Instrument Rating
Expand the flight territory in which you can pilot safely.
An Instrument Rating is an advanced pilot certification that allows pilots to fly in adverse weather conditions and through clouds using only the aircraft’s instruments for navigation and control. It enhances a pilot’s skills and capabilities, enabling safer and more efficient flying in low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or clouds.
Prerequisite: FAA Private or Commercial Certificate
Instrument Rating Requirements
- One XC instructional IFR flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or directed routing from ATC;
- An instrument approach at each airport; and
- Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
*Three (3) hours of flight training must be conducted within the 2 calendar months preceding the test.
Part 61 flight training provides a more flexible, less structured approach to obtaining your pilot certificates.
One main advantage of choosing a Part 61 program is that it caters to those with busy lifestyles or prior aviation knowledge who may not require the strict structure of Part 141 programs.
Students can progress at their own pace, balancing other life responsibilities with their flight hours.
Requirements:
- Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Receive appropriate endorsements from a qualified instructor
- Pass the FAA Instrument Knowledge Test (Written exam)
- Pass the FAA Practical Exam (Oral & Checkride)
- Meet aeronautical knowledge requirements of 14 CFR §61.65 (b).
- Demonstrate flight proficiency requirements of 14 CFR §61.65 (c).
- Meet the Aeronautical experience per 14 CFR §61.65 (d).
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be at least 17 years old, and hold a Current Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate
With an Instrument Rating you are able to fly in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. It will increase your safety knowing how to fly using instruments/non visual aids. It will also prepare you to handle any change in the weather you may encounter on a flight
It may take 6-8 months to earn an Instrument Rating, however there are many variables that affect how quickly one earns their Instrument Rating. For example, bad weather on a day you are scheduled to fly. Generally, if a student studies the material and flies frequently, he or she will complete training in the shortest amount of time.
Training for the Instrument Rating will involve a lot of flying by reference to instruments. Some of this can be accomplished in one of our flight training devices. In the aircraft, you will be doing a lot of flying “under the hood”, meaning using a view limiting device, which confines your field of view to only the flight instruments. Some of your training also may be in “actual” IFR conditions
You can keep your Instrument Rating current in one of two ways. (1) You can perform at least six instrument approaches; perform holding procedures; and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation systems every six months. (2) Alternatively, You can take an Instrument Proficiency Check with an authorized instructor.