Instrument Rating

Prepare to navigate the skies with precision and confidence through Vegas Aviation’s Instrument Rating Course. Designed to enhance your piloting skills and expand your capabilities, our comprehensive program covers advanced instrument flight techniques, navigation procedures, and proficiency in adverse weather conditions.

What Is an Instrument Rating?

An instrument rating is an FAA authorization that a pilot has the proven skill set and proficiency to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR).

See the FAQ below to learn what is required to earn your instrument rating (IR).

Advantages of Having an Instrument Rating

Obtaining an instrument rating on top of your private pilot license offers several significant advantages, including the ability to safely navigate through adverse weather conditions, fly in low visibility situations, and operate in controlled airspace with precision and confidence. With an IR, pilots can enhance their skills, expand their flying opportunities, and ensure a higher level of safety for themselves and their passengers.

  • Increased Safety: Instrument flight training teaches you to fly solely by reference to the aircraft’s instruments, regardless of weather conditions or visibility.
  • Expanded Flying Opportunities: With an instrument rating, you can legally fly when adverse weather conditions would otherwise ground a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) pilot.
  • Career Advancement: Many career paths in aviation, including commercial airline pilot positions, require an instrument rating. Having this qualification opens up a wide range of job opportunities in both commercial and corporate aviation sectors.
  • Improved Flight Planning Skills: Instrument flight training enhances your flight planning and navigation skills, as you learn to interpret weather forecasts, create flight plans, and execute precise instrument approaches.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Mastering instrument flying instills confidence in your piloting abilities, knowing that you can safely navigate through challenging weather conditions and airspace environments.

What Is Required for an Instrument Rating?

To obtain an instrument rating for flying, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Age:  Must be at least 18 years old
  • Language Proficiency:  Proficient in English
  • Medical Certificate:  Hold a Valid FAA Medical Certificate
  • Flight Hours:
    • Hold a Valid Private Pilot License (PPL)
    • Complete a Minimum of 15 Hours of instrument training from an authorized instructor
    • Complete Instrument Ground School
    • Complete at least 50 Hours of Cross Country as a Pilot in Command (PIC), with at least 10 of those hours in airplanes for an instrument-airplane rating
    • Log an IFR Cross-Country of at Least 250 Miles as Pilot in Command
  • Knowledge Test: Pass a written knowledge exam with a minimum score of 70%
  • Practical Test:  Pass an oral exam and a practical flight test (commonly known as the check ride) administered by an authorized FAA examiner
  • Had an amazing first experience in the sky with Flore. Best instructor I could’ve asked for. Thank you 🙏

    Tybo Launois Avatar Tybo Launois

    Great school , everyone’s helpful and welcoming environment.

    alexis almira Avatar alexis almira

    I moved to Vegas for three months to continue pursuing my PPL at VA, and I got to say, it's definitely a great place to learn. The weather is always... read more

    Shane Munsey Avatar Shane Munsey

    I highly recommend Vegas aviation flight school to anyone looking to learn flying from scratch or getting another rating. They are flexible and work with your learning needs. Having their... read more

    Jasin B Avatar Jasin B

    Great place! Multiple trainer plains always available to reserve. I am getting my private pilot license here and so far it has been a great experiece. My CFI instructor Adrian... read more

    Zaid Haque Avatar Zaid Haque

    Planes are ok but there is a nice amount of them. I do wish they were newer but that just being picky. Love the instructors a lot and the facility... read more

    Savitar Avatar Savitar
  • From the flight school to the maintenance, I will only bring my personal plane here for a reason. Mechanics are on top of their work and would highly. Their rental... read more

    Weston Prince Avatar Weston Prince

    I have been to few different school in Vegas, but Vegas Aviation is the best flight school ever. One of the thing I love about Vegas Aviation is that they... read more

    Takemi Matsuda Avatar Takemi Matsuda

    Great experience, instructor is top notch and the plane was in good condition.

    Ben Cadenbach Avatar Ben Cadenbach

    Vegas Aviation has been so helpful! They have on-site maintenance who are always helpful and lots of CFIs willing to teach. I never have trouble getting time with someone... read more

    Brandon Ewing Avatar Brandon Ewing

    Had such a great experience, the staff were very welcoming, friendly and informative. I had Heather and she was great! It was an awesome experience, they made it fun and... read more

    Matthew Mitchell Avatar Matthew Mitchell

    From the 1st phone call, to dropping in for a tour, to getting in the air. Was seamless, educational and exciting. Can’t wait to start flight school here!

    Matt Ayler Avatar Matt Ayler
  • This school is like no other flight school that I have been to. They are so caring and honestly help you with everything you can think of when... read more

    Tara Richarson Avatar Tara Richarson

    Im a newer student at Vegas Aviation and i cant ask for anything more in a flight school. The planes are very clean and well maintained by in house mechanics.... read more

    radek fritz Avatar radek fritz

    I moved here recently and needed to get checked out at a flight school. Initially I chose Vegas Aviation because it seemed the most normal. After a quick and easy... read more

    Mikey Trahan Avatar Mikey Trahan

    Deric, my flight instructor, is amazing. The school is incredibly professional.

    Jonathan Baron Avatar Jonathan Baron

    This is the best flight school in Nevada hands down. Everyone at Vegas Aviation has been so welcoming and beyond knowledgeable. David Modler is a top tier instructor! I would... read more

    Abby Wyszomirski Avatar Abby Wyszomirski

    Vegas Aviation is great, and my experience here so far has been amazing. The planes are well maintained and I’ve always felt safe during my lessons. My flight instructor Heather... read more

    Joey Custy Avatar Joey Custy
  • Wow! What an incredible experience. Super glad I came to VA in Las Vegas. If you’ve never been on a discovery flight before, you are missing out. I was a... read more

    Joseph Dawoud Avatar Joseph Dawoud

    Vegas Aviation is top notch. I switched over to VA from another school in the valley to finish my PPL and immediately felt right at home. The rates are... read more

    Matt Nissen Avatar Matt Nissen

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    Heather Richards Avatar Heather Richards

    My son Renz, a senior in High School, goes to Vegas Aviation for his PPL and recently did his first solo. 😊 A proudest moment a mother can have but a... read more

    Maria Maria Avatar Maria Maria

    Hablé para tener información y Roxana es muy profesional en atención al cliente pronto estaré con ustedes.

    OG ZS Avatar OG ZS

    Vegas Aviation is great! Their instructors (especially Haylee, she's AWESOME) are super knowledgeable and nice and they focus all their attention on the student. This is the way to go... read more

    Aleem Ahmed Avatar Aleem Ahmed
  • These guys have been great to work with for my limited flights. Thanks so much!

    Eric Hill Avatar Eric Hill

    Great place to rent from or learn to fly! Currently, they have a fleet of 3 Cessna 172N aircraft and a simulator. Aircraft are always maintained and also have upgraded... read more

    Dylan Girouard Avatar Dylan Girouard

    This was my first ever flight adventure here with Vegas Aviation! Our pilot Alex, who’s an amazing pilot, definitely made it an impeccable experience. While on the flight, we learned... read more

    Alodia Avatar Alodia

    Had my Discovery Flight with Brad to see if I wanted to proceed with a career as a pilot. Brad was amazing, allowing me to control both on the ground... read more

    Alexander Tetlow Avatar Alexander Tetlow

    Chill instructor, had my first discovery flight here and I loved it.

    Kenny Callahan Avatar Kenny Callahan

    I love attending Vegas aviation. It’s very warm and inviting. The flight instructors to the people that work and run the office are super friendly. I’m currently working towards getting... read more

    Mariah C Avatar Mariah C
  • Vegas Aviation has it all. Great planes, awesome training, and the industries best maintenance and repair. They offer pilot training for all levels of students, airplane rentals that are maintained... read more

    Ray Greene Avatar Ray Greene

    Adrian was a amazing instructor and he made me feel very comfortable with being behind the yoke, I found a new passion with aviation and I'm excited to learn more.

    Joseph Avatar Joseph

    As someone who was just looking for a place to begin in aviation, I highly recommend Vegas Aviation. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable, welcoming, and communicative. As a student,... read more

    Myke Law Avatar Myke Law

    I've used a variety of flight schools in the Las Vegas Area, and Vegas Aviation has definitely been the best one. My main concerns at the beginning of my flight... read more

    Alexander Palmberg Avatar Alexander Palmberg

    I had the best Discovery Flight experience with my Instructor Flore Fulleau! She made the introductory training fun, extremely educational and wanting to continue learning more with she and... read more

    marcus mitchell Avatar marcus mitchell

    The classes that they provided were extremely helpful and I loved all the instructors, they were really nice and very understanding. They definitely knew their information and I will definitely... read more

    Noah Byrd Avatar Noah Byrd
  • I recently had the pleasure of completing a discovery flight with Vegas Aviation, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, the warmth... read more

    Pierce Larkin Avatar Pierce Larkin

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    Wesley Wiley Avatar Wesley Wiley

    Vegas aviation is the perfect place if you want to test out your flight dreams. You start with one discovery flight and end up sticking with them because they make... read more

    Alla Avatar Alla

    Great flight school if you are looking to rent a plane to fly around in the area or go to the Grand Canyon. I already came with a US PPL,... read more

    Ron Avatar Ron

    I had the opportunity to do a discovery flight with Vegas Aviation, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, the entire staff was incredibly kind, welcoming,... read more

    Marco Gomez Avatar Marco Gomez

    Had an amazing experience with Vegas Aviation. Pricing was more than fair. Instruction was to the point and taught in a fun and simple way to understand. The people at... read more

    Derek Bird Avatar Derek Bird
  • Discovery flight in the books! Awesome experience for the future pilot in the family! Excited for my future pilot to learn at Vegas Aviation!

    Heddy Jay Avatar Heddy Jay

    everyone is super nice, instructor are always super helpful

    Andrew Dailey Avatar Andrew Dailey

    I had my discovery flight here earlier today. It was an amazing experience! The people here are all so friendly and welcoming. Brandon is THE GOAT! All the CFIs I... read more

    Cee Jae Avatar Cee Jae

    Always a great time at vegas aviation. Got my first solo here and the flight instructors are very nice and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend anyone to fly here. 🤙🏽

    KMaster808 BOT Avatar KMaster808 BOT

    Amazing experience! Everyone was very welcoming and encouraging. Very professional environment. Luke my flight instructor did an amazing job guiding me through my discovery flight. I look forward to continuing... read more

    Jason Futterer Avatar Jason Futterer

    This flight school has blown me away. The planes are in EXCELLENT condition, as they have their own maintenance on site. This is what really made me love Vegas Aviation... read more

    Fly Runway Heading Avatar Fly Runway Heading
  • This is by far the best flight school in Las Vegas. Stand by mechanics, professional staff, and most importantly, PASSIONATE flight instructors. Mitch, Brandon, and Dorian has taught me everything... read more

    Tj Singleton Avatar Tj Singleton

    Highly recommend for anyone in search of flight instruction. Flight instructors here are awesome and the whole environment is nothing like what I’ve seen in other flight schools. Very relaxed... read more

    Hieu Avatar Hieu

    Fantastic flight with Haylee. Great fun and super accommodating CFI. Came out for a trip while I was a student and got to give a private tour of the... read more

    Jason Costa Avatar Jason Costa

    From the moment I walked into VA, I felt welcomed with open arms. The VA team is extremely friendly and professional. And a HUGE shout out to Brad, my flight... read more

    Jonathan Martínez Avatar Jonathan Martínez

    I’ve got to say that Vegas aviation is by far the BEST flight school in the valley. I used to train at cactus but after making the switch, I wouldn’t... read more

    Michael Delk Avatar Michael Delk

    I love the school and how their CFI’s all have different teaching styles. They’re so into helping each student that walks into their doors.

    Riz Avatar Riz
  • Did the discovery flight with my son for his birthday. Awesome flight. My son got to control the throttle and control the yoke all the way up to the time... read more

    Daniel Isfalt Avatar Daniel Isfalt

    Roxanne,Kevin and heather were great!!

    Kemish Carrizales Avatar Kemish Carrizales

    Went on a couple flights with Vegas to learn the area and flying around Class B. The instructor, Haylee was great! She was knowledgeable, professional and made navigating the... read more

    Pete Avatar Pete

    My son took his first discovery flight today. His instructor was Dorian, who was absolutely amazing. We were originally scheduled for a discovery flight two weeks ago and were second... read more

    Daniel Burgess [Police Services] Avatar Daniel Burgess [Police Services]

    I’m not local and need a flight school to help with a one-off instructional flight. I’ve been a CFI for 20 years and have seen a wide variety of flight... read more

    Josh Lorenz Avatar Josh Lorenz

    Rented a plane here. Process was smooth. Plane was ready and air worthy. Would recommend to anyone looking to rent for a good price!

    Peter Nerveza Avatar Peter Nerveza

Elevate Your Skills with an Instrument Rating

Enhance your piloting abilities with an Instrument Rating. Our Experienced instructors and advanced training programs will help you master flying in various conditions.