Have posted this in wannabe's. .Maybe this is the best forum... .After PPL is completed, is IMC whilst also trying to hour build(money permitting!!) sensible.. .I also want to enrol on ATPL groundschool later this year... .Would welcome any opinions on the above or other alternatives... .By the way above all I am loving every minute!!!

Can't do any harm.. . I would also recommend aero's, but that is me! Does help your a/c handling though.. . The other point I would make is not to just 'poodle' around. If you are doing an hour local flying try to practice some of the basic skills each time, stalling, steep turns, PFLs etc.. . This will pay dividends when it comes to the general handling GFT.

I'd agree that you shouldn't just "poodle around".

I used to give myself exercises, and still do. Things like specific nav trips, using nav aids, going through controled or military airspace, adding possible complexities to trips like diversions & low flying. Though poodling around at times can be fun as well!

I'm also considering aeros this summer.

Take a look at AerBabe's thread<a href="http://www.pprune.org/cgibin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=53&t=001131&p=" target="_blank">What to do with new PPL!?</a>

Currymonster,

If you can take about 3-4 off have you thought of going to the US and taking the FAA IR rating?

It will cost you about £3000(including all fees) but not only will have full IR privledges if you can hire an N reg in the UK but you will be able to add the IMC to your UK licence on your return.

You will also have covered a lot more than in the IMC and so be better prepared - plus damn good fun as well !!!

Obviously if you can't get extended time off work then go for the IMC.