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
  • 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

    Incredible experience

    Garrick Tyler Avatar Garrick Tyler

    Reached out to Vegas Aviation to arrange a short sightseeing flight with my family and we had a blast. The team was very professional and the CFI who flew with... read more

    Eloy Jerviz Avatar Eloy Jerviz

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    Heather Richards Avatar Heather Richards

    Adrian took me in a course, and showed me the basics of flying instruction, and with great patience and friendly of making me understand the course clearly. Definitely convinced... read more

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    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

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  • 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

    David Modler Avatar David Modler

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    Kevin Matsumoto Avatar Kevin Matsumoto

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    Daniel Isfalt Avatar Daniel Isfalt

    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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    Tony Dutson Avatar Tony Dutson

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

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  • With out a doubt the best aviation school in Vegas! The team clearly takes pride in what they do! Adrian, takes the time to explain everything as best as... read more

    Egg Avatar Egg

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    Brad Sh Avatar Brad Sh

    Vegas Aviation is truly the creme de la creme!! Everyone I encountered was super friendly and very knowledable, which set the groundwork for me to feel very comforatble throughout... read more

    Amanda Motto Avatar Amanda Motto

    I went to Vegas Aviation looking to finish my Multi-Engine add on and become recurrent in instrument flight after about 5 years away from general aviation. I was paired with... read more

    Ryan W Avatar Ryan W

    Man where to begin with this place, first off the aircraft used for lessons are in top shape always, the owner and employees are amazing and have became like family... read more

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  • Vegas Aviation's team went above and beyond in helping me achieve my goal of becoming a private pilot. This flight school is deeply committed to safety, and they work diligently... read more

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    jeff underwood Avatar jeff underwood

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    Riz Avatar Riz

    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

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

    Tybo Launois Avatar Tybo Launois

    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
  • 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

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    Gideon Shalev Avatar Gideon Shalev

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    Joseph Dawoud Avatar Joseph Dawoud

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    Jason Futterer Avatar Jason Futterer
  • 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

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    Rexxx Avatar Rexxx

    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

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    V P Avatar V P
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    Renz Soniga Avatar Renz Soniga
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    Conrad Chi Avatar Conrad Chi

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    DeShon Smith Avatar DeShon Smith

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    Tane Owens Avatar Tane Owens

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    Alla Avatar Alla

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    Andrew Dailey Avatar Andrew Dailey

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.