First, welcome to the club, Brian!
All great advice above so I won't repeat but will throw in my 2 cents on radios. I personally think that every pilot should shoot for an instrument rating. That knowledge could save you in an uncomfortable situation.
At the risk of giving others more ammunition to shoot in my direction. In some situations that IFR rating can prove more detrimental then advantageous.
Depending on personality. Though what you state is mostly true, Catherine. There are some folks that believe an IFR rating makes them invincible. And there are those that may know that they are mortal, but tend to maybe push the limits now and then. Where it would be best that they not have that knowledge in the first place. And thus stay safely on the ground.
I can include myself in that latter statement.
Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon
