Instrument flying cockpit view

Instrument Rating

Fly safely in clouds and low visibility conditions. Master precision flying with instruments.

What is an Instrument Rating?

An Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly in clouds, fog, and other low visibility conditions using only aircraft instruments for navigation and control. It's one of the most valuable ratings a pilot can earn, dramatically increasing safety and utility.

Fly in IMC Conditions

Navigate safely through clouds, fog, and low visibility

Precision Approaches

Execute ILS, GPS, and other precision instrument approaches

Enhanced Safety

Dramatically improve your flying skills and safety margins

Instrument panel during IFR flight
40+
Instrument Hours

Why Get Your Instrument Rating?

The instrument rating transforms you from a fair-weather pilot to an all-weather aviator

Increased Utility

Complete more flights on schedule, regardless of weather conditions

Enhanced Safety

Better decision-making and emergency procedures in all weather

Precision Skills

Develop exceptional aircraft control and navigation abilities

Career Advancement

Required for commercial operations and airline careers

Access More Airports

Land at airports with instrument approaches only

Professional Competence

Demonstrate advanced piloting skills and knowledge

Prerequisites

Requirements to begin instrument rating training

Private Pilot License

Current PPL with valid medical certificate

Flight Experience

50 hours cross-country PIC time

English Proficiency

Able to read, speak, and understand English

Written Exam

Pass FAA Instrument Knowledge Test

Instrument Training Curriculum

Comprehensive training in instrument procedures and precision flying

Instrument Ground School

Federal Aviation Regulations

IFR rules, equipment requirements, and procedures

Instrument Systems

Gyroscopic instruments, pitot-static system, and avionics

Weather Theory

IFR weather, icing, turbulence, and weather services

Navigation Systems

VOR, GPS, ILS, and approach procedures

IFR Procedures

Departure, en route, and approach procedures

Emergency Procedures

Lost communications, equipment failures, and emergencies

Instrument Flight Training

Basic Attitude Instrument Flying

Control aircraft using instruments only

Navigation Procedures

VOR tracking, GPS navigation, and holding patterns

Instrument Approaches

ILS, GPS, VOR, and non-precision approaches

Missed Approaches

Executing missed approach procedures safely

Partial Panel Flying

Flying with failed instruments and backup procedures

Actual IMC Experience

Real cloud flying when conditions permit

Training Progression

Structured approach to mastering instrument flying

1

Foundation Phase

Weeks 1-4

  • • Basic attitude instrument flying
  • • Instrument scan development
  • • Radio navigation basics
  • • IFR flight planning
Flight Hours: 0-15
2

Procedures Phase

Weeks 5-8

  • • Holding patterns
  • • Instrument approaches
  • • Departure procedures
  • • En route navigation
Flight Hours: 15-30
3

Proficiency Phase

Weeks 9-12

  • • Precision approaches
  • • Partial panel procedures
  • • Actual IMC flying
  • • Checkride preparation
Flight Hours: 30-40+

Training Equipment

Modern aircraft and simulators for comprehensive instrument training

IFR Training Aircraft

Cessna 172 IFR

Cessna 172 - IFR Equipped

Garmin G1000 Glass Cockpit

  • • Dual Garmin GI 275 displays
  • • GPS/WAAS approaches
  • • Autopilot equipped
  • • ILS/VOR capabilities
Piper Archer IFR

Piper Archer - IFR Equipped

Traditional Six-Pack + GPS

  • • Garmin GTN 650 GPS
  • • Traditional instruments
  • • Dual VOR/ILS receivers
  • • DME equipped

Flight Training Device

Flight simulator

Redbird FMX Simulator

FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) for instrument training

  • • Realistic flight dynamics
  • • Multiple aircraft configurations
  • • Weather simulation
  • • System failures training
  • • Cost-effective training
  • • Up to 20 hours credit toward rating

Instrument Rating Investment

Professional instrument training with transparent pricing

Hourly Rates

CFII Instruction $75/hr
Aircraft Rental (IFR) $165/hr
Simulator Training $85/hr
Ground Instruction $65/hr
Estimated Total $9,500
BEST VALUE

Complete Package

40 Flight Hours $6,400
15 Simulator Hours $1,275
Ground School $800
Materials & Exam Fees $525
Regular Price $9,500
Package Price $8,500
Save $1,000!

Accelerated Program

Intensive Training $9,500
Timeline 4-6 weeks
Priority Scheduling Included
Checkride Guarantee Included
Total Investment $9,500

Financing available with approved credit

Monthly payments as low as $199/month

Start Your Instrument Training

Take the next step in your aviation journey

Getting Started:

1

Schedule Consultation

Discuss your goals and training timeline

2

Skills Assessment

Evaluate current flying proficiency

3

Begin Training

Start ground school and flight lessons

Contact Information: