An instrument rating refers to a pilot’s qualifications in order to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). It requires additional training and instruction beyond what is required for a private pilot certificate or commercial pilot certificate, including rules and procedures specific to instrument flying, additional instruction in meteorology, and more intensive training in flight solely by reference to instruments.
Take your flying skills to the next level by earning your Instrument rating at First Team Pilot Training. Our custom Instrument syllabus trains you for real-world flying. Instead of performing approach after approach at the same airport, students will plan and execute a mission during each of their lessons. This ensures risk management and aeronautical decision making is incorporated into every lesson to help you develop judgment, in addition to the procedural skill of instrument flying.
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INSTRUMENT TRAINING COURSE OUTLINE
The Instrument Rating Course is comprised of three stages that each culminate in a Stage Check to ensure proficiency milestones are met.
Stage 1 – Basic Attitude Instrument Flying
Stage I is designed to provide the student with a strong foundation in attitude instrument flight and instrument navigation. At the completion of this stage, the student is thoroughly prepared for the introduction of holding patterns and instrument approach procedures.
Stage 2 – Terminal Procedures
Stage 2 builds on your instrument flying skills through applying procedure. During this stage, the student learns to perform holding patters and instrument approaches. This training prepares the student for the introduction of IFR enroute procedures in Stage 3.
Stage 3 – Cross Country
This stage of training teaches the student IFR enroute procedures and provides a review of all previously learned maneuvers. Through the use of instrument cross-countries flights and review, the student is able to attain the proficiency level of an instrument-rated pilot.
The ground and flight training portions of the instrument course are completed in Stage 3. The student should also successfully pass the FAA Instrument Rating Airmen Knowledge Test prior
to the completion of this stage, and take the FAA instrument rating practical test at the completion of this stage.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Here is a summary of our instrument rating course details.
A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Hold a FAA private pilot certificate
- Pass a FAA 3rd class medical
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Study Assignments in our curriculum reference official FAA Handbooks and Manuals covering all knowledge areas for this course. However, online or in-house classes may be a better fit for your learning style and to supplement official materials. Discuss with your instructor options available that best meet your needs.
Total Time: A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.65(c)
Dual: At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for the instrument rating sought.
For instrument-airplane rating, instrument training on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under instrument flight rules. This flight must consist of:
- A distance of at least 250 nm along airways or ATC-directed routing
- An instrument approach at each airport
- Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems (Example: ILS, VOR, GPS, etc).
Recency of Training: At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the checkride within two calendar months before the examination date.
Examination Requirements: You must take and pass the FAA written examination with a score of 70% or better, then take and pass the practical flight test examination with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
These are approximate costs associated with obtaining your Instrument Rating. Costs will vary due to individual learning styles, needs and previous experience. We provide many free training resources throughout our syllabus because our goal is to make training as affordable and efficient as possible.
Charts and Supplies: $100
Charts, tools and/or tablet application subscription.
FAA Knowledge Exam: $165
Multiple-choice exam administered on computer at testing center.
*Aircraft Rental: 37 Hrs Min / 55 Hrs Avg
Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency. See our Aircraft page for available aircraft and rates.
*Instruction: 35 Hours Flight Training | 30 Hours Ground Training
Dual instruction including ground training, flight training, preflight and postflight briefings. Time varies greatly for each individual due to previous experience, preparation and training frequency. ($60/Hr)
FAA Practical Exam: $500
Oral and flight evaluation with FAA Designated Examiner
INSTRUMENT RATING
CHEROKEE 140
Airplane Rental
37 hrs – $134/hr – $4,958
Airplane Instruction
37 hrs – $60/hr – $2,220
Ground Instruction
15 hrs – $60/hr – $900
Total = $8,078
*example based on FAA minimums
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