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
  • Flore is a extraordinary CFI Great experience altogether!

    Gautschi Daniele Avatar Gautschi Daniele

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

    Eric Hill Avatar Eric Hill

    One of the best flight schools in Vegas! Their airplanes are up to date with modern avionics and prices are some of the best in the valley! Plus they have... read more

    Hans Bafna Avatar Hans Bafna

    Did a discovery flight yesterday and had THE best experience. Dario and Luis were amazing!! Professional, friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to start my journey at Vegas Aviation.

    Aurelie Nicolas Avatar Aurelie Nicolas

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    Mahd Obeid Avatar Mahd Obeid

    If you are looking for an amazing CFI check Haylee out! I cannot tell you get level of professionalism and over kind heart is everything anyone could ask for in... read more

    Living Niecey Avatar Living Niecey
  • 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 flight instructing is second to none! Finishing up my PPL with Haylee has been a fun and rewarding journey! She is extremely patient, understanding, and calm/cool as a... read more

    Eugenio Guerrero Avatar Eugenio Guerrero

    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

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

    john macharia Avatar john macharia

    First time flying on a small aircraft! Great experience, smooth flight overall.

    Kai Fuji Avatar Kai Fuji

    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
  • 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

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    Michael Colley Avatar Michael Colley

    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

    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

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    Fly Runway Heading Avatar Fly Runway Heading

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

    Konstantinos Natas Avatar Konstantinos Natas

    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

    Great place great people highly reccomend take an intro flight and discover the wonderful world of general aviation! Had an excellent time going up in one of the beautiful... read more

    Andrew Kushner Avatar Andrew Kushner

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    Heddy Jay Avatar Heddy Jay

    A great flight school. My instructor, Amber, is very knowledgeable, patient with me, and a joy to fly with. She’s perfectly happy to go at whatever pace I’m comfortable... read more

    Matthew Watson Avatar Matthew Watson

    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
  • 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

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    Alexander Palmberg Avatar Alexander Palmberg

    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

    Got all my certs here and definitely one of the best schools with amazing CFIs! Highly recommend 🙂

    Coffee Fiend Avatar Coffee Fiend

    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 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
  • Great welcome, Great training. Highly recommended

    stephen reid Avatar stephen reid

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    jory barton Avatar jory barton

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

    Jonathan Baron Avatar Jonathan Baron

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    Marco Gomez Avatar Marco Gomez

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    Thomas Bellah Avatar Thomas Bellah

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    Cheri N Avatar Cheri N
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    Kemish Carrizales Avatar Kemish Carrizales

    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

    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]

    Had an amazing first experience in the sky with Flore. Best instructor I could’ve asked for. Thank you 🙏

    Tybo Launois Avatar Tybo Launois

    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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    Sebastian Gabalda Avatar Sebastian Gabalda
  • Adrian was easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable, I love planes and thought certain things would come naturally and it didn’t but he assured me my passion... read more

    ron johnson Avatar ron johnson

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    Nayeli Cemente Avatar Nayeli Cemente

    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

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    John T Avatar John T

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    steve delacrausaz Avatar steve delacrausaz

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    Riz Avatar Riz
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    Vanessa Castillo Avatar Vanessa Castillo

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    Rexxx Avatar Rexxx

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    Pete Avatar Pete

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    Dominico McIntosh Avatar Dominico McIntosh

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    Stephanie Estrada Avatar Stephanie Estrada
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    V P Avatar V P

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    Yvette Moctezuma Avatar Yvette Moctezuma

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    Ryan W Avatar Ryan W

    Airplane🔥

    Zombie Jr Avatar Zombie Jr

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    Dylan Girouard Avatar Dylan Girouard

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.