On Mon, 01 Nov 2004 01:32:55 GMT, "Matt" wrote:

Hi everyone. I have about 100 hours in 150's and 172's. I am thinking
about getting an instrument rating and buying my own plane within the next
few years. Should I go for the instrument rating first? I was thinking
this might help me build some more time, and the instrument rating would be
looked upon favorably by insurance companies when the time comes to buy.
Or, should I just buy the plane and fly it to get the instrument rating? I
am considering a 172.

I flew my Cherokee 180 for about 1.5 years before getting the
instrument rating. I trained for the IFR in my plane and found it was
a huge advantage to be comfortable/familiar with the plane.

Make sure you know what kind of IFR equipment you will want before you
buy your plane. Avionics are expensive to purchase and install, and
only add about 50% to the resale value of the plane.

In other words, you are much better to find a plane equipped how you
want it for IFR flight, than to buy a plane with a junker panel, and
set about upgrading it yourself. Of course there are exceptions to
this, but in general it is a good rule.

One thing I really wish my plane had was an altitude hold autopilot.
It will be close to $10k to get one installed, which is why I haven't
done it yet.

-Nathan