Is an Instrument Rating Necessary?

The answer to this question depends entirely upon individual needs. Pilots may not need an instrument rating if they fly in familiar uncongested areas, stay continually alert to weather developments, and accept an alternative to their original plan. However, some cross-country destinations may take a pilot to unfamiliar airports and/or through high activity areas in marginal visual or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Under these conditions, an instrument rating may be an alternative to rerouting, rescheduling, or canceling a flight. Many accidents are the result of pilots who lack the necessary skills or equipment to fly in marginal visual meteorological conditions (VMC) or IMC and attempt flight without outside references.

TakeWING offers instrument flight training and Instrument proficiency courses, including G1000 glass panel training.

After you receive your private pilot license, you will undoubtedly want to take trips and vacations. This will be a lot of fun and a time saver. Then bad weather sets in, and without an instrument rating you can be grounded for days. This rating states that you are qualified to fly in less than V.F.R (visual flight rule) conditions (basically a license to fly in the clouds, fog, rain, etc. in instrument meteorological conditions (I.M.C). This rating is useful when trying to make long flights of 300–600 nautical miles, which often involve bad weather that require instrument skills.

What Are the Requirements for an Instrument Rating — Airplane?

You must hold at least a private pilot certificate to begin instrument flight training. Our flight instructors are experienced instrument instructor pilots and will work with you to make sure you learn using modern methods and the latest avionics equipment. If you would like to know the exact requirements for the rating, contact us. For the specific FAA regulation on obtaining your instrument rating click here: CFR 61.65