Our Courses
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
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What Is an Instrument Rating?
Master precise navigation in any weather
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).
Perks
Advantages of Having an Instrument Rating
What you get
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.
The Cost You Can Expect
Average Investment
- 25 Hours Dual Instruction$ 5,875
- 40 Hours Cross Country / Time Building (1/2)$ 3,500
- 10 Hours AATD Simulator with CFI$ 1,350
- 15 Hours Private Ground Instruction$ 900
- Cessna On-line Instrument Flight Course$ 374
- Aircraft Rental for Check Ride (2 Hours)$ 350
- Checkride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)$ 1,200
- TOTAL INSTRUMENT RATING 67 Airplane + 10 Sim Hours$ 13,549
Notes
While we follow a flexible curriculum, everyone learns differently, so your investment may be more or less
than the average shown.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Key Factors in Determining Cost
- Students' Commitment to Disciplined Study Before and After Lessons. The more prepared you are for the lesson, the more effective the learning will be.
- Aviation Aptitude. Any previous experience or exposure to aviation helps.
- Frequency of Flight. Students that fly more frequently tend to retain the key learning objectives for each lesson better. We recommend that students try to fly a minimum of 2-3 times per week if at all possible. This also shortens the overall time and cost required to obtain the certificate or rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Required for an Instrument Rating?
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in English.
- Medical Certificate: Hold a valid FAA-issued medical certificate.
- Hold a Valid Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Complete Instrument Ground School.
- Log an IFR Cross-Country of at Least 250 Miles as Pilot in Command.
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Flight Hours:
- Complete a Minimum of 15 Hours of instrument training from an authorized instructor.
- 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.
- 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.
YOUR PILOT CAREER STARTS HERE
Take Off with Vegas Aviation
Experience personalized flight training with our instructors, they are passionate people dedicated to your success. Whether you're starting your first lesson or advancing your skills, Vegas Aviation offers a supportive community and expert guidance every step of the way.