Why Darrin S. Sherrill Chose to Get An Instrument Rating

After Darrin S. Sherrill of Georgia gained his Private Pilot certification, he chose to immediately pursue an Instrument Rating, which he achieved only a month later. This Instrument Rating allowed him to progress as a pilot towards his larger goal of becoming a commercial pilot, which came to fruition in 2010.

An Instrument Rating has stringent requirements. A pilot interested in adding an Instrument Rating to his certificate is expected to hold a Private Pilot license, a current FAA Medical Certificate, and prove fluency in English.

In addition, the pilot must complete a series of training sessions either with an approved instruction or through a home-study course. This training is necessary for the pilot to pass the challenging exams, since the tests require extensive knowledge of issues related to instrument flight rules.

Once ground training is completed, pilots aspiring to achieve an Instrument Rating must log a minimum of 50 hours of flight time as the commanding pilot. These 50 hours have to include a cross-country flight and 3 separate types of instrument approaches.

These requirements often take quite a bit of time for pilots to complete. Darrin Scott Sherrill realized that after his Private Pilot tests, he was prepared to immediately continue his flight education by resuming his studies for an Instrument Rating. Darrin Sherrill’s instrument rating prepared him to complete his training as a pilot by gaining a Commercial certificate and a Multi-Engine Land certificate.

If you are in the process of determining your goals as a pilot, Darrin Sherrill recommends pursuing an Instrument Rating for the following reasons:

A greater confidence in your piloting abilities

Expanded knowledge of flight procedures

New opportunities for further training

Personal growth through the rigors of studying

Increased career opportunities

How to Study Before Your Pilot Certification Test With Darrin Sherrill

Darrin S. Sherrill of Georgia obtained his Private Pilot certificate in 2007 and went on to achieve his Commercial certificate in 2010. These certifications required intensive study on Darren Sherrill’s part. If you are considering pursuing your pilot’s certification, Darrin Scott Sherrill offers the following advice for your preparations.

Choose Your Certification

Before you can begin studying with real purpose, you must decide which type of certification is your goal. Certain licenses require fewer hours and less preparation, but naturally have greater restrictions. Darrin S. Sherrill chose to first obtain a Private Pilot certification, which required more extensive preparation time than a sport pilot license. Think about how you wish to use your license to determine which kind of certification will fit your needs.

Enroll in Appropriate Preparation Courses

There are several ways to prepare yourself for the knowledge exam. Darrin Sherrill found that a combination of online courses, personal study, and ground school were all helpful. Depending on your style of learning various combinations of those three options will be optimal for your training. Above all, Darrin S. Sherrill advises taking plenty of time to study before taking the exam. The test is meant to be challenging, so a rushed time of studying will not sufficiently prepare you to pass the exam.

Optimize Your Flight Lessons

In addition to studying, you must begin taking flight lessons. You can enroll in these lessons at a local airport or at a school that specifically trains pilots. In between these classes, Darrin Sherrill recommends that you drill yourself on the maneuvers that you are taught. When it comes to a practical flight exam, you will be asked to perform a complex series of specific drills, so a comprehensive understanding of flying techniques is essential for achieving your certification.