Instrument Rating - Give Yourself More Options
Fly through the clouds as pilot in command
Instrument rating enables a pilot to not be bound by clear weather. It will enable you to fly through the clouds and in low visibility conditions. It will also make you a safer pilot by building your flying skills and knowledge.
Steps
Ground School
Knowledge Test
Training with Certificated Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII)
Practical Test (Checkride)
Requirements
School Requirements
- Height of 5' or taller
- Max weight of 250 lbs
- Obtain your student pilot and medical certificates prior to logging 15 hours of flight time
General Requirements
- Read, write, and speak English
- Proof of US Citizenship or complete or receive Determination of Eligibility from TSA. https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home
- Have FAA medical certificate in your possession.
- Have FAA Private Pilot certificate in your possession.
- Complete the following aeronautical experience prior to the practical test with pilot examiner: https://www.faraim.org/faa/far/cfr/title-14/part-61/index.html#seqnum61.65
- 50 hours of cross country flight (greater than 50 NM) as pilot in command (PIC)
- 40 hours of flight in simulated or actual instrument conditions
- 15 hours of flight training with CFII
- 3 hours of flight training within 60 days of practical test (checkride)
- IFR cross country flight of total distance over 250 NM with 3 different approaches at 3 different airports
- Pass FAA knowledge test
- Pass FAA practical test with a designated pilot examiner (DPE)
Cost
The cost below assumes cross country requirement has been met.
40 hours of instrument flight instruction: $2,400
30 hours of airplane rental: $5,250
Materials: $300
FAA knowledge test: $175
FAA practical test: $1,000
Plane rental for practical test: $350
Total: $9,475