I guess the fundamental question anyone would ask is "If you knew then what you know now, would you do it the same way?" For me, the answer is a guarded 'yes'. Part of me thinks that a few breaks in the middle would have helped me maintain my sanity and given the material more time to sink in. In fact, one of the instructors I spoke with recommended a three full day per week schedule, taking about one month to complete the course. On the other hand, perhaps anything I'd gained would have been lost due to the lack of continuity. I know myself well enough to know that I do my best work under pressure. If you're the laid-back type, this isn't for you. But if you like a challenge, I'd say go for it.

In addition to being a skillful pilot and instructor, John's greatest asset, in my judgement, was his ability to push his student to the brink of, but not over, the breaking point. If he'd pushed me much more, I'd have given up. If he'd pushed me any less, I couldn't have gotten the work done in the allotted time.

As I haven't earned my Commercial, ATP, multi-engine, or anything else ratings yet, I can't confirm whether the instrument rating is in fact the toughest, as everyone says. It was certainly tough for me. When I try to explain it to friends who don't fly, I suggest they imagine trying to ride a bicycle and juggle blindfolded while simultaneously working trigonometry problems in their head and discussing business on the telephone. That's probably not too far removed from what its all about.

But when you do it, its spectacular. I suspect that as you become more skilled and experienced, its even more so.

I'm looking forward to finding out.