Have Questions?

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the IFR6 program.

Accelerated IFR FAQs

How much will it cost?

Our course is $6,499 in your airplane. You will be responsible for your own lodging, meals, transportation, all airplane-related costs,etc. The checkride fee is included with your payment.

Is there a deposit?
Yes, we require a non-refundable $1000 deposit at booking, with the balance to be paid two weeks prior to arrival. If you have to cancel, you may reschedule at any time without penalty.
How long does my training last?
The short answer is until you are ready. We will sign you off for your checkride when all the legal requirements have been met AND when both your instructor and you agree you’re ready. We also provide one day of remedial training for a failed check-ride.
What are the prerequisites for your course?

You need to have:

  • A completed written test
  • 40 hours of PIC cross-country time
  • Complete aircraft logbooks for the airplane you will be flying including a current annual inspection and IFR certification
  • Current Flight Review
  • Current Medical (Basic Med OK)
  • Valid U.S Passport or birth certificate
  • 10 hours of IFR flight instruction
  • Current GPS data (if installed)
  • A minimum of 50 hours in your airplane
  • View-limiting device
Is there any kind of flight test involved?

Yes- it’s imperative that you are familiar with your autopilot and GPS, if installed. You should also be proficient in your airplane. The first day in the air, your CFI will be assessing your basic aviation skills, as well as your familiarity with your installed equipment. If the CFI feels you need some more remedial work prior to training, we will sit down and discuss some options with you, which may include some extra training, at additional cost.

How much time will I spend in my airplane?

The schedule calls for 15-20 hours in the airplane, and the same amount of time in the simulator. The FAA requires 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including a minimum of 15 hours of dual instrument training. The use of our full-motion simulator makes it much more likely that you will be prepared for the test in near minimum time.

Will I be flying any cross country trips during my training?

It will depend on where you are in your training and flight experience needs.

Will I be flying in actual IMC?

As often as possible. Icing is rarely an issue down here in the warm Southeast, and we will always avoid thunderstorms, but otherwise we welcome the opportunity to train in actual instrument meteorological conditions.

What if my training gets delayed due to weather?

We schedule every client for a 7 day block for just that reason. Bad weather just means more time in the full-motion simulator or classroom – no time is wasted. If the weather is so bad that we can’t complete the training in 7 days, we will reschedule the remainder of the lesson at your convenience.

I’m concerned about talking on the radio.

That’s a pretty common concern for most pilots. Our course is designed to make you proficient in the ATC system, and since you will be working from a Class C airport, you will get used to it in no time.

What if I don’t have a plane?

We have a full fleet of rental airplanes available at a reasonable price.

What kind of lodging is available?

Pretty much anything you can ask for is available in the Charleston area. We are always working to find hotels that will give our students a special rate so check with us when you are ready to sign up.

I’d like to bring my family - is there anything to do there?

Charleston, SC, is one of the premier vacation destinations in the United States – in fact, according to Conde Nast, it has been voted as the number one city in the United States for the last several years. We have some of the best beaches in the country, top tier hotels and restaurants, unique shopping, and a fantastic array of historical locations and tours, from Ft. Sumter to Boone Hall Plantation to Middleton Gardens. However, we do not recommend bringing anything that may distract you from the task at hand. These are long days and family obligations are difficult to satisfy during your training here.  Instead, we suggest that you make your visit here a two week stay and have your family join you after your training, so you can relax after you get your rating and enjoy this stunningly beautiful part of America.

What airport are you based out of?

We are based at the Charleston International Airport (CHS). You will probably be flying approaches at CHS, DYB, RBW, LRO, JZI, MKS,  and other airports in the area, including Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. You will also be flying practice approaches in our full-motion simulator to other areas in the US, including your home airport.

Do I need to bring any charts or approach plates?

Yes, but all electronic solutions, such as Foreflight, are acceptable. If you prefer paper charts and plates, please contact us so we can examine the best options for you.

What kind of simulator do you use?

We use a Redbird simulator, which meets the technical specifications of an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD.) According to the Letter of Authorization that is issued to us by the FAA, the Redbird may be used for:

Logging instrument flight experience
Instrument rating (maximum 20 hours)
Instrument proficiency check (per FAA-S-8081-4 [circling-to-land not authorized])

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