Test prep Study Struggle is REAL + 1st Px in the T6! IFR status VLOG #2

[@TheLombardProject]

Dude!! You showing your vulnerability and your struggle is your strength and the strength of your channel. This sturdy quality is why people connect with you and are able to learn so much from your videos. Very inspiring. Cheers Howard

[@Parr4theCourse]

TheLombardProject YES indeed, that’s what inspired me to get my Instrument rating when he started a while back and kept missing IAP before he could brief the approach, I felt his pain and didn’t feel like; “is it just me”????

[@wrg2608]

THIS!!! I've been a long time fan of the channel due to you taking on challenges that low time pilots (like myself) can resonate with. I am sitting her multitasking on two screens while studying for my instrument and sure enough, you are too. I'm tuned in and excited for you and everyone on Reddit when you finally get this thing!

[@hygri]

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[@ilovechieftains]

Otherwise known as "Being Human"

[@Parr4theCourse]

Jman Yep!!!

[@Ficon]

Studying as an adult is always hard. But as a passenger I'm reassured to know that my pilot had to work hard and was challenged in their studies. Keep up the great work and thumbs up for a manual Golf R!

[@justincopeland533]

I was wondering if I was the only one that saw the r on the steering wheel.. mk7.5 at that!!

[@GaryMCurran]

Steve, I think you're over thinking and undermining your IFR training. What I mean by that is your pushing yourself too hard, you're getting frustrated, then you get upset at yourself. Couple of suggestions, if I might. First, RELAX! That means not trying to do your ground school standing up in the kitchen. Go sit down in your office where you are comfortable. Next, don't try to memorize each page and each concept. Go through them, if you find you're having issues, Mark the page and come back to it later. You may find that there is something later on in the presentation that makes it gel for you. Don't worry about getting questions wrong. This is self evaluation testing, to show where your weak points are. Don't guess, but if you don't know, that's okay, give it your best shot. This type of quiz gives you information on where you need to reinforce you're learning. Create a set of 3x5 test cards with questions and the answers, and get your daughter to play a game with you. For each one you get wrong, she gets a penny, or a small piece of candy. Each one you get right reinforces your knowledge, and you're spending time with your daughter. Find a study buddy, someone who can sit down with you and watch the videos or presentations with you and help to explain, someone like Osama. Not only does it help you, he gets to review his own instrument knowledge. You've been working on this for so long, but you really need to dedicate a chunk of time to studying this and getting it done. Would love to invite you to the PNW where winter is always cloudy, but we had sunshine today. Spend the time and get out and FLY under the hood, or better yet, in IMC. You'll see how the information you're learning comes into play and it'll be like "Hey! I remember that!" The final point is, YOU CAN DO THIS! You've got over 60 landings in the Harvard now, and I remember when you thought you were going to prang it. You didn't, you overcame your fear and self doubt and got it done. FEAR actually is an acronym, so remember this. FEAR equals False Evidence Appearing Real. If you believe the false evidence of getting your instrument rating is difficult, it will become real. Instead, replace it with the though that "there are thousands of pilots who get it every year worldwide, and they aren't any smarter or more gifted, or more special than I am." Keep that in your head and kill the self doubt. Your a good businessman, a great pilot, and pretty darn successful. Simply apply that attitude to this part of your trading. Buddy, you've got this! I've told you this about the T-6, and now about your instrument rating.

[@FlightChops]

As always, insights and encouragement appreciated Gary!

[@GaryMCurran]

@@FlightChops You've got this, you'll do just fine, just relax a little.

[@wiseogjc370]

OH SNAP. This comment is awesome and the complete package. You get practical advice, a kick in the pants, motivation, and lift's your spirit all in one post.

[@officebear4637]

​@@wiseogjc370Ahahah we all need a tutor like Gary!

[@officebear4637]

@@GaryMCurranThat was so inspiring that I feel motivated even though I'm nowhere near to getting my PPL yet eheh need to work and get some schooling done first but I hope that I'll see advice like yours in the future!

[@michaelrodgers9419]

I can’t thank you enough for the hard work you put in to all of your videos. The authenticity you show us is inspiring. I’m 55 and I’ve been following this dream for 20 years. I’ve had my ppl one year and have just finished my transition training in my first airplane, a 67 Mooney M20 F. My confidence comes and goes and I just solo’d my plane for the first time a few days ago in the pattern at Santa Monica. It felt amazing. Thanks again for all you do to share your experiences. I really appreciate you and your work. Hope to meet you sometime soon.

[@FlightChops]

Congrats! the M20 is awesome and you've got a real classic there!

[@michaelrodgers9419]

Thanks for that. I agree. It’s an awesome plane. I run the West Coast Mooney Club on FB. Passionate group of owners and pilots. Check it out sometime.

[@jayphilipwilliams]

Don't even think about starting on the RV build until you're done with your IFR. That's what's called "too many irons in the fire." I'm an expert. Trust me.

[@FlightChops]

Yes, The goal is to do it well before any prospect of the build is confirmed.

[@goatflieg]

Seconded. I look forward to talking to you a lot more about it in the future, before you make the leap. Anything I can do to help you make the best and most informed decision.

[@JoeLively]

Hey Steve, long time watcher. First time I have commented though. I saw your frustration when you got the question wrong on the ANDS part, and it nearly broke my heart to see. For someone who is so skilled and passionate about flying, regardless of the questions or challenges, I hate to see you get upset or de-motivated. You are such a great and skilled pilot that you need to give yourself a break on certain aspects. I can't even begin to say in words the amount of stick and rudder skill you have compared to 90% of the pilots out there. The IFR will come to you in time, I know it. And with your respect for flying and the rules of the sky, I would never be afraid to fly with or near you. Keep going, knock this out, and remember you are an amazingly talented and motivating pilot. Cheers, and happy new year Steve!

[@ToxicDover]

The sound of the T6 on contact is AMAZING

[@intervera]

At middle age and after 20 years as a PPL, I decided to get an IFR rating last year after half hearted attempts over the last 5 years. I failed my exam by one question on the first attempt which defeated me (I really struggled studying). So a few months later, I decided to commit. I lived at the airport for 10 days, flew IFR training every day 2+ times per day and got my hours and began to get competent. I was able to visualize the answers to the questions. Then I ramped up and studied (mostly wrote practice exams) 8 hours a day for 6 days (one hour a day did not work for me). Then I wrote the exam and passed. I practiced creating a memorized cheat sheet of all the stuff I had difficulty remembering so I could then spend the first five minutes of the exam recreating the cheat sheet using the supplied scrap paper. Last thing that worked for me: I took a cue from aerobatic pilots who “visualize” a successful flight and visualized passing the exam. The positive energy really changed my drive and ability to remember stuff. Think positive: the IFR is way simpler than the work you did for the Harvard!

[@FlightChops]

I really appreciate these pointers! I like the idea of quickly recreating your "cheat sheet" before you start the test.

[@intervera]

As for “NOSE” & “ANDS” next time you fly, play with the whiskey compass. Do what the paper chart says and prove that it is true to yourself. It will get ingrained then! And film it and pretend you are going to make a video explaining / proving it.

[@steveo1kinevo]

If you think the Instrument test is hard, just wait till you get to your ATP written. That’s a whole new level of crazy

[@FlightChops]

NOPE! :P

[@pssryan]

The instrument written has been the hardest for me so far. Working on my Commercial currently. Have not even thought far enough ahead about ATP, but will certainly take your word for it Steve-o!

[@ArcticMayhem]

I've heard the instrument written is the 2nd hardest test after the ATP. I'm also working on my commercial and it seems easy compared to the instrument. I'd go take the test but the FAA is shut down.

[@GaryMCurran]

Steveo, one of the reasons you need 1,500 hours for the ATP. But, I reiterate, you and tens of thousands of other pilots have done it. Sure, it takes practice, skills, determination and a lot of experience, but isn't that what we want in the cockpits of our airliners? Steve, if life presents the opportunity in the future, go for it, it will make you a better pilot. But, I'd say you probably have a couple of years before you get to that point yet. 😺😏😁

[@jkerau]

Sheppard Air made it easy to pass that test...

[@AvPilot100PL]

Apologies for the double comment, but here’s how my instructor explained compass stuff and it made it click (I’m also a ground instructor in the states so I’ll be teaching this stuff soon)... remember UNOS and ANDS. Undershoot North, Overshoot South (for turning dip errors) and Accelerate North, Decelerate South. If you memorize those, it’ll make your life 1000x easier. So for UNOS, remember turning onto due north or due south (360 or 180) will cause a 30 degree undershoot or overshoot depending on the rollout. For every 30 degrees off due north or due south you roll out on, the error will be 10 degrees less. So for example, say you’re turning to a heading of 030 from a heading of 090. You should plan on undershooting (Undershoot North) that heading my approximately 20 degrees. So roll out on 050 and you’ll really roll out on 030. For headings like 010 and 015, you can extrapolate but realistically if you declare a vacuum failure emergency, the controller won’t dare to give you weird headings and if they do, you can just say you can’t fly it (you are the emergency aircraft). Let me know if you have anymore questions and I do have an explanation for WHY the dip errors occur and WHY the compass seems to be backwards if you would like that!

[@steevesy11]

AvPilot 100PL Beat me to it hahaha I shouted ands at my ipad

[@AvPilot100PL]

Keven Steeves haha

[@brianmccaffrey9610]

Taking pictures of the hard questions is a good idea. You can screenshot a part of the screen with shift-cmd-4. Then paste them into some sort of a document and make a study guide. Thanks for taking us along for the studying ride. You’re inspiring me to do hard things too.

[@rfriesen1644]

Stick with it. The studying thing is much harder as we get older and your busy life outside of that plus family, plus... all these layers add to the challenge. We're all behind you.

[@Windtee]

Dude, get a study-buddy who enjoys ground-study and bounce off Q&As with him! Info you need to soak up isn't difficult, but with lack of progress your frustration is amplified making absorption tough to impossible. While alone, study one subject at a time in small chunks, then test your knowledge. Forget about jamming a random study-session in an hour time-slot, instead, conquer one subject at a time. You can do this!

[@killersajmon]

Saab 2000 and ATR 72-pilot watching from Sweden. Good luck with your studies! Don't give up!

[@10lauset]

Happy New Year, Steve. Keep your chin up and keep slogging away. Love flying in the Harvard.

[@Mythricia1988]

I don't know if this applies, but as someone who also struggles with traditional learning methods, but for some reason keeps throwing themselves are very hard problems, one thing that has always been a huge help for me is learning by trying to explain the topic to someone. That 'someone' doesn't have to actually exist, but imagining a conversation with a friend or partner, trying to explain the phenomenon you are trying to understand. In doing so, you very quickly identify the exact aspects of it that you struggle with, and it can sometimes be surprising. It can also really help solidify the understanding you already have, by forcing you to verbalize it and describe it using your own words. This is something that is well known to help learning. If forces you to re-think the problem, rather than just re-reading the same learning material over and over again. It's kind of vaguely related to something we in computer science call "Rubber duck debugging": The process of explaining a problem to somebody often leads to finding the answer. Even if that "someone" is literally a rubber duck on your desk!

[@FlightChops]

I think you've just described the entire point of my youTube channel :P . I needed a way to improve on things I was having trouble with, and sharing the process ultimately also helped me :) So yeah, this "vlog" is essentially my trying to talk through and explain things I am having trouble with.

[@DancesportDG]

Great video, Steve! It is good to hear that other people struggle with the compass-errors and the diagrams also. Thank you for sharing that! I'll keep my fingers crossed for your IFR exams!

[@StrokeMahEgo]

We're rooting for you man! Finally gonna get that instrument rating!

[@Khar_Toba]

I have my PPL written test really soon and I was feeling nervous and badly prepared. On this video you left enough time for me to think about the answers to the compass error questions and I got them both right, this is a big and much needed confidence booster for me. Thank you Steve and happy new year!

[@cannonloughry5131]

You got this! You CAN do it. I feel you on the weight of getting this test behind you and the struggles to balance it with the craziness of life. I finally finished my instrument rating in Oct 2018. Took me over a year and a half from when I started working on it. Be happy to help you if you need a sounding board. I had a friend that was earning his instrument rating at the same time. It was super helpful having someone to discuss concepts and questions with! Thanks for sharing your journey with us all!

[@FsChronicles]

ANDS: compass accelerate North, decelerate South. UNOS: compass undershoot North, overshoot South.

[@adrianmartinez6607]

Hi, I'm a volunteer ground school instructor and I have some tips that might be helpful with remembering compass errors. The main thing to remember is that the compass always wants to point north. Whenever you're in a northern heading and turn away, since the compass wants to keep pointing north, it will lag. Similarly with a turn from a southern heading, since any turn away from the south will get you closer to pointing north, the compass will get too excited to point north again and thus will lead. For acceleration/deceleration errors it's the same principle, but a little bit different. Whenever you accelerate, you are giving the aircraft (and thus your compass) more energy. Since your compass has more energy, it will get excited and use that extra energy to point (you guessed it) north. When you are decelerating, you are taking energy away from the compass, which makes the compass tired. This means it has little energy to keep pointing north (which can be exhausting) and thus it points south. Hope this helps!

[@af4653]

Hi Adrian, I am new to all this but your comment is sooo helpful. Really makes it make sense. Thanks!

[@h0ll1s]

Man I feel your pain of study! Thanks for bringing us along for the ride, you've got it Steve!

[@GabeSullice]

Keep these comin' man! I've got my PPL oral and checkride coming up and I totally sympathise with that "is this enough?" feeling and the frustration of committing all that seemingly esoteric stuff to memory. It's reassuring to see that I'm not alone struggling through study material.

[@theRICKbowman]

Loved this vid Steve. Right now I am training as an ATC, trying to finish off my PPL and keep all the “day to day” activities of life on the rails. I totally understand and sympathize with the struggle of trying to jam all the knowledge into your brain, as well as finding the time to get it all done. It can feel so frustrating some days. Keep the vids coming, and happy landings !

[@richardroy6119]

Kep working at it and it will come ro you. I just wrote the INRAT successfully after pulling my hair on NDB navigation and several other topics. I doubted myself but finally succeeded. An hour a day might not be enough depending how soon you want to write the exam.

[@bsinger339]

Steve, happy new year to you and your family! I passed my IFR written in August and i'm hoping to do my checkride at the end of January. Like you, I'm a father, I have a regular job (that I can incorporate my flying), and I volunteer for several non-profits. I thought this video was a great example of the daily struggles. One thing to keep in mind when you are reviewing some of the PPL material (compass errors), when I was going through my training after I passed the written, a lot of what I studied became more clearer when I was training in the airplane. Here is what I mean: during this video, you were studying about compass errors. During my IFR training, we would "fail" some instruments, specifically my DG. When you are flying the plane by reference to the compass, you will quickly see and understand the errors you are learning about now. My suggestion is to learn the written material to the point where you can regurgitate it; don't beat yourself up for not understanding it. That will come once you are sitting in the left seat and flying. All the best to you and your family in 2019.

[@donjennings2975]

Taking my PPL written this Friday . Non stop studying. I just remind myself, this is not a task, it's something that I have a passion for.

[@jackmcintyre3086]

I'm doing my atpl exams just now, not sure how intense the exam is compared to these , but I tend to do about 3-4hrs a day on top of class work. For you I'd probably say 2 hrs a day would be enough and still allow you enough free time . Keep up the awesome content ! - Jack

[@noahJ2011]

You're videos have been helping me tackle my pilot training and the mental challenges of being a pilot. Thank you, for for your perspective. My butterflies of anxiety still torture me so, but that's ok. We all struggle.

[@Mr32712]

you and I are on like the same track IFR wise! started last week, and i'm trucking along! Good luck chops!

[@Metalgearmadness]

Get sheppard air, it makes the IFR written easy. But studying for the checkride is something else, I'm working on my CFII so I know the pain 2 times over.

[@FlightChops]

I'm in Canada...

[@Metalgearmadness]

Oh thats right, well that's too bad. Sheppard air is the stuff we use and you will make a 90+ on your test in 3 days of studying.

[@nickbohn2368]

I related to this vlog quite a bit. I’m trying to find time to study for my PPL written while finishing up my senior year in high school. Seeing somebody else deal with the same with thing is reassuring. It’s a good reminder to just keep plugging away!

[@space_0027]

Keep up the great work Steve! Love watching your videos and look forward to your IFR progress.

[@rontourage7384]

Hard learners, as myself is, make for the best pilot’s since we really put the extra time in!

[@dozermedic18]

Happy New Year Steve. Was just laughing at your choice of study locations 🤔, next to some Scotch 😊. I’m with you on starting IFR. You encouraged to get my PPL in tailwheel 😉. I’m trying to psych up for it, IFR😳.

[@BruceDuncan]

Love the Lagavulin. Also, used to fly a K13 glider G-CFVU. It is also yellow! Best of luck with the studying: Practice makes perfect :)

[@FlightChops]

I actually found the Lagavulin too smokey... but guests have enjoyed it - almost gone :) .

[@samuel-jq9wl]

As someone who got their instrument in 36 days, do not over think all your prep. It’s overwhelming and discouraging to look at it as a mountain of stuff. I’ve seen all your videos and you have so much experience. My oral was 20 questions. I was mad that it was so short honestly haha. You got it and you know everything you need to get your IFR! We believe in you!

[@liamsandie]

I'd say you need more than a hour a day, for my ATPLs here in the UK I found doing as much as poss over a short time helped it sink in quicker. Remember UNOS and ANDS these will help no end. Stick at it

[@FlightChops]

yeah agreed - I am gonna try to up the average if not every daily session.

[@noahhoeppner9128]

YES!! Harvs Air!! Aarons an awesome teacher! Have spent a good number of hours watching those powerpoints! You can do it Steve!

[@troyblack7626]

Steve, It may be frustrating that you aren't getting it but once you can actually put it to all use it will make since. Don't give up, keep working at it and reading some of the other comments on here. You have a great support group behind you. Thanks for the great video again and keep your head up. You can do it.

[@AydinKurtElli]

Got my rating last year - and watching this makes me feel I need to go back to the books...!! It's that usual thing where 80% of the theory goes fuzzy as you focus on the practical / checkride, and actual flying - need to refresh...! And yes, it was the hardest qualification I've got yet... j'agree!

[@metrodriver6618]

Hi Steve! Started watching your channel back in summer 2016 with zero flight experience. Last year, I got my CPL and just finished my MIFR last month through Harvs Air. Glad to see you’re using pilot training for your ground , you’ll get there! 😉

[@FlightChops]

Wow! Congrats! so glad to hear it!

[@metrodriver6618]

FlightChops thanks for inspiring young pilots like me and making our study breaks fun by watching your videos😉

[@Ash-fz1sm]

I have my INRAT next week, this Vlog series has been great to see. Thanks for posting, hopefully I'll bump into you or Osama at CYOO sometime. Blue skies.

[@FlightChops]

Get after it! The feeling of having it done is amazing!

[@goatflieg]

For the record: If anyone is concerned about the upside down Stars and Bars on my cap, it's not meant to be disrespectful or a sign of anarchy. It's merely an error. An unnamed museum in Michigan ordered these caps, and when they realized the Stars and Bars were upside down, they put them in the deep discount bin. When I found them I looked at the tag inside, and learned they were made in Cambodia. Suddenly it made sense, and I found it amusingly ironic enough to buy one. No offense meant.

[@RaygunGaming]

Funniest thing I've read all day, thanks for the laugh. :)

[@fuelerr]

Make America right side up again!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Glad to see you're finally getting this done! All the hard work and sacrifice will pay off big time in the long run - it will be well worth it. No more worrying about a VFR flight into IMC, and that window of when you can fly suddenly becomes a bit larger. 👍 Look at all you've accomplished just in 2018, let alone all the years prior! YOU CAN and WILL do this! Although I'm not a pilot, I can relate to the "school work" part of this - it can be seriously frustrating ... and then you'll become your own worst enemy, doubting your abilities, etc.. For me, the actual DOING part is 100x easier than the PAPER part, and I'm certain it will be the same for you, given your extensive aviation experience. Keep at it, Steve - I KNOW you've GOT THIS. Happy New Year, and THANK YOU for sharing all of this!! 🍻🍻

[@jeremysmith5357]

Just passed my instrument written, I had been trying to prep for it for a year, finally just took 4 days and studied 5 hours a day and passed it with a 89. Just cram and get it out of the way. My wife also did it with me that helped doing with someone else (she passed also !) . I learned so much doing IFR prep. So impressed you are sharing your struggle, you are not alone! Keep up the good work.

[@7romosky836]

I’m studying for IFR as well! Man oh man this is rough !

[@bryanbarnett2767]

The compass turning error is one of the things I review most when I take folks for a ride in my J3 Cub. Since we don't have a DG we rely on the compass.

[@MathewLinger]

I love how you have a GTi. I have a mk4 Jetta GLS and I love it. Oh and I love your videos.

[@jonahbruckerhoff3626]

Currently in instrument training myself. The jeppesen test knowledge book has all of the questions you will see on the test and is a great study guide!

[@672egalaxie6]

I was never a great student either. I find that my studying improves when my study area is void of distraction. I could not study standing in the kitchen, no less with the Glenlivet staring at me... I've been subbed for awhile and thoroughly enjoy your channel and your progress is fantastic. Thanks fer takin' us along. I don't have the$$ to contribute with 2 kids in college and a fire service salary, but someday I'd like to chip in. Thanks again, I'll be following along.

[@FlightChops]

No pressure to contribute! Thanks for watching and commenting! And thanks for your service!

[@PilotPlater]

Happy new year Steve! An hour a day isn't a bad pace, at least as a minimum. If you're still working through some ppl stuff, not a bad idea to do more, but don't forget burnout. I'd much rather see someone do 45 minutes of really productive studying a day than 3 hours of slacking off because they're burnt out. Immersion is important too. It's good you're getting out and flying as part of this process. All too many people study for months and never get in the airplane to really solidify the concepts. Immersion in IFR is harder if not doing IFR flying, that stuff goes pretty quick. Make sure to switch it up from sample exams. Wanna learn about approach plates? Hey, lets look up an approach plate from an airport I've never flown into. What is that symbol? Why did they note an altitude on that waypoint? Sometimes the most effective learning is when you can spark a genuine curiosity.

[@cyoda1359]

Probably already covered but for the US written test (which I passed a little over a year ago), I took a 3-day intensive course, stayed in the hotel where the course was done and then rolled out and took the test 2 days later while it was all still fresh. Worked really well. I tried studying at home but too many distractions and my retention was too low. Good luck - you’ll get it done, but consider an intensive ground school course!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks yeah - I had tried to self study, and failed the test, so I did the intensive weekend course last year actually, and spent most of the weekend being reminded how not ready I was. I got busy after and then lost momentum and never tried the test again... I am now starting over with the studying and might retake that course.

[@cyoda1359]

No one starts those courses "being ready." The best intensive courses give you that "bring it on!" feeling at the end - but the key is to literally take the test within 24-48 hours because you will just lose the info. Hey, if I was able to pass the test in 2017 at age 58 you can certainly do it with your much younger mind! But don't wait - lock yourself down, take the class for 3 days, then take the exam. Don't post or edit videos - focus on that one thing only from the start of the intensive until completing the exam. Once you wait or allow yourself distractions … boom, you lose it. I used Streamline Aviation in Austin, TX and it was great but obviously that's for the US test. The ASA test prep materials were a good supplement to (but not a substitute for) the intensive class. Good luck!!!

[@MichaelSteeves]

And I just moved from a '06 VW to an (almost) new Impreza with adaptive cruise. Good luck with maintenance on the Golf -- it should be good for a few years though.

[@ThunderBird20496]

I'm currently doing my Instrument Rating, doing Navigation and Law, already sat for the Navigation Aids paper.

[@Veritas1992]

Steve, question for you: has anybody demonstrated to you the magnetic compass using a cup? It’s a very easy visual tool to make & helps explain how the compass works as well as the errors without having to break into a real compass. I can send you a video if you would like.

[@FlightChops]

I'll take any help I can get :)

[@joshualandry3160]

Seriously don't overthink the IFR ground. Probably the most attractive trap ever. The magnetic compass doesn't deserve to be a black hole of your time. If you are not straight and level don't trust it, oral and practical done. IFR knowledge is simple. Be able to read an approach plate and explain weather. You should know systems for private pilot, but they test it here strangely. Don't settle for jargon and you should have no trouble at all. Learn this as flying not a mental exercise. I'm thinking of writing a few books taking the ridiculous over complication of aviation and stripping it down to the real concepts. This is a problem many, if not all, students face. It keeps a lot of people out and is completely unnecessary. Now, I'm off to see if I can find somewhere selling a paper cutter on New Years. These airplanes won't build themselves!

[@mohammedal4767]

hey , I've done my IFR written exam few months ago in Ottawa . I recommend you do the aerocourse ( questions bank ) after you are done with pilottraining . Wish you all the best

[@chrisshieff]

Steve, nice video. I know everyone on here becomes a keyboard expert so I can only comment on what worked for me personally. It’s not easy balancing life responsibilities with new ambitions in flying so to minimise the impact/frustration I can’t recommend a class room environment enough. You get access to teachers, great notes/study prep and are fully immersed. I found I covered the material far quicker than self studying. And if the costs permit, hammer yourself on the flying over a few weeks and get the practical done. It’s a tough rating that rewards currency but once the dust settled I was relieved. Self study can be such a hard road! Stick with it mate 👍

[@garydell2023]

Hi Steve.. I agree with Gary C. Your over thinking things and you have to relax. When I trained for the my instrument rating I'd first get comfortable then I'd study for about 35 minutes then take a brief break then study etc. It wasn't overwhelming and I was able to retain what I was learning. Try it. Fly safe.

[@Valantir]

My grandfather is a 15,000 hr King Air pilot. After he retired he let his IFR lapse. Decided to get it back a few years ago (before the rules changed and rewrites are no longer required) he had to study his butt off and when he got out of the exam his exact words were "what the hell did that have to do with IFR flying" lol. It's sad that like 90% of it is not applicable to normal IFR flight just weird technicalities and errors you'll never see. Especially with everything going gps based.

[@birds_eye_view]

Oh yeah those magnetic compass errors. Really never got along with all those diagrams and phrases. I just picture the Earths magnetic fieldlines and the compass in the airplane. It can only spin on one fixed plane what is also level with the wings. So if you bank the aircraft the compass might get a chance to point partially downwards if you are in a fitting angle to the downwards leading magnetic field lines. Wishing you all the best for your exams. Oh, and of course a Happy New Year!

[@Dudeisthere]

A tip for the compass acceleration/deceleration question: Try to visualize it. If youre flying eastbound north is on your left side and south on your right side. The south side of the compass has extra weight on it to compensate for the inclination. Now as youre decelerating the south side of the magnet in your compass will move forward due to the inertia caused by the extra mass, that means the compass will show a more southern heading as youre decelerating. So youre flying on a heading of 070 (northeast) and youre pulling into a climb with constant power setting ( which means youre decelerating). We now know that the heading has to be more southern for the moment, leaving 090 as the only option amongst the answers.

[@parkerrathbun4829]

I’m in the same boat as you right now. Playing around with T-6s and other warbirds, while trying to do get my instrument-written done. Doing all this while being a full-time college student sucks at times. But when you’re flying with that 1340 in front of you, you remember why you’re doing it.

[@flyby420]

Keep it up Steve. We're all behind you.

[@Petunia31]

Finished instrument a few months ago, working on commercial now. From both experiences found I was just getting in a groove and warmed up at the latter part of an hour. I would say give yourself a few hours with no distractions (headphones with some mellow classical music works well). But at the same time don’t overthink the studying when you’re doing it, just let it flow and you’ll find yourself in a nice groove of information absorption.

[@BelowMinimums]

For the turning errors my CFI told me something that made it click. The compass wants to point north. So that question where you're on the 020 heading and turn to the right, the compass would possibly show a 350 heading (thus swinging to the left) is because the compass wants to point to the north. Basically the compass will initially swing toward the north and then catch up.

[@ryandorn7831]

Healthy Snack Man! Love these VLOGS Steve, keep em' coming.

[@michaeljbreault]

I'm a big fan of your videos. Thanks for putting all the effort into creating them. I'm currently working on my PPL at Windsor flying club right next door to CH2A, I love seeing all those old airplanes flying around the county. Can you tell me where I can find the flight training audio books you were listening to? Thanks!

[@miradubdubs]

I did my instrument test/checkeide about 2 years ago. I def understand the struggle, but I will say that it's one of, if not the hardest rating for a pilot to get. I remember getting one question in specific about circling takeoff in ifr (I'm part 141 trained) but it was such a specific question but there's a lot of info to be learned. Also like cold temp restricted airport stuff, and the logic behind crosschecking instruments, I found it all interesting. Getting the rating kind of rewired how I fly where now after takeoff, even in vfr, I find myself immediately looking at my instruments. Hope you can relate, and best of luck on your exams!

[@user-bo8yt4uc8b]

I think the northerly turning error should be taught by turning and tilting a handheld compass. That way it becomes an intuition, eh.

[@rogerparnham1884]

Appreciate your openness about your struggles. The Instrument rating was a hard one for me. Took me a year and a half from start to finish, working full time. Question...do you work?

[@edspencer7121]

Good luck to you Chops! Happy New Year........

[@sailhavasu]

I'd say "been there done that" , except I "AM there DOING it!" . Loved this video. I can relate to SO many things you've got going on here. You stick with it and I will too! Thanks for the video letting me know that others experience the same struggles.. :-)

[@FlightChops]

Glad we're struggling together :P

[@sailhavasu]

Been following you for years buddy. Strangely our paths have run some parallels. LOL. It’s been fun to watch the amazing opportunities the channel has afforded you. And let me add that you are very deserving of them. Lots of “rusty pilots” like myself eat your stuff up and have been motivated to get back in the saddle. So thank you for that. :-). You’re probably gonna beat me to the IFR rating I think but that’s ok. 🙂. I’ll get a lot of bonus info watching you do it. Oh, and I’ll probably enjoy it a little too !!!😜

[@haywardvermaak4183]

All the best for the IFR exam. I will also be grabing the bull by the horns with pilot exams. All the best from South Africa

[@corzahazard444]

I'm considering going for my RPL and got a simulator session for my birthday so I'm keen to have a go in that, but I think maybe an hour in the morning and an hour at night would be a good idea, in the morning study and night to review, different people learn better in different ways, I was bad at learning during primary school/high school (I'm in Australia so I'm not sure what that equates to there) but after leaving and learning my own way I learned and understood more than I ever did at school

[@chipmunk449]

Hey mate, I would recommend drawing/writing what they are saying and if they draw something for you to visualise, draw with them. It will give you something to reference in the exam if you get stuck. (I had to do 2 years of training on all the details of this and just looking and remembering was nearly impossible for me) I’m hands on and and it appears you learn the same way. it’s a good way to bridge the gap. Just a suggestion Love the Videos.

[@rs42sport]

Hey Steve, Happy New Years to you and your family. Quick question for ya, when you said you need to stay current in the T6 what does that mean and what is the rules to stay current.. Can’t wait to see the IFR passed and completed video keep up the great work :)

[@TheRealPlato]

12:46 I just read about the magnetic compass in the FAA's free Instrument Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B. I don't understand all the errors yet but otherwise I'm tracking that Earth's magnetic field holds the floating piece still. The plane (and housing, and window, and and "lubber line" ) turn around it. The diagram is confusing because it depicts a a northbound pilot and southbound pilot in parallel flight. It would be more clear if the southbound plane was coming towards the camera and was depicted viewing the back side of the "fixed" float. I think what's going on in the picture is that the north pole, where the red triangle is trying to point, is well below the horizon. So it's tending to pull the red needle a little bit "down". In straight and level that tendency has zero effect, and when banked the tendency pulls the red triangle slightly down (which reads as a lagging or leading indication to the pilot)

[@TheRealPlato]

15:02 This one makes sense to me now too, for the same reason. Thanks FlightChops! The magnetic component is a dangling, free to swing mass like a pendulum. I pretended my arm was the instrument and my body was the plane: I'm facing 070 magnetic. The north pole is far to my left, somewhat ahead, and a little down. My right fist is closed, at my side, hanging down. My right thumb points towards magnetic north, or approximately my 10'ck position. The instrument is read from behind me, looking at my ring finger. This represents the zero-acceleration state of straight and level flight. Now the airplane decelerates. Due to inertia, the pendulum tries to keep moving and swings forward. My fist also swings forward. But as it swings forward, my thumb is no longer pointing at the north pole. I have to rotate my first to keep my thumb pointing towards the north pole. Now the view of the instrument from behind shows my middle finger instead of my ring finger.

[@garywheeler2055]

Used HARVS air for my PPL. They are awesome and love how it unfolds. Recommend them 100%

[@scottlenahan8228]

Off topic, sorry. I noticed a couple videos ago and in this one that you have an R! Dude what a NICE car, such a great choice!! Do you like it?

[@ronmoore5827]

Do they have an intense pass the written class there ? Once you get past that written you can then learn what it takes to actually go fly in weather. Good luck to you sir, and keep at it. Once it's done it will be the most useful rating you ever get!

[@23zgeorge]

That feeling at 15:55! I had that feeling so many times while studying for my PPL. Haha

[@rynetreatch9558]

Get ‘er done! You are more than capable of getting this bud! Of all the things mentioned that you have going on I would say family, instrument studying, and the Harvard are you three most important in order. If you have to cut down to one Chops video for a couple months or just wait until you knock out the instrument out altogether that’s fine. We will understand.

[@watchfordpilot]

Hang in there Steve. It takes a while to get 'study fit' and relearning how to learn - we're with you in spirit :)

[@austinhinde]

Hey FlightChops, been watching you for years! Keep the great vids coming. If you are still having a hard time with the INRAT, ProIFR (Professional Flight Center) has an excellent 3 day seminar once a month. You should be pretty close to write after the seminar.

[@johnfife3062]

Number one, be patient with yourself, your landings, and your study. When things aren't optimal, take a moment to visualize having done it successfully -- positive mental reinforcement. The hour a day minimum study is good -- may seem too little, but if you stick with it, it'll add up in a hurry. Can you do more? What's your saturation point? Three hour commute! Holy...need that Vans! : ) Much respect and appreciation for your vids.

[@sactu1]

I'm currently studying for the Aussie IREX - I so feel your pain!!

[@shanealexander8834]

Keep up the good work Steve! You’ll get there

[@ethanwood9550]

Currently working on my Instrument rating as well in Waco, Texas. I passed the written, but to do that I studied with a friend for 3 hours 3 days a week for 3-4 weeks. I did fairly well. I think I made a 92/100 on it.

[@erikshort6140]

Use sheppard air to study, you will pay your test with no problems, it takes 10 hours to complete the whole thing, and then you can take the written, after that focus on the flying and it will be easy

[@jonthepilot6924]

I'm at the same point. I need to get the instrument knowledge test out of the way (FAA) and it's tough to find time to study. This is a test where it really pays to study and take practice questions regularly. I was able to do that for the private knowledge test and managed a perfect score. I'm much busier with life now so I'm finding it a lot harder to really consistently keep up. I think that the immersion stuff that you're doing is a good idea but don't find the burnout point. Ride that fine line. I'm glad you're taking some time off from the videos. You need to limit the distractions so you don't get overloaded. I typically spend more than an hour on the weekends, maybe 3-4 each day, and about an hour or so on weekdays. Sometimes I'll do more during the week if I want to finish an area of study that I started. Once I get to the point where I've covered everything at least once, I'll start taking practice tests periodically. As far as compass errors, dip, etc., review and memorize the acronyms (UNOS, ANDS, etc.) and keep doing what you're doing with practice questions on that. Those are really easy memory tools. I've found the compass stuff to be probably the most confusing material, too. I wouldn't start on the RV build unless you're doing it as a way to cool down from the studies for a while. If that feels like something you've got to get done, put if off. Good luck, buddy.

[@footeythegreat]

keep with it, hour a day is fine depending on how soon you want to be done. I studied a couple hours a day making flashcards from sheppard air for about a month and a half, and passed the written with a 93%. Just keep on the grind and youll get it.

[@av8ir68]

First of all, I feel your pain!!!! I am horrible at studying and retaining what I studied!!!! What do you do in your spare time for work??

[@Behemoth29]

Note: the ANDS acronym for compass acceleration error only applies to the Northern hemisphere. Southern hemisphere pilots should use SAND (on east-west headings, South = acceleration and North = deceleration).

[@tszabo86]

I feel the pain of studying. I have my IFR test scheduled on the 31st, I'm studying 1 hour each day and taking a practice test each day. Then when that's all good have to start getting ready for the oral, never ends

[@mghemke]

You are a great explainer of aviation. Play to your strengths. I think you should approach the instrument test by teaching the information to someone else (this is obviously one of your strengths). It doesn't have to be your youtube audience (But that would be awesome!) Good luck, Don't feel pressure to keep me entertained while you achieve your goals. I'll be here watching your videos after you get your IFR rating, even if you have to take a break making videos to study.

[@zacharynorman397]

You and I are pretty much at the exact same spot in instrument training. I am shooting to take my test by the end of February. Good luck buddy!

[@Parr4theCourse]

Zachary Norman Yea, I was starting mine when I first started watching him going through his, his willingness to show how hard it is gave me hope that I wasn’t doing so bad, you’ll do fine as well, just need to take it seriously!!!!!

[@zacharynorman397]

@@Parr4theCourse Thank you. It really is challenging. Are you based in the USA or Canada?

[@Parr4theCourse]

I’m in the USA, Wichita Kansas....

[@zacharynorman397]

@@Parr4theCourse Last night, I was inspired to study an extra 2 hours...It was great, but now I can't get MOCA, MEA and other acronyms out of my head...

[@Parr4theCourse]

Zachary Norman And don’t forget OROCAs too! Sorry couldn’t resist.... Yep that stuff will camp out in your brain!!!

[@adrenalinowner7992]

I wonder if having a compass in your car would help with mag North deviation