I started mine with about 60 hours. Currently have done 13 hours of the IMC (plus loads on RANT
- no point in learning at £2 per minute when you don't need to
), would have finished in 15 hours no problems had I managed to fit the test in before an enforced two month break (first instructor away, then me) - I expect it will take a couple of extra hours to get back into the swing of it. I found it hard at first (as Fly knows
) then about eight hours in it all clicked
People can and do successfully do the IMC very soon after their PPL, but unless you have a pressing reason to do so I'd relax a little and just enjoy the freedom to fly for a while before doing more formal training.
I kind of agree, but I managed to give myself a minor scare under a lowering cloudbase not long after the PPL and decided to do it. Well worth it IMHO, because the PPL IF training isn't a whole lot of use. A 180 on instruments is all very well, but it's no use if the cloud is coming down behind you too...