Like many private pilots, I am “working on my instrument rating.” I put that in quotes because I’ve actually had my private pilot certificate for 2 years and still do not have the IFR rating. This is due to many of the typical reasons – family, work, money, availability of airplanes, etc. However, I have recently found a new place to fly and they have two CH2000 Alarus aircraft on the line. Since I had done all of my primary training in C-152s and C-172s, I was actually excited for the chance to fly something else. Even better, both aircraft were practically new – each with less than 1000 hours. Up to that point, the newest airplane I had flown was built in 1982.
I’ve flown about 5 hours in the Alarus, mostly getting checked out and getting my flight review. So far, I’m quite happy flying this little trainer. It’s not fast, it can’t carry much, and is not exactly the sleekest looking bird on the ramp, but it does have a great instrument panel (IFR certified) including a Garmin 430 GPS. The aircraft flies great and the visibility is superb. In my area, it’s also about the cheapest aircraft you can rent, especially since they are new and in great condition. It was built for training and does exactly what it was designed to do.
Along with the transition to the Alarus came a transition to my 3rd CFI since getting my private certificate. The previous two CFIs were great, but both came across opportunities they could not pass up. The one I have now is retired and instructs full time – I’m hoping I can finish up the rating sometime this year.