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
- Hold a current Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Rating
- Read, Speak, Write, Understand English (unless restricted (61.65
- Have received/logged ground and flight training per 61.65(c)
- Pass the Knowledge Test (Written Exam)
- Have logbook endorsements for practical test
- 15 Hours of Instrument flight training
- 3 hours training within 2 caldenar months preceding the check ride
- Flight must be filed with ATC and along airways or ATC-directed routing
- 3 Different kinds of instrument approaches
- An instrument approach at each airport
Instrument Pilot Applicants must hold a current Private Pilot or Commercial Pilot certificate.
* As is the norm, we recommend that the Instrument Rating be completed before enrolling in Commercial Pilot training
Acquiring this rating requires passing both a written (70%) and practical test (to FAA Practical Test Standards).
Applicants must also:
- Read, Speak, Write, Understand English (unless restricted (61.65
- Have received/logged ground training and flight training (per 61.65(c from an authorized flight instructor.
- Pass the Knowledge test (written exam)
- Have logbook endorsements for practical test
- Have Knowledge test endorsement per 61.103.d
- Have logbook endorsements for practical test
- Have aeronautical experience per 61.65 including:
- 50 Hrs Cross-country as pilot in command
- 40 Hrs of actual/simulated instrument time, which must include:
- 15 Hrs of instrument flight training from CFI/CFII, 3 Hrs of which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the practical test (check-ride)
- Instrument Cross-Country, distance of 250 nautical miles, performing 3 different kinds of instrument approaches, and an instrument approach at each airport
Training Tips from the Pros
Don’t be like that guy who keeps setting up for a five mile final—there he is again! What are you DOING?!
Fifty of the 250 hours required for your commercial certificate can be flown in an AATD simulator, which is cheaper than an aircraft. Fly all of those hours before your instrument training and save yourself time and money.
Most people who’re afraid of heights aren’t actually afraid of heights—they have a fear of exposure. Being in an aircraft isn’t like being on the side of a cliff.
Our Recent Instrument Graduates
