Nathan Ballard: Why Every Private Pilot Should Get an Instrument Rating
If you’re a private pilot looking to enhance your skills and safety in the cockpit, obtaining an Instrument Rating (IR) might be one of the most valuable steps you can take in your aviation journey. In a recent video, Nathan Ballard, a Master Flight Instructor, delves into the importance of this rating by sharing his own story and insights. Nathan emphasizes that the IF rating is about trust, proficiency, and safety, making it an essential addition to any pilot’s skill set. Let’s explore why this rating can be a game-changer for private pilots.
Updated October 25, 2024
Disclaimer: We have received permission to share and summarize the video content from Nathan Ballard, the creator of the original video titled "Why you need an instrument rating."
Introduction
Nathan Ballard, a seasoned aviation educator and Master Flight Instructor accredited by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), has been a passionate pilot since 1991. He achieved his private, instrument, and commercial certificates by age 18 and became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in 2020. Nathan teaches in Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on flight instructor training and safety. He shares his insights on aviation safety through his YouTube channel, “@NathanBallardSaferFlying,” where he aims to promote safer general aviation and thought-provoking flying practices.
Nathan’s Wake-Up Call: The Story Behind Pursuing an Instrument Flight Rating
Nathan opens the discussion by recounting a personal experience from June 8, 1992, when he was an 18-year-old private pilot flying a Beech Sierra back from Panama City, Florida. During that flight, he encountered worsening weather and found himself surrounded by clouds, unable to turn back. Without GPS or other modern navigation aids at the time, he had to rely solely on pilotage and dead reckoning. As luck would have it, he spotted an airport and made a successful landing just before a massive storm hit.
This frightening experience became a pivotal moment in Nathan's piloting career, leading him to commit to obtaining his instrument rating. He reflects on this lesson as a call for all pilots to pursue this rating for safer, more confident flying.
Reasons to Get an Instrument Rating
1. Increase Safety
Safety is the top reason pilots should obtain an instrument rating. When flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), pilots are limited to good weather conditions, relying on outside visibility to maintain control of the aircraft. However, weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, often leading to dangerous situations for VFR-only pilots. With an instrument rating, pilots gain the ability to navigate safely through clouds, rain, and low visibility, greatly reducing the chances of accidents. By training for and flying under IFR conditions, pilots become more skilled, precise, and competent, which enhances overall flight safety.
2. More Options
An instrument rating offers pilots more options and flexibility. For instance, with IFR clearance, pilots can take off, climb, and descend through clouds that would otherwise prevent VFR flights. It eliminates the need to cancel flights due to marginal weather, making the “go/no-go” decision much clearer. While pilots should still set personal minimums, the rating allows them to make informed decisions, knowing they have the skills and legal ability to handle more challenging conditions.
3. Trip Planning
Imagine planning a trip with family or friends, only to face unexpected weather changes. As a VFR-only pilot, this scenario can create pressure to proceed even in uncertain conditions. With an instrument rating, pilots can confidently plan and execute trips, knowing they have the ability to fly safely through instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). This not only alleviates stress but also makes family vacations or business trips more dependable. IFR proficiency reduces the risks associated with poor decision-making driven by the need to “get there,” providing safer and more comfortable travel options.
4. The Pros Fly IFR
If you aspire to be a professional pilot or simply want to emulate the best safety practices, it’s worth noting that most airline, corporate, and charter pilots primarily fly IFR. They do this for a reason: it’s safer. Professional pilots often operate in varying weather conditions and complex airspace, making IFR the standard. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for general aviation pilots, too. The more you exercise your IFR privileges, the sharper and safer you become—whether you’re planning to fly professionally or recreationally.
5. Career Advancement
For those considering a career in aviation, an instrument rating is a must-have. Airlines, corporate operators, and charter services require pilots to be IFR-rated, as it’s essential for operating flights safely in different weather conditions and airspace. During instrument training, pilots build a stronger understanding of weather systems, navigation, and air traffic control procedures. This knowledge not only makes pilots more marketable to potential employers but also prepares them for the demands of a professional cockpit environment.
How to Prepare for Instrument Rating
If you’re considering pursuing an instrument rating, Nathan offers practical advice to help you prepare effectively:
- Enroll in a Quality Ground School: Choose one that lets you try before committing. Not all ground schools are equal, so select one with a strong focus on instrument training.
- Complete the Written Exam Early: Finish your written exam before starting flight training to accelerate your progress in the air.
- Study Your Airplane and Avionics: Familiarize yourself with the avionics of your aircraft. The more you understand "buttonology," the quicker your instrument training will progress.
- Consume Aviation Content: Listen to podcasts and read magazines focused on instrument flying. For instance, IFR Magazine and the podcast "Opposing Bases" are excellent resources for understanding the national airspace system and improving IFR knowledge.
The Instrument Flight Rating is About Trust and Lifelong Learning
Nathan concludes by emphasizing that the instrument rating is not just a “vacation rating”—it’s a commitment that requires regular use to maintain proficiency. It’s a rating built on trust—trust in yourself, your instruments, and the aviation systems. If you’re ready to take the next step in your aviation journey, obtaining an instrument rating is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only will it increase your safety, but it will also open up new horizons for confident, skilled flying.
To support pilots in achieving this milestone, our instructors offers online ground instruction designed to simplify the learning process. Through live, interactive sessions, you’ll gain a solid understanding of IF concepts, improve your avionics skills, and prepare for the exam—all from the comfort of home. It helps you establish a strong foundation before transitioning to in-air training, accelerating your path to becoming a more confident pilot.
In aviation, trust is everything: trust in your skills, trust in your aircraft, and trust in the air traffic system. With an instrument rating, you gain that trust, improve your confidence, and open doors to new flying opportunities. So, go ahead—start it today, and fly safer, stay proficient, and keep flying!