Requirements for Receiving Your Instrument Rating

  • An instrument rating is a qualification earned through flight training based on flying exclusively by referencing the aircraft instruments. Earning your instrument rating requires training in meteorology and more specific procedural training related to the aircraft instruments. Once acquired, it will allow you to fly in weather conditions that were previously restricted with a private pilot license and is needed for the advancement of your aviation career.

    • 10 months of training 

    • 60 hours of flight time 

    • 50 hours of ground time (learning material for the written test and practical test with the FAA) 

    • 40 hours of preflight and postflight instruction

    • Approximate cost $20,000 - $25,000  

  • ELIGIBILITY

    • Must hold a valid FAA private pilot certificate

    • Must hold a valid FAA medical certificate

    • Must be a US citizen or hold TSA approval

    • Must read, write, speak and understand the English language

    TRAINING

    • Ground training to prepare for the FAA written test and FAA practical test

    • Flight training to prepare for the FAA practical test

    FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

    • 50 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) cross-country*

    • 40 hours of instrument flight training**

      • 20 hours can be completed in an FAA approved flight simulator

      • 1 instrument cross-country flight of 250 Nautical Miles (NM)

        *Any solo cross country completed during private pilot training will count towards the 50 hours PIC cross-country

        **The 40 hours of instrument flight training can be combined within the 50 hours of PIC cross-country

    TESTS

    • Pass the FAA written test

    • Pass the FAA practical test