How IPU Started
![](https://instrumentpilotsunite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/jim.jpg)
Instrument Pilots Unite (IPU) began as the brainchild of CFI and long-term flight school instructor Jim Brandan from Fresno, CA. Jim has an immense love and passion for aviation and it shows in everything he does. He started Instrument Flight Academy in July of 1998, and has since helped students from all around the country discover their passion for flight. In 2002, Jim saw a gap in the way instrument pilot instruction was done, and founded IPU that year.
Instrument Pilots Unite is a volunteer-led organization that seeks to promote safe and effective instrument flying while also being as cost-effective for pilots as possible.
How IPU Works
Instrument Pilots Unite brings together pilots from the surrounding areas in weekly flyouts that are designed to create a learning environment that is fun and cost effective for established pilots to enjoy. Flight schools, students, and accomplished pilots can all sign up and take advantage of the benefits of IPU membership.
Weekly Flyouts
Instrument Pilots Unite hosts two weekly flyouts, one Saturday morning, and one Sunday morning. Pilots begin the day’s events at 6:30 am sharp, taking advantage of smooth air conditions and cloudy skies to begin work on instrument approaches and maneuvers.
Pilots may bring their own plane, and before the day’s events we will organize flights into groups of two pilots and one CFI (unless operating with safety pilot).
Pilots are encouraged to come in the KFAT (Fresno airport) the evening before for meet and greets as well as easier logistics for the next morning.
Adventure Flyouts
Due to popular demand, we also offer coordinated adventure flyouts to a number of destinations across the US and Canada. We will be discontinuing our flying in Mexico for the time being due to increased levels of crime, but plan to resume that sometime in the future.
Please check out our homepage for details on any upcoming events. We follow similar practices in terms of planes, pilots, and CFIs to ensure a safe and cost-effective event.