Requirements to Obtain an Instrument Rating

• Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
• Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English.
• Hold a current FAA medical certificate.
• Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor.
  Subjects include:
  • FARs IFR-related items in the AIM
  • ATC system and procedures
  • IFR navigation
  • Use of IFR charts
  • Aviation weather
  • Operating under IFR
  • Recognition of critical weather
  • Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Pass the FAA instrument rating knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
• Accumulate flight experience (FAR 61.65):
• 50 hr. of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which at least 10 hr. must be in airplanes:
  • The 50 hr. includes solo cross-country time as a student pilot, which is logged as pilot-in-command time.
  • Each cross-country must have a landing at an airport that was at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 NM from the original departure point.
• A total of 40 hr. of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed in 7. below, including:
  • 15 hr. of instrument flight training from a CFII (CFII is an instructor who is authorized to give instrument instruction) days preceding the practical test
  • Cross-country flight procedures that include at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under IFR and consists of:
    • A distance of at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-directed routing
    • An instrument approach at each airport
    • Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems
• If the instrument training was provided by a CFII, a maximum of 20hr. may be accomplished in an approved flight simulator or flight training device.
• Use our Instrument Pilot Flight Maneuvers and Practical Test Prep book from your first flight lesson to your practical test.
• Demonstrate flight proficiency (FAR 61.65). You must receive and log training, as well as obtain a logbook sign-off (endorsement) from your CFII on the following areas of operation:
  • Preflight preparation
  • Preflight procedures
  • Air traffic control clearances and procedures
  • Flight by reference to instruments
  • Navigation systems
  • Instrument approach procedures
  • Emergency operations
  • Postflight procedures
• Successfully complete the instrument rating practical test.