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
  • 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

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

    Jonathan Baron Avatar Jonathan Baron

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    Josh Lorenz Avatar Josh Lorenz

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    Amanda Motto Avatar Amanda Motto

    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

    incredible!!

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  • Always have good experiences with Vegas Aviation. Recently completed my Commercial-Multi add-on in the Duchess.

    Alec Henderson Avatar Alec Henderson

    Took my son up on a Discovery flight, he had a fantastic time and now he's hooked. Kurt was our CFI, he made this an absolute fantastic time. I... read more

    Thomas Bellah Avatar Thomas Bellah

    It’s been a great experience. The planes are kept in a great condition, my flight instructor Adrian is really patient and cares about teaching. Definitely a great choice.

    Gustavo Gutiérrez Avatar Gustavo Gutiérrez

    Did a discovery flight and the instructor, Alex, was so friendly, knowledgeable and professional. There’s nowhere else that I know of that you will find a discovery flight for $25.... read more

    Lindsay Keeping Avatar Lindsay Keeping

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

    Ben Cadenbach Avatar Ben Cadenbach

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

    Kenny Callahan Avatar Kenny Callahan
  • I had a lesson with Heather Richard's today. I'm preparing for a bienniel review after being away from flying for several years. She was very thorough and a good teacher.... read more

    Tony Dutson Avatar Tony Dutson

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    Brandon Ewing Avatar Brandon Ewing

    Had my intro flight today. Flore is good and detailed CFI and the people in the office very friendly

    Konstantinos Natas Avatar Konstantinos Natas

    5 Stars - Amazing Experience from Start to Finish! I had a fantastic experience with my aviation school here in Vegas! From the moment I walked in, everyone was incredibly friendly... read more

    Johnatan Dias Avatar Johnatan Dias

    everyone is super nice, instructor are always super helpful

    Andrew Dailey Avatar Andrew Dailey

    Puno Salvador was an amazing Instructor for my first Discovery Flight!

    Sky Fares Avatar Sky Fares
  • 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

    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

    Flore is a extraordinary CFI Great experience altogether!

    Gautschi Daniele Avatar Gautschi Daniele

    Hands down the best flight school in the area! Their flight instructors are experienced, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about aviation. They have a talent for breaking down complex concepts, making... read more

    Lauren Rosen Avatar Lauren Rosen

    Vegas aviation is simply amazing. Louis and Jennie are the best. They take care of me every time I’m in town. I recommend this flight school to anyone. Check them... read more

    Heidi Nam Avatar Heidi Nam

    I came to Vegas aviation to complete a multi add on with an accelerated timeline. Every person I interacted with was professional and focused on helping me achieve my goal.... read more

    Lucas Rhea Avatar Lucas Rhea
  • Haylee has been great to work with as I move forward with my journey to get my private pilots license!

    John T Avatar John T

    Awesome Flight School with the Best Staff! Vegas Aviation is hands down one of the best flight schools in Las Vegas! The staff is super friendly and always ready to... read more

    Isaiah Pereira Avatar Isaiah Pereira

    Great experience and wonderful customer service.. instructors Brad Shaw is the best

    john macharia Avatar john macharia

    It is a great place to train. Really nice instructors and staff. Always was greeted with a smile, and left with a feeling of satisfaction. Thank you for the great... read more

    Alvaro Garcia Avatar Alvaro Garcia

    Very disappointed in their policy and lack of support to keep children encouraged in their journey to become pilots. I am active duty airforce and my children have done discovery... read more

    Jannah Groce Avatar Jannah Groce

    This place is awesome. The owner, Louis, is not above rolling up his sleeves, so to speak, and working hand in hand along side his employees. Shout out... read more

    Kevin Matsumoto Avatar Kevin Matsumoto
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    Dominico McIntosh Avatar Dominico McIntosh

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    Heather Richards Avatar Heather Richards

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    Tane Owens Avatar Tane Owens

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    Andrew Gellert Avatar Andrew Gellert

    Student here great school excellent instructors, great environment

    Hunter Rutherford Avatar Hunter Rutherford

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

    OG ZS Avatar OG ZS
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    Zak Bay Avatar Zak Bay

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    zachary page Avatar zachary page

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    Glynis Olgado Avatar Glynis Olgado

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    Zaid Haque Avatar Zaid Haque

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    Daniel Miller Avatar Daniel Miller

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

    Eric Hill Avatar Eric Hill

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    Ron Avatar Ron

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    David Kincaid Avatar David Kincaid

    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

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    Andrew Ely Medina Avatar Andrew Ely Medina

    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
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    Renz Soniga Avatar Renz Soniga

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    Matt Nissen Avatar Matt Nissen

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    Mathis Riiber Avatar Mathis Riiber
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    Branden Jenkins Avatar Branden Jenkins

    I had a lesson with Heather Richard's today. I'm preparing for a bienniel review after being away from flying for several years. She was very thorough and a good teacher.... read more

    Tony Dutson Avatar Tony Dutson

    Vegas Aviation is an exceptional place to learn how to fly for anyone that wishes to pursue this as a career in aviation or simply just a hobby. The team... read more

    Vanessa Castillo Avatar Vanessa Castillo

    Adrian is a wonderful and very patient flight instructor I highly recommend him for the new students who are seeking a pilot license. He got lots of skills as... read more

    Viable Insurance Avatar Viable Insurance

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    AJW Avatar AJW

    Had a great intro flight back in May. I will definitely reach back out to schedule flying lessons once I start with the online training

    Gideon Shalev Avatar Gideon Shalev

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.