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Master the Instruments: Speedway’s Step-by-Step IFR Program

Master the Instruments: Speedway’s Step-by-Step IFR Program

Published by: Eric Schafhauser

If you’ve earned your Private Pilot License and you’re ready to unlock more flying days, more capability, and more confidence, the Instrument Rating (IR) is your next big step. At Speedway Flight Training in Hampton, GA, we’ve designed an instrument program that turns “marginal VFR” days into smart, safe missions—without wasting your time or your budget. speedwayft.com

Why earn your Instrument Rating?

  • Fly more often, more safely. Weather is the #1 limiter for VFR pilots. IR training teaches you to plan, brief, and fly precise procedures so you can handle low ceilings, visibility, and busy airspace with confidence.

  • Build real-world decision-making. You’ll master instrument cross-countries, holds, approaches, missed approaches, and automation management—skills that translate directly to safer, smoother flights.

  • Open doors for your career. If you’re eyeing the commercial track, IR is mandatory—and a powerful differentiator when you start logging time toward advanced ratings.

Why Speedway for IFR?

  • The location is ideal. We’re based at Atlanta Speedway Airport (KHMP)—a non-towered field with minimal traffic—so you spend more time flying and less time waiting. You’ll still train near Atlanta’s Class B for authentic ATC experience.

  • The schedule fits your life. Flight training is available daily from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with business hours of 9:00 AM–4:00 PM for the front desk—perfect if you’re balancing work, school, or family.

  • The fleet is IFR-ready. You’ll train in IFR-equipped Cessna 172s, including TAA aircraft with Garmin G5 and GFC 500—a modern glass + autopilot combo that helps you learn solid scan habits and smart automation use from day one.

  • A clear, structured plan. We operate a professional, Part 61 program (with Part 141 approval in progress) and a “Fast Track” pathway if you want to stack ratings efficiently with mentorship and structure.

What your 6–8 week IR at Speedway looks like

Phase 1: Foundations & Procedures

  • IFR regulations, weather services, instrument scan, radio work

  • Basic attitude instrument flying, unusual attitude recovery

  • Holds, entries, and intercepts

Phase 2: Approaches & Workload Management

  • ILS, LOC, LPV/GPS, and VOR approaches

  • Missed approach procedures and circling minima

  • Automation: using the G5 + GFC 500 to reduce workload (without over-reliance)

Phase 3: Cross-Country & Checkride Prep

  • IFR cross-country planning and execution

  • Risk management & alternate planning

  • Mock oral + full profile checkride rehearsal

Timeline & Cost: Many students complete the rating in 6–8 weeks. The program’s estimated cost is about $13,000 (based on 40 hours of flight training; actual totals vary with proficiency and study habits).

Pro tip: The fastest-moving students front-load their studying, chair-fly procedures, and show up with a solid briefing plan. Your instructor will give you a checklist-driven workflow that you can repeat on every flight.

What makes training at KHMP efficient (and fun)

  • Less congestion, more reps. Non-towered ops mean you’ll typically squeeze in more approaches and holds per lesson—key to building muscle memory faster.

  • Real-world radio. You’ll work with Atlanta’s airspace without the constant delays of a major commercial field. That balance is perfect for instrument students.

  • Local landmarks & routes. You’ll brief and fly procedures you’ll actually use after you pass—so your first post-checkride IFR trip feels familiar, not foreign.

How to prepare before Day 1

  • Lock the knowledge early. Knock out your instrument knowledge test prep and start a daily weather + NOTAM review habit.

  • Bring the right tools. An iPad (cellular-capable, 6th gen or newer), headset, logbook, and your selected EFB keep training smooth. (Your instructor will review your exact kit.)

  • Plan your schedule. With early-morning and late-evening training blocks available, you can stack lessons when the weather cooperates.

Ready to go from VFR to IFR?

Choose your next step:

Our team is here to answer questions, compare pathways, and get you flying. Enroll today or reach out to plan your first lesson—let’s get you in the air.

Your journey to the skies starts here. Contact us or call us at (678) 944-7379 to learn more about our flight training programs.

Speedway Flight Training student flying over Atlanta Motor Speedway

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