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Instrument Rating – IR

Don’t let the clouds keep you down!

When you receive your Instrument Rating, you will have the luxury to fly in weather with lower visibility.  This will make you a more proficient, competent, and confident pilot.  An Instrument Rating is essential for anyone who is looking to pursue a career in flying and allows you to fly into many variations of weather conditions under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

What this means is that you can fly in known low visibility areas like over the mountains when it is cloudy.  Additionally, flying in IFR conditions with a filed flight plan will often give you priority to land at busy airports.  Planning ahead allows airports to know of your arrival before you even take off and allows them to better plan for your arrival.  Only a certified and current instrument rated pilot is permitted to file and fly an IFR flight plan.

You can earn your Instrument Rating in as little as *90 days.  With a minimum of 40 hours of flight time and ground lessons, you will be well on your way to earn your rating.

What should you know?

Eligibility Requirements

  • Hold a current private pilot certificate.

  • Must be 18 years old.

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

  • Receive ground training on the Aeronautical Knowledge (listed below) and pass the FAA knowledge test with a score of 70% or greater.

  • Pass a practical test consisting of an oral exam and an in-flight exam with a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

  • Hold an FAA Medical Certificate.

Overview Summary:

During your instrument training, you will learn the following:

  • Instrument departures and approaches

  • ATC Communications

  • Complete aircraft control

  • Weather

  • Aeronautical decision making

 

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