Instrument training in DA40/SR20

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I have ~100 hrs total time and 15 hours instrument time on a 172SP
G1000. I am struggling with various options to get the instrument
rating -
Continue with traditional training OR
Do an IFR adventure.
IFR adventure sounds exciting but runs a risk of dealing with
unknown instructor and fellow student (since there are no local FBOs
offering this in the SFO bay area).
There are also choices for aircraft to be used for rating. In the
long run, I would like to fly SR20 or DA40s. As far as I know, there
are currently no DA40s for rent in SFO bay area and SR20 checkout
requires 200hr TT.
Can anybody recommend flight schools which offer accelerated
training in SR20/DA40? Comments and other guidance would also be
greatly appreciated.
Regards
-Kini

-- Vivek Kini, March 4, 2008

Answers

If most of your flying has been local, you should do the IFR "adventure" (hope it doesn't get too adventurous!). You'll learn a lot about weather, different airports, flight planning, etc. I don't think the choice of airplane is that important unless you are going to be flying that same type of airplane shortly after you finish the rating.

-- Philip Greenspun, March 4, 2008

www.glasscockpitaviation.com is a flight school in Boise. I attended the 7-IFR course last November. I'm a 1,300-hour Bonanza pilot. Cammie Patch is a master CFI who taught me on a simulator and in my plane--both with a Garmin GNS 430. She also trains in a Cirrus SR20 which her school rents to students.

-- Don Shade, March 4, 2008

I found the following two schools which seem to be well organized - DA40 - http://www.russellaviation.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=6 C182 - http://www.ifrwest.com - Training slots are open out in September.
I would appreciate any more recommendations for flight schools which have experience in offering IFR adventure course.
Regards -Kini

-- Vivek Kini, March 4, 2008

The IFR adventure is unquestionably the way to go. You will get far more and better quality experience. There is no way around that.
If you are concerned about meshing personalities with the instructor you could call the one you are considering and ask to go for 1 lesson to find out more about him or her. Another idea would be to grab a local instructor that you enjoy flying with and take a trip with them.

-- Bradrick Pretzer, March 5, 2008