Instrument Checkride - Practical Test - Full Video

[@davejones542]

It takes a lot of courage and also confidence to video your own IR checkride. Good job man.

[@andrewcernicky330]

Also a cool DPE to allow it!

[@videoman876]

I agree. He was well prepared.

[@selimeylul8292]

This is an incredible resource for those of us continuing training beyond the primary level. Thank you Niko for making this checkride public - especially great to see real-life feedback from the DPE.

[@capceo2744]

Great video! You're lucky the examiner let you off easy when you found yourself on the wrong side of the hold. Failing to stay on the protected side of the hold is usually a "critical failure" in the eyes of most examiners.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

never heard a radial to hold on, only the fix of BUU and "Hold Southwest". Does this imply a 225 radial (southwest) and right turns?

[@NikosWings]

He let me go because I realized it quick admitted and corrected it. He liked that

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Niko's Wings ...Thanks for the video. Question: When ATC gives you a Holding clearance, they will always give a fix (BUU in this case) but sometimes they don't give a radial (like your DFE did not give radial). Does saying "hold Southwest" of BUU imply 225 radial (inbound to fix) and standard right turns?

[@NikosWings]

If they tell you hold Southwest it will either be Southwest side of the way it is depicted, in other words a published hold point or a fix to hold on a Victor way and Southwest would be the side of the fix on the victor way itself. You will never assume the radial. If they are to give you a radial (probably very rare) they will also tell you the side to hold on.

[@NikosWings]

The DPE will be much more forgiving if you are perfectly prepared with your documents and do good in the oral. That was me. Super prepped and fantastic oral. He didn’t want to fail me unless I had seriously screwed up. Good luck with your check ride

[@sS-do1cr]

Passed mine yesterday. I really wanna say thank you for sharing this video. I watched this video more than 5 times a day before checkride, and it was really helpful than other videos or reading materials.Thank you so much!

[@NikosWings]

Congrats

[@craigjohnstone1461]

​@@NikosWingshi. What do you think about (dane wigington channel)??? Worrying or not?in your opinion.thanks

[@craigjohnstone1461]

​@@NikosWingswatch-(the dimming).. dont do this on us

[@NikosWings]

I watched part of it. Sounds like a typical conspiracy theorist but the theory that sprayed particles will dim the sun sound like putting out a forest fire with a garden hose, it would take decades with non stop flying fleets across the world to have a tiny impact. Also what US conspiracy theorists always miss is the rest of the world. It’s all very US centric which misses the rest of what other countries do and consider that in other countries most US-born conspiracy theories are not even a thing, but here for some reason we LOVE that stuff

[@BuzntFrog]

"Great Job, congratulations" The feeling when that ticket gets signed :DDD

[@bostonalext]

best feeling ever

[@XCougar85X]

Wow, watching this 5 years late. I cannot understand how you look this calm, and record it just as casual as you do today. I would likely be stressing my ass off.

[@AeroworksProductions]

Great video and checkride Niko! Man that examiner looked mean ;)

[@NikosWings]

Thanks buddy! Every examiner is mean right?

[@abbieamavi]

*thank you SO MUCH for this!! It helps a lot with feeling personally prepared for the checkride, it makes it less suspicious and mysterious to see it in video. :) I'll be starting my IFR flight portion training hopefully this spring 2020, and I'm going through all the IFR videos and yours is one of the best and most helpful! Congrats on your pass!!*

[@NikosWings]

Thanks and good luck!!!

[@TomCook1993]

I felt butterflies just watching this

[@NikosWings]

I get the same feeling every time I watch it too.

[@TomCook1993]

I have my ifr checkride on wednesday. any tips?

[@NikosWings]

Hey Tom, practice the profile on the simulator or on the airplane with a pilot friend and if you make a mistake fix it and put it behind you right away and DO NOT let it affect the remainder of the flight. Also take time off and prepare the next couple of days. If the oral goes well the practical will be easy and you will be much more confident. If the examiner asks you about your decision making during oral make sure that your planning does not expose you to the adverse conditions too long. Most DPEs want to see that you are thinking about safety and limiting your exposure to the elements. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@TomCook1993]

In terms of referencing materials, notes, or FAA publications to answer questions that the DPE might ask during the oral, how likely is he to allow such materials to be referenced to better answer a question?

[@NikosWings]

You can reference anything you want. Make sure that you tab items so you can easily find them. You don't want to waste too much time searching as not to waste his/her time.

[@pilotwinebrenner5102]

Your examiner seems ok mine shakes his head and rolls his eyes when your not doing something up to standard.

[@grantonokah4916]

I wouldn't worry much, being under the hood and all. he can shake and roll all he wants!

[@Eagle-hg2vy]

This vid made me very nervous about starting my instrument training. But hey, I'll be fine I guess. Good job man

[@bikerboy3k]

$ years have passed. How did it go.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

Daniel Marco Aguilar Hernandez x3

[@1niceguyme]

x4

[@Eagle-hg2vy]

Travis Schpeltinger I took a break in between my training, but i got my CFII check this week, so i an nervous about that now haha.

[@taylorwaters7804]

@@Eagle-hg2vy i have my cfii coming up. how did yours go?

[@willieb6993]

My memory of this momentous day was bouncing around over the Arizona desert sans autopilot chasing ndb radials dancing on the rudders to dampen the midday thermals hoping for leniency and appreciation for my meager yet earnest abilities. Circa 1996. Thanks for the memories and as always a great and informative video.

[@jasonbrasher5525]

Ugh...the "feeling" when you have an examiner on the right seat. :)

[@DIYPETE]

Congrats Niko! You did a great job when you took your checkride. I have mine coming up in the next couple weeks and hope I have a similar outcome. Excellent job with the video as well. It is very helpful. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to new videos from your channel. Cheers man. - Pete

[@observer1242]

I was sweating watching this thing. Great !! You were well prepared.

[@enclave6285]

Hi Niko, great video! Thanks for sharing. I don’t see the zero / zero takeoff in the ACS. Was that an old requirement or just something this DPE added?

[@NikosWings]

Maybe they removed it

[@gatorflight74]

That is what I call a very thorough instrument checkride there. Good job!!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Erick! Happy Skies!

[@jasonbergeron6347]

I know this is an old video Niko, I'm starting instruments and hope to get the written done this summer. You're one helluva instrument pilot. Love the series and following your adventures.

[@NikosWings]

Good luck with it!!!

[@benc1103]

Nice work. Single pilot, no auto-pilot IFR is the most difficult instrument flying you will do. Be prepared and organized in the cockpit. Ask ATC to clarify any doubts. In sharp contrast, airline flying (it's always flown IFR) is the easiest instrument flying (well equipped jet, crew , dispatch and training make it easy). Gain experience by flying on IFR flight plans in VFR weather until you're really comfortable dealing with ATC and flight plan changes. Only then put your mins at 1000ft. Leave the CAT1 200-1/2 stuff to the jets and you're getting paid to deal with lousy weather. Remember, it's hard to pick a good field to dead stick into when it's a 200 ft ceiling. Same for at night. Single-engine failure scenarios and bad weather and/or night and mountains don't go well together. Always consider: how will this workout if the motor quits? Ben 25,000 hrs USAF/Airlines/GA Tailwheel, Formation, Aerobatics ATP, FE, CFI, CFII, CFI-MEL, USAF Instructor

[@giuliom8520]

You make it look easy! Great video! I think if I knew I was going to film my check ride and put it on KZbin, knowing that would help me be EXTRA prepared.

[@jessefoster1773]

i feel like i watched this dude fly a ifr practical in a euro club somewhere outside hamburg lol

[@yogevbarshavit]

Thanks for filming this. I’m working on my instruments now over at Chicago executive. Very informative.

[@donponnamperuma4289]

That is a fantastic video on IFR test flight. Well done mate! thank you for the sharing your experience. Thumbs up!

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

There is nothing better to "enhance" or compliment IFR skills and procedures than a flight sim. I use x-plane and Airfoil labs 172sp with GNS 430 Kap 140 autopilot etc. I can fly any approach at any airport. I also recommend using simulated ATC with real human controllers on Pilotedge.net. Happy Flying.

[@pslny]

Just found this Niko, great video, I'll be watching it again, thanks to you and the DPE for sharing.

[@khurramvirani3643]

Incredibly useful and well editted video. Thanks for putting in the time Niko!

[@SkycatcherPilot]

Doing some final prep and just taking notes from others online; enjoyed the video and took a few notes. I'll be flying a G1000 172 as well. Congrats on your successful check ride!

[@terencecottington4273]

I know this is somewhat late, but well done anyway on getting through your IMC rating. :) Always a pleasure following your channel.

[@DasNewman]

Great job, I hope I can be as calm as you! just started my IFR training, this will help take some of the unknown out of the checkride.

[@DasNewman]

I just passes my IFR on 30 November, 2020!

[@NikosWings]

Congrats!

[@Habibiradio]

Great video and thanks for posting it. I am on my way to earn my instrument, I am just not that good yet

[@aviatrix007]

I'm getting ready for my instrument checkride and found your video. Thank you for sharing. It made me nervous watching you. Great landings! :)

[@NikosWings]

Valerie, thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you found it useful. Now go get that amazing rating! Let me know how it went!

[@pilotchunga3813]

very helpful your video and thank you for sharing. I'll take the checkride in one week, I'm very nervous any advice to me ?. And congratulations!!!

[@NikosWings]

+PILOT CHUNGA I hope this reply is on time for your check ride. Here is my advice: 1. Get good sleep the night before 2. Be super prepared with your paperwork. The examiner knows who will fail within 5' of the check ride. Be organized. Take 2 days before your check ride to get organized with your logbook (put tabs to show instrument work) your ID, airplane logs. 3. On the oral think about your options during examination. The examiner is not looking for hero pilots, is looking for pilots that will not expose themselves to severe weather for too long. Always imagine being exposed to the elements the least amount possible on the scenario he/she will give you. 4. On the flying part, take command. You are in charge. Treat them like a passenger that knows nothing. 5. Ask the examiner for help spotting traffic. They are your passenger and your safety pilot. 6. Talk out loud about your actions. It makes the examiner understand your thinking process 7. IMPORTANT: If you make a mistake correct it immediately. NEVER GIVE UP. Keep fighting. 8. If you do make a mistake move past it, put it behind you and STOP thinking about it. That's all I got for you buddy. Best of luck!

[@martingrosso8410]

+Niko's Wings Hi Niko, what do you want to mean in the Oral? on tip 3

[@Notinserviceij]

I think he means Aural testing not oral

[@johngleason8619]

Thanks! Nice landings- I hope to do this in a few months. Was very helpful to watch the checkride.

[@gsp-greenstripepilot9508]

I’ve only seen your most current videos. It’s super cool to go back 6 years and see you getting hammered by an inspector. You’re a boss dude. Much respect 🤘🏼

[@pilotvega3686]

great video Niko thank you for sharing! I'm currently working on my IFR getting ready for my check ride.

[@BarrieMacLeod]

Hey Niko ! Loved your video ... Some great hints in there. Must admit I was sweating myself watching this ;) LPV question was good , not so sure if there was reference to RNP just after though ? Anyhow congrats ! I've been watching your Cirrus videos for a while now and it's great to come across this video to demo your beginnings.. Will be doing my checkride in a month or two and this is a fantastic preview !

[@PilotDaveAviation]

As always Niko awesome video for those looking on improving their flight skills to the IMC world. I have not made that leap at this time, but just watching your check ride I was nervous for you. Excellent job and a late congratulations, but look at you now! several years ahead flying your SR22, your still calm speaking and doing your IFR .....thanks for sharing

[@jackchung4725]

Thanks for sharing this, i'm going to have my IR checkride in two weeks. This is greatly helpful. especially the explanation.

[@dhighbrdge9696]

Im extremely appreciative of your videos ! Thank you for sharing and I will stay tuned !

[@zhoujunyu2107]

hey, i watched couple of ur videos, and i like the confident u showed on the video. good pilot skill ! i should learn from u about that confident !

[@harrythomas8868]

I see that was 4 years ago but interesting to watch even now. I was exhausted by the end of the video. Can't imagine how you felt.

[@klmelj]

Thanks for the video. Passed my IR Checkride last month and reviewed this a few times prior to my Checkride. Like you I had a small hiccup that I corrected on my practical but my oral was great. What ratings have you worked on after you IR? Thanks again!!!!

[@NikosWings]

Congrats! This is a big deal. I have my multi and worked on my commercial but have not completed that yet.

[@klmelj]

@@NikosWings Thanks and you keep it up.

[@Valkyrie612]

Excellent job, man! Congratulations!

[@Jaden48108]

Definitely going to bookmark this one. Now I know what to expect. Good job!

[@patcicerchi]

Hey Niko, must have watched this video 5 or 6 times to motivate me through my IFR training. Well, today I took my IFR check ride and passed! Thanks for helping me through it. Keep those videos coming!

[@NikosWings]

Pat Cicerchi congrats on the most important ticket ever! Now file and fly! Glad I was able to help a bit!

[@OBENSquad_21]

My instrument checkride is on July 8th 2019 Just a little nervous already 😬

[@NikosWings]

Good luck with it. Don’t be nervous

[@SWC44]

Very Nice, I Got my Privates,34 Years ago,, And I was on The LAST day,,Or i would of had to Take written Over!!! 3.1 Miles, On a 1100 Ft Strip,, I Had I Believe the Best Instructor,, As he had 36000 Hrs. Landing on Aircraft, Carriers,, Were still good friends Today,, But a stickler,for Hitting the Numbers!! Neil told me,, Never had 2 Landings The same!!!,, And I Was at 55 Hrs, and 1/3 Of that was Under the Hood!!!!,As I see In Your Next Vid,, WOW,34 years Goes By FAST! Avgas, was 66 cents a Gallon!!!! OMG,,Im Old!!!,, Safe Flying,,,!!!! Jack

[@billr8667]

Thanks for posting. You looked pretty procienct to me. Hopefully, I'll be getting the thumbs up from a friendly examiner before the end of the year. Also in a G1000-equipped 172.

[@Lion_McLionhead]

Felt like it was 99% about stuff that wasn't specific to instrument navigation & 1% testing the ability to fly on instruments. The instrument flying part looked easy. The hard part was differentiating between real & fake ATC controllers, interpreting holding patterns, spotting traffic. Would anyone spot that traffic in IFR?

[@Awegener69]

That handshake at the end is a great feeling. I passed my com multi ride the other day. Takes a lot of courage to film your ride. I heard you on palm beach approach or Miami center once or twice in my training. Whenever I see you flying into the airport I train out of I think dang I just missed seeing your plane.

[@NikosWings]

Congrats Andrew! Say hi if you see me

[@komrad1983]

KUGN, familiar area)

[@DedhedWaldo]

WTH? You get to let the airplane fly itself while you organize? I AM old. SMH

[@NikosWings]

Lol, no my examiner (and all examiners I have used) want me to use all available technology.

[@DedhedWaldo]

There was no such thing when I got mine in '97. Besides, he shut everything of but the turn & bank indicator at one point. Oh, during a simulated engine out. Altitude was my friend that day lol

[@tTenKay]

that was an excellent checkride example

[@flypilot992]

This is a great video. Im flying out of Skill now. Skip was my flight Instructor back in 1989. He is a pro and I love Skill., You were trained from the best Flight Training facility in the Midwest hands down . Finishing my Instrument then going onto Commercial , and CFI. I would not trust any other Training Facility.

[@NikosWings]

I couldn't agree with you more. They are truly the best!!!

[@BrianEdlin]

That was quite the checkride. You handled like a champ. Congrats

[@NikosWings]

Thanks for watching Brian!

[@SWC44]

PS,, But what a feeling, still get goose Bumps,watching GOOD VIDS,, when The Examitor, Hands Ya You Ticket!!!,, andn It way 2.9 Miles vis. on final landing,, no Flaps on MMK's Worst runway,, 18 But your so right,, Ya Never know what there going to Throw at You,,I Just Didnt want to take the Written,Again,,went In There,saying I will get at Least a 95,, Longest 2 weeks,till Faa Leter, well a 82!!!!! Goung to watch your Other,, Why you need your Inst rating!!!! Thanks again,,,,Jack

[@danrf7911]

Hi Niko, as a subscriber it's be a treat to see your progression, I enjoy all your videos. I appreciate that you can have so much fun while being so professional in your approach to flying, I am sure it is a consistent theme for you in the rest of your life. I'm currently working on my instrument ticket, and appreciate your work to publish this video, it's a big help.

[@NikosWings]

Hi Dan, I truly enjoy the gift and privilege of flight. Thank you for watching and sharing your comments. Let me know when you get your instrument rating and how the Checkride went. Take care and Happy Skies!

[@hillearybrown7083]

Niko this was a great video! I really enjoyed watching it and I learned a lot, Now two years on I look forward to seeing your newer videos, You have a new subscriber

[@NikosWings]

Well thank you and stay tuned! Many more great videos in the works! Thanks for watching!

[@busyend]

Belated congrads Niko...

[@irongill20]

All these types of videos are sooo helpful, especially from someone that’s learning out of 3CK

[@irongill20]

Yup very helpful, getting ready for my IFR check ride in a couple weeks, down in Dallas now KRBD

[@flyingwithrobertjohnston7029]

Whew!!! Time for a Foster’s (or two) and a big medium rare steak at Outback Steakhouse. That was way more involved than my instrument checkride. But back in 99 we had no GPS approaches and my plane had no autopilot or GPS or LORAN. Just needles and steam gauges. The best ILS of my life was the one I flew into KFTW that day. You really did a great job sir and kept your cool and all with camera rolling. Amazing! Excellent job!

[@edthompson2043]

Thanks so much for posting this!

[@ZzYougz]

Nice flight management ! Well done

[@attitudepilot3474]

Congrats.....Your DPE is to the point, he's not messing around.

[@AG_adventures]

Its WIRED, Descent checklist at the end. at least thats what my flight school teaches. good video!

[@jayptrade]

you did great..by the way thanks for sharing this great video.. I have my instrument checkride within 4 days.. Now by watching this video give me a view of checkride...again thanks for sharing...

[@KyleD237]

Taking my check ride next week. This was extremely helpful to have a better idea and what was going to happen. Thanks for the great video. Edited well.

[@NikosWings]

Good luck

[@abbieamavi]

you got this!! :)

[@KyleD237]

@@NikosWings passed. Thanks

[@yuxinli3819]

Nice video which is helpful to my instrument check ride. BTW could you tell me the name of the music in the video please?

[@lukensmith2333]

Great video Niko! THANK YOU, This helps give great insight towards the flight portion! Taking my instrument checkride Thursday at KPMP!

[@NikosWings]

Good luck Luke

[@thepilotmaster777]

Ill also be taking mine at pmp american flyers

[@yamahonkawazuki]

my friend , did you get in line when they were handing out nerves? you and your examiner both were as chill as can be. even with the ooopsie , you handled it very well. glad i subbed to this. some amazing things to see.

[@ChiDraconis]

He has Hematologic Antifreeze to prevent ice from blocking his blood supply

[@NikosWings]

Hahaha that’s a good one, I wish, lol

[@ChiDraconis]

@@NikosWings You get it any Costume Supply in the handy quart size which matches the Fog / Smoke machine which you rent from the same place; Their Flight Suits _do not do the job_ as those have no in-flight bladder relief absorbent → see DRIFIRE 1-Piece Flight Suit - Desert Sand: Passengers wear them Oh yeah; About sticking your head out the window during Bird-strikes?

[@tobysmith4662]

Hey Niko, I think think this is actually your best video. Such a great resource - lots of mock orals out there but very very few actual practicals. You're helping make a lot of pilots (I'm Toby)

[@ericsullivan8406]

Hey Niko, great Vid. thanks for sharing, and taking to time publish is vid. I haven't finished my PPL yet but, already studying for the IR... should be done in June on the PPL.

[@Shaneepe1]

Oldie but goodie!!! Thanks for sharing this experience!

[@jamesunger8433]

Good check ride. I remember mine too many years ago and my check ride was in a twin Let's just say that it was a very busy check ride and very challenging and very rewarding too..... Ironically too it was actually in IMC probably the bottoms were at about 800 ft so it was entirely in IMC.... I imagine it was rewarding for you as it was me because at the end I breathed a huge sigh relief and saw the instructor next to me and he smiled and I knew I passed... awesome! It's a fantastic achievement.

[@craigsamborski3794]

Amazing Niko! Congrats, Baller IFR Checkride!

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

I would use him as a co-pilot. You are allowed to use all resources on board to your advantage.

[@user-tc5hp1pr6i]

Do you live in Fernandina Beach, FL or near there? I think I've seen you flying before out of KFHB.

[@NikosWings]

Nope, southern Florida. I've flown over Fernandina a bunch of times though. Cheers!

[@user-tc5hp1pr6i]

Cool Niko. I got my private pilot license at Embry Riddle Last year .... looking for my instrument next, then commercial some day. Are you looking to obtain your commercial or already have?

[@NikosWings]

Nice! Congrats Captain! Your instrument will be the best ticket ever. The Commercial is just the private all over again but more precision on maneuvers. Keep on keeping on!

[@sebastianbaltazar8213]

lucky to have good weather, mine was is the eternal Autumn fog of Poland

[@evanschultz7096]

Have my instrument ride in 2 weeks and this gave me the butterflies just like first time private, the dpes always seem to dislike use of autopilot but yours didn’t discourage as much. This definitely was not as easy ride by any means by the way.

[@UTarcher72]

Great video Niko! Very helpful and lots of tips. Will be taking my checkride soon. Love your videos, keep them coming.

[@davisx2002]

great video man...but i would kill the music. it doesn't help

[@bolickmj]

Great video. It has popped up in my feed many times, but I never thought of watching it because of how rare it is to record a checkride. Thank you for putting it out there. I'm a few months from my checkride. Crushed the instrument knowledge test (97%), doing well in the SIM with my CFI as she makes sure we lock in the basics on the ground. Will get in the air next week. My biggest concern is being able to quickly interpret the math when directed to hold, intercept a VOR, etc. Seems pretty simple, but the OBS/CDI/HSI seems to rule my brain at times and task saturation can be a problem in my early 50s, but I'm determined to get it done. This was a big help.

[@redbaron1954100]

congrats on check out did my first induction flight out of waukegan in 1970

[@happysawfish]

Watched the whole thing! Very good. I bet you have some good instrument stories now!

[@jorgerubio8335]

Super great video. Worth every minute. Congrat...

[@jonconner3019]

You must have been exhausted after that.

[@NikosWings]

Excited and thrilled I think describes it best

[@youpattube1]

Very very interesting. Thanks for taking us along.

[@Samson518]

Thank you for sharing. When will you be an instructor?!

[@hemsmar]

OK Niko, Ive been a lurker for many years. I have my IFR oral/ride in 3 weeks and you are part of my learning all these years from my PPL to now. I dissected this flight first by listening to you at .75 speed (you sound weird) Where the heck is this VOR that you used flying into Burlington? It doesn't exist. Second, my guess was that you were identifying on the radio your nav aids but didnt show that part? Third, did your CFII at the time have you do a 00? Mine told me if a DPE asks you to do it say you wont. (not sure what Ill do if it comes up).

[@NikosWings]

It’s BUU VOR. Yes 00 was always on and I LOVE them. I don’t see why you wouldn’t do a 00

[@multitieredinvestor5246]

Took and passed instrument check ride Dec 1982. Wish we had small video cameras back then. That would have been a great memory. At 2000 MSL I held over the Georgetown, TX NDB. I was then to fly to Waco. Too low to pickup Waco. Examiner said rather loudly”Where are we¿”. I tuned in Austin and went outbound. That was close.

[@NikosWings]

You saved it

[@ViperDriver22]

Nice work with the editing and music choice! Keep the music electronic plz, ha ha. Your vids helped inspire me to continue on the road to the regionals. Keep up the good work!

[@bmxmz]

just started instrument training, i bet you were exhausted after that checkride! lots of fun though. blue skies and tailwinds!

[@Brilembi]

From Cessna to Cirrus flying around hurricans

[@camelbackfreeski]

the read back wasn't correct...clearance was for 4,500 10 min after, pilot read back 5,000. Unless I'm missing something.

[@NikosWings]

You are right, and I think the examiner just brushed it off since he would assign me altitudes anyway. Plus the radio was just too noisy and hard to hear when he was giving me my clearance. Thanks for watching.

[@tytusabrahamson6575]

Would have loved to see you work your way into the hold but other than that, loved the vid. Keep 'em coming!

[@multitieredinvestor183]

After a 90 minute oral exam the examiner and I flew. He had me fly south at 2000 feet to Georgetown, TX. which is near Austin. He then said take me to Waco. I was too low to receive Waco VOR. He yelled, “where are we?” I tuned into Austin flew outbound north east. Later we landed and while in his office December 10, 1980 he got a phone call from a mutual friend. He announced that he was giving me an early Christmas present. I passed.

[@NikosWings]

Congratulations on your 41st year piloting Anniversary!

[@bostonalext]

Great job Niko!! I just passed my instrument check ride 3 days ago also flying in the Chicago area! Did my private and instrument at Dupage airport. Nothing beats midwest flying (except for the weather haha), everything is so flat and Chicago ATC is always friendly and professional. Wish I had AP though, did everything by hand, with steam gauges haha. Did you get your commercial as well?

[@NikosWings]

Congratulations and super hard work doing everything by hand. I love the Midwest weather even in the winter, there’s a challenge to it that we don’t get down here in FL. I have not done my commercial. I’m 3 hours away from finishing it.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

An excellent check ride - and an excellent video. Even though this was 2 years ago, congratulations. You are a really great inspiration for our flying community. Thanks for the video. N-6395T

[@NikosWings]

Well thank you for the kind words! Happy skies!

[@Juicemanss]

Great video thinking of continuing training and getting my IFR ticket. Bro please what’s the name of this track playing in the background I looked everywhere and can’t find it

[@NikosWings]

I don’t have that track on my records. Sorry

[@dukesnyder2578]

nice work and I commend you for your courage to put that out there for the world to see. I think foggles are fine for training and the check flight. When you are in the soup (daylight) you have a clear unobstructed view of your entire cabin but from the fuselage out is an opaque haze and that is what foggles simulate to some degree. It's all just a simulation to get you used to using and trusting your equipment to fly the plane. Once you get into real IMC (clouds) the plane can be all over the place from convective activity within the cloud. You may be descending thru 3000' of solid clouds at 500ft a min. That's 6 minutes of bouncing around in IMC. Do that at night time while the strobe is lighting up the cloud every 2 seconds. The prop looks like it's not even moving. It can get unnerving pretty quick.

[@NikosWings]

And you are right, real IMC is not for the faint of heart... You need your A-game each and every time. Thanks for the comments and Happy Skies!