before I started Flight Chops.
I was listening to his pod cast in 2008 when I wasn’t even current at the time!
Here’s the link to the episode that he was inspired to make after talking to me while I was planning this IFR flight test debrief episode:
• 3 LAST MINUTE tips to ...
_____
Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon! Productions like this wouldn't be possible without your help!
(in this case quite literally a you guys convinced me to let this final version run long after reviewing the rough cut)
For those that haven't seen it, please check the Flight Chops Patreon page to find out how you can be a part of it
/ flightchops
_____
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Infinite Flight
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COPA
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The Finer Points of Flying - Jason Miller:
adventure.learnthefinerpoints.com
iCloth Avionics:
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Spectrum Airways Flight Training:
www.spectrumairways.com/

FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having the GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
Visit www.FlightChops.com for behind-the-scenes content, epic giveaways and search episodes by aircraft type!

[@TheFinerPoints]

I really enjoyed this one Steve. Both being a part of it and watching the finished product! It's a great honest break down of a very tough process, great work! (and Kudos to you for flying the "hard plane")

[@tyler_russell]

The Finer Points i wish i could instruct as well as you do. Love your work.

[@sb859]

Just passed my Commercial checkride with the help of Finer Points description of some of the maneuvers. Thx Jason and Congrats Steve.

[@cjsims3000]

Hi Jason, Agreed, he showed grit and determination to do something like that.

[@jonathanirons231]

"I didn't fail". The inimitable FlightChops and his modesty. Congratulations mate. Hard work and a well deserved success. Happy flying!

[@FlightChops]

:)

[@briand8855]

Lesson learned: I initially enrolled in one of those “10-day IFR” courses through a local flight school and was signed off to test. Busted that check-ride. I took a deep breath and slowed down; really started digging deeper into the material. I both read books and watched several KZbin videos like this. I realized how much more I was really missing in my understanding. One year later I tried again and passed as a much safer, confident, and proficient IFR pilot. Hindsight 20/20, I laud this gentleman for choosing to take his time.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for the support, and for sharing your backstory Brian!

[@dangryder6050]

Great perspective, Brian.

[@flyingjeff1956]

Now comes the hard part: flying actual IFR on a regular basis. Scary at first but quite necessary. One of the first practical lessons that an airline pilot learns is that you go on the gauges from takeoff to touchdown. That doesn't mean heads down, it means the gauges drive the operational decisions as opposed to seat of the pants flying.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Congratulations!! FlightChops! Update on my last post: After 29 years, (and I almost gave up a few Months ago) I finally bought my first little Cessna 150 (not long ago)...I finally got my biannual done -(Last week) , and now I'm flying again! ;D What a great felling!! Now on to getting my Instrument Rating done also!

[@FlightChops]

Awesome to hear that Nathan!

[@mikewaterfield3599]

There is nothing like looking across a ramp and being able to say mine! Have you named her yet?

[@looseparts]

This is how inspiring YOU are. I'm 68, studying for my private written, taking lessons in a wonderful 150 with a wonderful instructor, but today I learned some dumb tax decisions I made at retirement-time will probably take away all my flight lesson money for 2020. It's a crushing setback, but being inspired, I'll do my best to keep healthy and even if I take a year off, I'll pass my written, keep simming and be back as soon as I can. Congrats to you my brother. High-five !

[@FlightChops]

Amazing to hear the videos have been inspiring for you! And so sorry about your glitch with taxes and cash flow - I hope you can get back on track with your flying soon!

[@rpcraighead]

I almost quit flying during my instrument training.... AWESOME job. Welcome to another level of flying! Go for the commercial! It's a lot of fun!

[@stevecastro22]

Steve, you have every reason to be proud of your accomplishment. The only test that I know of that is harder than getting your instrument rating is the three phases of testing to become a Master Sommelier. Well done!

[@FlightChops]

had to google "Master Sommelier" :)

[@otherbob23]

Googled it..... wine expert.

[@stevecastro22]

@@otherbob23 Correct, and only 256 Masters in the WORLD.....

[@stevecastro22]

@Chairman of the Board Well my little Italian Grandmother "Noni" drank a glass of red wine every single day of her adult life and she lived to be 98. Everything in moderation my friend.....

[@CCitis]

I admire that you are honest and open about the learning experience on your test. Congrats.

[@roberth7100]

Congrats man! So happy for you! I haven't been here from the beginning but I've watched some of your early IFR videos and finally seeing you achieve your goal is awesome.

[@manuelespagne3383]

Congatulations Steve, after such a hard work ad so many fantastic content you brought to us, this rating is a totally deserved accomplishment!!! Now keep on doing the a great job and enjoy this new perspectives :)

[@lg7639]

You did it! Congratulations!!!

[@bernardanderson7569]

Congratulations To you and I'm looking forward to getting mine this year after listening to you made a great difference and seeing the experience and hard work you did it and got it done

[@CJThePilot]

Congratulations I will enjoy watching this! Hello from a fellow pilot from the UK. Currently training for my PPL and also filming my flying. You're a big inspiration to me!

[@jdef1]

Did a dance when I saw this!! So happy for you. Good job, and thanks for all you put out!

[@w0706]

Congratulations Steve! It is a big step for an aviator, keep it up! Love your videos!

[@robbed18]

This is huge! This is a perfect example of perseverance, drive, and dealing with life. Great close to a great chapter of this story.

[@victorkelley5097]

Incredible! Huge congratulations, I'm beyond happy for you and being able to see your journey over the years. Thank you so much for being an amazing inspiration for all of us.

[@lukekenny5946]

Massive congrats Steve. Truly inspirational. Proud of you mate!

[@AndyHoltOutdoorUniversity]

Way to go, Steve. You are my favorite channel to watch. I celebrate your rating with you!

[@lohphat]

Congratulations! Welcome to IMC! I did my checkrides in an Archer II also. I got my IFR right after my PPL because I didn't want to get stranded flying in the unpredictable SF Bay Area weather and complex VFR airspace. Being able to fly with direct clearances and another set of eyes on you makes flying that much more enjoyable. Ah the days when you HAD to carry paper charts.

[@Jetlag7]

Congratulations!!! Well deserved! High-five for doing it "old school" with a raw-data panel!

[@ahedin]

Congrats Steve! You've got so much going on, don't get overwhelmed!

[@markhayes100]

Congratulations sir, I can’t imagine the amount of work that went into this. Well done!

[@stephenpradarelli]

Sweet, man. Huge congrats on an enormous accomplishment. Love your humility and honesty about the long slog of this journey, but you earned it 1000 percent.

[@jakelonganbach]

Congratulations! Can’t wait to see the new adventures this will bring to you and the channel.

[@bgunner7963]

You worked your arse off and certainly deserve to get it -- all the time helping others to understand the process through your videos. Great Job!!

[@justjivin9699]

Great job! I hope this will always resonate with you (cause that’s all that matters) as a challenge overcomed. Remember that beautiful moment and all the reluctance you had going into it to just to make the most of it and end up with all the well deserved praise! Cheers to you my brother!

[@Kaccvelle]

You are an inspiration to a young pilot how is getting ready for his instrument check ride soon. Thanks for all the amazing content you put out!

[@danielspoelstra8975]

Congratulations Steve, a lot of hard work paying off. As someone looking to do my instrument rating in the next 5 years, this series is very inspirational. Keep up the great work, love the videos.

[@mf12811]

Congratulations Steve. I've been watching for years and I'm really happy that you finally got the rating! Looking forward to seeing you fly the RV in the clouds.

[@Beegeemid]

Congratulations Steve!!!! What a milestone! Looking forward to you sharing more education and insight as you continue to develop such a critical skill set. You should be very proud. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@mccluskey2869]

Congratulations Steve! Thanks for sharing your story. I just got my rating today and your videos were definitely informative and encouraging. I too took much longer than I would’ve wanted but it feels great. Fly safe!

[@waynekibbler2710]

Well deserved Steve, keep them Flight Chops Sharp! Cheers.

[@HA-mz2sg]

Congratulations Steve! Well done, and well deserved.

Congratulations. You nailed it! As a flight instructor I keep on telling my students that we pilot are not judged on mistakes but on how we react and how we stay focus on fixing issues: when things go wrong just fly the plane. I fly with both european and american endorsements and getting the FAA and the EASA IR rating was one of the best moment in my 19 years of flying. 🍾🛩👏

[@ja1cspikes]

Congrats Steve, your an inspiration to current and future aviators!

[@toddproch320]

Congratulations Chops! I’m a 53 year old guy that just earned my instrument ticket July 2019 after having my private for 7 years. Achieving your goals in aviation while living the rest of your normal day to day life is a huge achievement. Congrats!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks and congrats on getting yours too!

[@peteralberti]

Thanks so much for sharing everything all these years. You're not the only one taking longer than you want to get there, but - you got there! I will too thanks to your inspiring and educational effort.

[@n1vca]

Congrats, you really earned it - and thanks so much for taking us along the way - gives us an idea what you get into if you decide to go that route.

[@speedbrake]

Congrats Steve!!

[@azfan10]

Congratulations Steve! I really love your videos and they inspire me to share mistakes I make during my flying lessons to learn from them. From the moment I saw your first video and how openly you shared your experiences I was inspired to do the same. The best learning experiences I have nowadays are when I share my own experiences at flight school. This debrief shows exactly what contribution your community has in the aviation industry.

[@jasonrwilkinson9216]

Congrats Steve - been a slog for you to do this but it's been enjoyable watching you go through the training and I'm sure viewers have learnt new things too.

[@thomasdavis5514]

Serious congrats. I’ve been in the same box of taking a very long time to get my instrument rating. You accomplishment is inspiring me to get it done. Well done Sir.

[@walachaviation9171]

Congrats! That’s a huge accomplishment! Thanks also for the humility and honesty you bring to this channel. Clear skies and following winds my friend!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Michael - it’s been very rewarding to share the vulnerability of the learning moments with this community

[@michaelalinder5019]

Congrats on the Instrument rating. Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@farmgene]

Nice! Love the videos. Your videos are very relatable. I hear stories about people nailing their ratings in a short time. It’s good to see you with the rest of us who struggle but also know the importance of safety and the immensity of knowledge out there. Thanks.

[@davidbanks157]

Congratulations Steve. I failed my first instrument check ride a year ago, and I'm still trying to work up the courage to do it again. Your perseverance is motivating.

[@intervera]

David Banks you can do it ~ I too had similar setbacks and almost quit... IFR fits into the category of “nothing worthwhile doing is easy...”

[@tscottme]

I worked at the second largest US flight school. I saw tons of check-rides and worked with the CFIIs and knew most of the students they taught. There is little correlation between "busting a check-ride" and being a good pilot. I saw a couple of the very best students in the school fail a ride for something silly. Each task in the check-ride is pass/fail. It's not a statement about your worth as a pilot unless you bust several rides. The great thing about a re-test is you just re-do the task(s) you didn't complete to standards. It's not a full re-test in the US. So a re-test could be a demonstration of 1 item and then land. Some of the better pilots/students are super-critical. Don't go down that path. You either did the item to standards or you didn't, nothing more.

[@FlightTales]

Congrats Steve on finally obtaining your IFR ticket, and a great debrief on your awesome PDM skills. I start my MIFR rating in a couple months and your journey has been an inspiration.

[@maartenjs]

Congratulations Steve, well done! Your persistence is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

[@nikkim3065]

Congratulations!!!!! I just had my first solo for my PPL back in December :) I hope to start IFR training when I'm done with my PPL - thanks for taking us along this journey!

[@desmail7061]

Congratulations! Thanks for all the work getting these videos out. Really helpful info.

[@danholstein411]

Congrats Steve!!! Looking forward to watching this. I start my IFR ground school in 2 weeks ....

[@gtr1952]

Congrats Steve! Great job! I have the highest respect for honesty, and you qualify at the top there!!

[@gaflying3448]

Congratulations Steve. I loved the introspection and lack of enthusiasm because it shows the right mindset for a pilot. No ego but rather, how could I’ve done better. Your longtime viewers know this about you but there will be some who come across this as their first video from you. You succeeded and stayed modest. Important lesson right there. Again congratulations, love your channel.

[@FlightChops]

thanks for the friendly feedback - and for "getting it" :)

[@mickyg1953]

Well done Steve, all the hard work and perseverance has paid off and thanks for sharing all you do. Cheers, Mike , Johannesburg

[@rrz464]

Congrats on the rating! Working on my IR now. Looking forward to the increased challenges and skills! Good luck on your continuing adventures!

[@snowman100]

Steve! Just to let you know that I listen to every word cus I pay attention to your videos, last extra bit you said you did a pivot January 30th, I know it's the exhaustion, relax now you did it bro, you are inspiring and congratulations!

[@martyb6903]

Super awesome and congrats! Your videos inspire me to work hard, and keep going and not quit! Did my checkride ground and walkaround this morning!, nailed it!, but weather delayed the flight untill monday! Still super pumped. I did much the same , taken a long time to work towards my ppl and after a solid year (for an old guy myself) , its all starting to come together as a fluid operation. Keep up the great work, never give up!, your detail is impeccable and keeps alot of us inspired to do and try better! Cheers!

[@cyoda1359]

Congratulations!! It’s been great to see your journey; a great dose of real life and flying mixed together. I had an autopilot “what’s up” moment on my IR check ride ... could not figure out what was going on and why it wasn’t capturing the procedure turn for a GPS approach, so I just turned off the A/P and said to the DPE, “I don’t know what its doing so I’m just going to hand fly this approach and will check it out afterwards.” He told me after the ride that he knew at that moment that I was going to pass the check ride - so I think your moment was a great one for you and thanks for sharing it.

[@ScurvyDog01]

Congrats Chops! As a old examiner who no longer flys, I have enjoyed seeing you on your IFR journey. You worked hard and should be very proud of your learning moment. Most students look at a 2 as being a bad mark, but that was the moment you passed your ride! Now get out there and use your rating.

[@JulianBaird]

A massive congratulations. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It took me 5 years to get my PFL so I know all about elongated qualifications!

[@iflyc77]

It has been so fun watching you get ready and go through this. Biggest of congrats, and can’t wait to see you cloud blasting in that RV between T6 flights

[@centralwebs]

Great video, great you passed and superb explanation of your practical learning experience with the GPS track, and getting that into perspective and focusing on the basics is something that will stick with you now for the rest of your days, every days a school day, even on tests. Congrats on doing it with steam gauges too, plus the G5 .

[@tiang5132]

I’m so proud of you, Steve! You’re inspiring. Thank you for promoting hard work AND warm smiles! 🤗❤️ ✈️

[@gnagyusa]

Awesome. Congrats and welcome to the club!

[@scottleckliter4992]

Congratulations! I'm glad you stuck with it and knocked it out. I hope to be in your shoes someday. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@johndoe4314]

Congrats man. Great accomplishment. Getting side projects done is hard and you did not let go on the IFR rating even after several years. You are an inspiration. Keep it up.

[@rommelw531]

Congratulations, Steve! Very happy to see you've finally got this completed. It doesn't matter how long it took, all that matters is you stuck with it and got it done! As always, your content is extremely helpful to others pursuing their aviation dreams.

[@bradok3695]

Congratulations Steve!!! Way to hang strong and stay committed!!

[@bobwright5557]

Awesome Steve! Congrats!!! Did my instrument like 18 years ago in a 1969 Arrow with a little Apollo GPS. Was a 2" screen and I really thought it was a great tool almost like cheating. And it was a great tool back then! Had no Foreflight or Wing X , all paper charts and plates to fumble through. With you on the written. I remember taking it and thinking dont care how many I miss long as I pass! As you mentioned the newer technology will make it a lot nicer so you have a lot to look forward to! Thanks for sharing. Again, big congrats!!!

[@jacobschwarm3123]

Congrats Steve! I passed my Instrument right before thanksgiving last fall and it was a great feeling. Been a fan for many years and very excited to see what this does for you and your channel. See ya (or not) in the clouds!

[@clearofcloud2038]

Congratulations !!! It's not efficient to train slowly but there can still be learning benefits too. I have an unfinished rating I'm feeling bad about and this video has definitely motivated me to stick at it. Well done and fly safe.

[@walterlburnham1847]

thanks again.... it's moving me deeply moving to watch you do this vlog.

[@donjones7544]

Great Lesson's learned! I've had my IFR for 15 years and I've always taken the perspective, you never stop learning if you want to fly IFR safely. So thanks for the back-brief!

[@KellyBradyPilot]

Congratulations sir. Love the channel and seeing your progress. Great inspiration to all who watch. Keep up the great work!!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Kelly!

[@TheCampnFool]

Congratulations! Love your channel. Fly safely!

[@danielmoss2394]

Congratulations Steve. You are an inspiration to pilots and non pilots alike. Nice job. We are all proud of you. Keep up the fantastic content.

[@1dgram]

Accomplishment of the decade! Big congrats and hope to see you at OSH again this year

[@JeromyReimer]

Congratulations! you beat me to it. I'll be doing my instrument flight test soon. I've got the written done so it's just a few more hours of instrument flying and then I'll do the flight test. The weather has been pretty bad lately so I haven't been able to get much flying in.

[@310McQueen]

Congratulations on your accomplishment. I'm impressed that you kept your head and prioritized.

[@adjuaadama6623]

Congratulations! It's not about how long, it's that you have it. Now the job moving forward is to keep it, which means consistent work. Even for people flying a long time, IFR skills erode quickly, but the good thing is that they do come back quickly with practice and review.

[@FlannelFlyer]

Congratulations! All your hard work payed off, proud of you!

[@FarrellMcGovern]

Congrats!! Nice to see all the hard work pay off!!

[@DutchThackers]

Congratulations! Great achievement and thanks for sharing the journey with us.

[@pziemann]

Congrats! Awesome job and thanks for the honesty in all your videos!!!! Inspiring

[@tsangarisjohn]

Awesome dude! Hard work, and dedication never fail.

[@projekt6_official]

CONGRATS! Hard work an perseverance wins yet again!

[@intervera]

You inspired me a few years ago to get my night, then IFR, then commercial and now change careers to be a CFI (I’ve had my PPL for 20 years). I’ve taken a break recently but once again you inspired me and I’m logging off to get back to the books and finish my online ground school and take out the plane this weekend... CONGRATS Steve and thank you for all you’ve done to the aviation community!

[@jamiemorphy]

Congrats Steve! Super excited for you.

[@MichaelLloyd]

Well done! I'm very happy that you passed and I'm looking forward watching your future flights!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Michael!

[@LadyInTheCockpit]

Congratulations and I'm really happy you share this, I'm sure a lot of people can relate to it and you had a great decision making. Enjoy your new rating now! ;)

[@DougHanchard]

Congratulations Steve! Well done. May you have many many future successful IFR flights!

[@blackboyfly8820]

Congrats man! It's been a long time coming. Glad to see you got it

[@colinwatt00]

Hey Steve, congrats on achieving your IFR. I admire your honesty and openness about the process.

[@zoltanszabo5171]

Congrats Steve! I'm doing my IFR training now, so this video was especially meaningful for me. Thanks!

[@mourdecais4202]

Congrats Steve! Now comes the hardest part: keeping your IFR Chops sharp. And props to how you handled that challenge. I myself did my IFR check ride with steam gauges and a 530, and I’m still nervous about flying in the soup with more advanced avionics because I fear I will do the same thing. Awesome job man keep it up!

[@linka1886]

Congratulations Steve! You deserve this rating and I thank you for being an important ambassador in the aviation community!

[@747-pilot]

Congratulations Steve on finally achieving the rating! Great Job! It was nice meeting you the other day, at Spectrum Airways! ...Vic

[@ryanmcfarland6086]

Well done, Steve. Congratulations and welcome to the club!