Instrument Rating
Adding an Instrument Rating to your Private or Commercial Certificate will not only increase your aeronautical skills and knowledge, but also greatly improve your safety and ability to fly in inclement weather.
Instrument Rating Requirements
PRIVATE / COMMERCIAL
CERTIFICATE
17
YEARS OF AGE
$81.62
CFI HOURLY RATE
$174.90-199
AIRCRAFT HOURLY RATE
50
PIC CROSS COUNTRY HOURS
40
INSTRUMENT HOURS
$16,000
PROGRAM ESTIMATE
6-8 MONTHS
TIME FRAME ESTIMATE
Note: Checkride, Testing, and Pilot Equipment costs are not included in this estimate. Training time and costs for an Instrument Rating varies widely based on the hours you have from previous training and renting.
What Will I Learn?
Ground Knowledge:
Instrument Flying Meteorology
Aircraft Instrument Systems
Instrument Flying Regulations
Aeronautical Decision Making
IFR Flight Planning
Flight Experience:
Controlling the Aircraft Solely by Reference to Instruments
IFR Navigations
Use of Instrument Charts
Resource Management
Emergency Procedures
TRAINING BREAKDOWN
Ground Training
As part of your ground training, your instructor will teach you about aircraft instrument systems, instrument flying regulations, aeronautical decision making and help you understand and prepare IFR flight plans. This training will provide the information required to safely operate an aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules and prepare you for the FAA Knowledge and Oral Exams required to earn this rating.
Simulator Training
With your instructor, you will utilize VFA’s Advanced Flight Training Devices to learn how to operate the aircraft solely by reference to the flight instruments without any outside visual reference. The simulator provides a safe and positive environment to build basic instrument flying skills, without the distractions of the real aircraft.
Flight Training
With your instructor, you will fly VFA’s advanced training fleet to perfect your instrument flying skills. Training can be conducted in aircraft with varying levels of avionics from full digital cockpits and advanced autopilots to basic analog instrument aircraft which will prepare you to be able to fly a wide variety of aircraft instrumentation.
Instructor Endorsement
Your instructor will give you multiple endorsements throughout your training, allowing you to take your FAA Knowledge Exam, Solo Flights and Checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
FAA Knowledge Exam
The FAA Knowledge Exam is a multiple-choice test with 60 questions that is required for an Instrument Rating. This exam will test your knowledge; anything from aircraft systems to meteorology and flight planning. Once you and your instructor have determined you’re ready for the test, it can be completed at VFA’s onsite FAA Certified Testing Center. Applicants must study for and pass the examination.
Oral & Practical Exam
After meeting all of the FAA Instrument Rating requirements, and your instructor has determined you are ready, you will take the Oral Exam and Practical Test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. The Oral Exam and Practical Test will focus on decision making, aeronautical knowledge, and instrument flying skills. Upon successful completion, you will be issued an Instrument Rating.
THE VFA DIFFERENCE
ADVANCED FLEET
With the largest and most advanced rental fleet in the state, VFA has the right aircraft for you. All of our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house maintenance department.
PASSIONATE STAFF
VFA has a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable instructors here to help you achieve your goals. No matter your learning style, we have the right instructor for you.
AVIATION COMMUNITY
When you join us at VFA, you join a passionate community dedicated to furthering aviation education in Vermont. Every lesson you take at VFA helps to contribute to providing flights to underprivileged children in Vermont.
FAQ
How old do I have to be to get my Instrument Rating?
You need to be at least 17 years old, and hold a Current Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
What are the benefits of having an Instrument Rating?
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.
How long will it take to earn my Instrument Rating?
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.
What will my Instrument Rating training involve?
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.
Once I get my Instrument Rating, how do I keep it current?
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.
General Information
HOURS:
Monday - Friday | 9AM - 5PM
Saturday | 8AM - 4PM
Sunday | 8AM - 4PM
* Hours are subject change.
PHONE:
Front Desk - 802.863.5988
EMAIL :
office@flyvfa.org
LOCATION:
355 Valley Road
South Burlington, VT 05403