Instrument Rating

An instrument rating is required for operating an aircraft in IFR (instrument flight rules) conditions. IFR conditions are defined differently for different classes of airspace, but generally speaking, instrument flight rules are in effect in conditions of low ceilings and/or low or obscured visibility.

An applicant for an instrument rating must pass a written examination and a practical examination. The practical examination is administered by an FAA examiner, and consists of an oral test and a flight test.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an instrument rating, a pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating.

Flight Training

There is no minimum requirement for total flight hours logged for an instrument rating, but an applicants aeronautical experience must include the following:

  • 50 hours of cross-country flight as pilot in command
  • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  • 15 hours of instrument flight training
  • 3 hours of flight training specifically in preparation for taking the instrument rating practical exam

Cost of Obtaining an Instrument Rating

Depending upon how much instrument flight time an applicant has already logged, the estimated cost of the specific training for an instrument rating would be $4000 to $9000.