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The instrument rating allows a pilot to fly by referring to instruments within the aircraft. There are two ways to fly an airplane: by visual flight reference (VFR) and instrument flight reference (IFR). When flying VFR the pilot depends on objects outside the aircraft, such as the horizon, to control and maneuver the aircraft. When flying IFR the pilot depends on instruments within the aircraft to fly the plane. In order to fly IFR a pilot must earn an instrument rating in addition to the private pilot certificate.
The instrument rating offers the pilot greater freedom and utility. Flying plans, whether for business or pleasure, will not depend upon ideal weather conditions. In addition, the instrument rating makes for a safer and more confident pilot. For practical purposes, professional pilots must obtain an instrument rating.
Completion Time & Cost
The instrument rating takes anywhere from four weeks to five months to complete, depending upon the frequency of training. Full-time students who fly and study daily can complete the rating in as little as four to six weeks. Students who train two days per week can expect to complete the rating in about five months. The average total cost at North-Aire is around $5,500
Certificate Requirements
In terms of hours, the FAA requires the student to log at least 125 hours (Part 61).
Prerequisites
Before pursuing an Instrument Rating, a pilot must first log 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot-in-command. The cost of logging the time (renting the aircraft) is approximately $3,850 without tax.
Requirements Summary: 61.65
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate (with appropriate aircraft rating);
- Read, speak, understand, and write English;
- Receive and log ground training from an instructor or home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas required;
- Receive an endorsement from an instructor who gave or reviewed the applicants ground training and certified that the student is prepared for the knowledge test;
- Receive and log training in the areas of operation required (61.65c) from an instructor in an aircraft, sim or training device appropriate to the rating sought (helo, airplane etc.);
- Receive an endorsement from an instructor who conducted the applicants training and certified the applicant is prepared for the practical test;
- Pass a knowledge test;
- Pass an oral and flight test
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