During your private pilot training, you'll need to log at least 3 hours with your instructor flying the airplane solely by reference to the instruments, typically while wearing a hood or view-limiting device. The goal isn't to make you proficient in instrument flying, but rather to help you develop the basic flying skills to return to VFR weather should you accidentally fly into a cloud or low visibility conditions.

So you’re getting comfortable as pilot in command and you’ve completed those first big milestones: solo and private pilot certification. Now what? Well you’re probably working toward an advanced rating, maybe eventually a career in aviation, or just having fun. With flight training, consistency is the name of the game, but I’d recommend you stop and smell the roses.

Preparing can be stressful, but taking a checkride doesn’t…