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
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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.