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Instrument Rating
Cloudy days keeping you on the ground? Earn your Instrument Rating and explore a new way to fly - solely be the instruments in your flight deck.
The Instrument Rating is one of the hardest in aviation. While the Private Pilot Certificate taught you how to fly by seeing the outside world, the Instrument Rating will teach you to fly just on your instruments alone. However, once you earn your Instrument Rating, you'll be able to fly even when the sun isn't shining.
What can I do as as an Instrument Rated pilot?
As an Instrument Rated pilot, you can...
Fly into the clouds - that means more days available to fly!
Accept special VFR clearances at night.
Fly for compensation or hire at night (note: you must also possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate).
Fly passengers and property more to a destination at least 50 nautical miles away for compensation or hire(note: you must also possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate).
See 14 CFR 61.65 for more information.
What can't I do as an Instrument Rated pilot?
While a Instrument Rating increases the number of days you can fly, there are some limitations to your rating:
You may not fly for compensation or hire (unless you have a Commercial Pilot Certificate).
You may not fly into known icing conditions (depending on your aircraft).
See 14 CFR 61.65 for more information.
Am I eligible to earn my Instrument Rating?
Hold at least a current Private Pilot Certificate.
Or, you can concurrently apply for a Private Pilot Certificate at your checkride.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
See 14 CFR 61.65 for more information.
How many hours does it take to get my Instrument Rating?
Many pilots say the Instrument Rating is the hardest to earn. The FAA requires a minimum of the following hours requirements to receive your Instrument Rating:
50 hours of cross-country flight as pilot-in-command
40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including...
15 hours with an authorized instructor who holds an insturment rating-airplane (i.e, a CFII).
One cross-country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor that is performed under instrument flight rules, consisting of at least:
250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility
An instrument approach at each airport
Three different kinds of approahces with the use of navigation systems.
These hours are a minimum training requirement, but many pilots build far more experiences above the minimum.
See 14 CFR 61.65 for more information.
