Originally Posted by
Rat****
"The duration of the test depends on whether it is for an initial issue or renewal of a rating.
For initial issues, the ground component usually takes an hour, while the flight
component takes 2½ to 3 hours.
For renewals, the ground component averages 20 minutes and the test 1½ to 2 hours."
I am not sure how you could spend 3 hrs in the air on an initial issue or 2 hours in the air for a renewal, unless you have a chunk of enroute time between aerodromes/aids/approaches.
Having a bunch of approaches close by certainly maxes out the workload for the victim - but does minimise the "wasted" time between approaches. Although I sometimes curse it when up-to-my-eyeballs-in-it, on later reflection it seems to me to be a good test of one's ability to keep it together under pressue - and that has to be a good test for the aspiring IFR pilot - cause being single pilot IFR in the sh*t can certainly get the adrenaline flowing.
Don't you just love it when, rattling down the ILS on one engine (of two), and about as you get to the middle marker the guy in the tower gives you a non-standard long-winded missed approach clearance?
R
my initial was a shade under 3.
it involved a sector entry and hold before starting the NDB and ILS approaches.
also a bit of transit time between avalon, essendon, moorabbin and cowes with radar vectoring to stay away from tulla and restricted area doglegging added..
some taxying around after landing off approaches
and a full circling approach
so it all adds up eventually!
approaches close by are fantastic to really get you working and if you can get through a really tough workout given by the instructor, you'll have no problem with the actual test!
i personally found the test easier then some of my training flights.
oh and R, gotta love the amended overshoots from EN when one donk has 'failed'.. if you havnt already, give it a try one day
