Prerequisites
Hold at least a current Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot Certificate with an aircraft category and class rating that applies to the instrument rating sought (Helicopter Private/Commercial Pilot Certificate).
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Steps to get an Instrument Rotorcraft Rating
Pass a written knowledge test to FAA standards.
Fulfill the minimum requirements of flight time and training specified by the FAA (see below).
Pass an oral, and flight test (Practical Test) given by the FAA or an approved Designated Pilot Examiner.
A person who applies for an instrument rating must have logged the following:
At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command
A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time that include:
At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category (Helicopter) for which the instrument rating is sought;
At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the test;
For an instrument — helicopter rating, instrument training specific to helicopters on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in a helicopter that is performed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and consists of:
A distance of at least 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC directed routing;
An instrument approach at each airport; and
3. Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
Additional instrument rating, 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor for the rating sought, that includes at least:
1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought; and
3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.
Cost Breakdown (based on FAA Minimums)
Schweizer 300C rental: 40 hours @$315/hr: $12,600
Dual Flight Instruction: 40 hours @$40/hr: $1,600
Books and Supplies: $75
FAA Written Test: $150
FAA Examiner Fee: $600
Total Cost (based on FAA Minimums): $15,025
Note: Our prices are subject to change without prior notice. The Instrument course is structured and based on the FAA minimum requirements. We have found that most students finish the instrument Rating in the minimum number of hours so in the case of this rating, the minimums are also the averages unlike the Private Certificate. It is not guaranteed you will complete the training in the minimum/average number of hours.
