Instrument Rating

One step further than the private pilot license is the Instrument rating. During the Private Pilot Course you learned about using the gauges and even had a little practice flying by instruments, but this rating takes you much deeper into that ability. By achieving your instrument rating you will be able to fly during inclement weather and cloud cover, all without needing to see outside of the aircraft.

FAR Part 61 requirements:

Hold a valid private pilot certificate

Be able to read, speak and understand the English language.

Hold a third class airman's medical certificate

A minimum of 30 hours of ground training

Pass a written examination on aeronautical knowledge

Pass a practical test on maneuvers and procedures

Accumulate a minimum of 40 hours of instrument training from an instrument flight instructor.

1 cross country flight in simulated or actual instrument conditions, of 250 NM, with one segment being at least 100 NM; involving an instrument approach at each airport; and involving three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigational systems.