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Master Precision Flying with Instrument Rating Training

Instrument Rating

With an Instrument Rating a private or commercial pilot may operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). In IFR training at Springs Aviation, pilots will learn to navigate and control an aircraft using only cockpit instruments. The addition of an instrument rating will improve flying skills and will add the flexibility of legally engaging in flights that may start or worsen into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) or low-visibility weather.

*Before enrolling in training for this rating, we recommend that you have a total of 100 hours of pilot experience. This isn’t a requirement.

Instrument Rating Requirements

To earn an Instrument Rating, you must meet specific flight experience and training requirements, as well as pass a written knowledge test and a practical exam.

50 Hours

Pilot-In-Command (PIC) Time

  • Hold Private/Commercial Pilot Certificate

  • Speak, Write, Understand English

  • Complete ground and flight training

  • Pass Knowledge Test (Written Exam)

  • Logbook endorsements for practical test

40 hrs

Actual or Simulated IMC Time

  • 15 hours instrument flight training

  • 3 hours training before check ride

  • Simulated or actual IMC time required

  • Instrument training within 2 months

250 mile

Instrument Cross-Country

  • Filed with ATC, specific routing

  • 3 different instrument approaches

  • Instrument approach at each airport

  • Cross-country flight over 250 miles

Prepare for Your Instrument Rating Journey

Before you can earn your Instrument Rating, it’s important to meet the necessary prerequisites and complete the required flight hours and endorsements.

To pursue an Instrument Rating, you need to have a solid foundation in piloting. This involves meeting specific requirements to ensure you are prepared for the challenges of instrument flight. Before beginning your Instrument Rating training, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a current Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Be proficient in reading, speaking, writing, and understanding English
  • Complete required ground and flight training
  • Pass the written knowledge exam
  • Obtain logbook endorsements for the practical test

*While not required, we highly recommend achieving this rating before pursuing further advanced qualifications.

  • Meet aeronautical experience requirements per 61.65, including:
    • 50 Hours of Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time:
      • Hold a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate.
      • 50 hours in powered aircraft, including 50 hours in airplanes.
      • 50 hours of PIC time, including 10 hours of cross-country flight time.
      • Log 3 hours of instruction for the practical test within 2 calendar months prior.
      • 40 Hours of Actual or Simulated Instrument Time:
        • Includes 15 hours of instrument flight training.
        • 3 hours of instrument training within 2 calendar months before the checkride.
      • 250-Nautical-Mile Instrument Cross-Country Flight:
        • Must be filed with ATC and along airways or ATC-directed routing.
        • Include 3 different kinds of instrument approaches.
        • Complete an instrument approach at each airport.

*Meeting these requirements will equip you with the skills needed to safely navigate in various weather conditions, enhancing your capabilities as a pilot and broadening your flight opportunities.

Elevate Your Flying Skills with an Instrument Rating

Ready to take your piloting abilities to new heights? Our Instrument Rating program equips you with the skills needed to navigate through any weather conditions using only your cockpit instruments. Gain the confidence and flexibility to handle flights in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) and enhance your career prospects with this advanced certification.

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