INSTRUMENT RATING
EARN AN INSTRUMENT RATING AT ONE OF FLORIDA’S TOP FLIGHT SCHOOLS
An instrument rating is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, ratings you can achieve as a pilot. Indeed, flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) demands a whole new level of aircraft control, weather knowledge, and situational awareness.
WE’RE YOUR SOURCE FOR FLORIDA INSTRUMENT RATING TRAINING!
An instrument rating is essential if you intend to use an aircraft for transportation. Interestingly, many pilots earn an instrument rating—in fact, over half of all pilots hold this credential—even if they don’t plan to fly in instrument conditions. So, why is this the case? Simply put, the discipline you develop to earn an instrument rating ultimately makes you a better pilot overall. And who doesn’t want to be a better pilot?
WHY EARN AN INSTRUMENT RATING?
With an instrument rating, you gain several key advantages:
- Become a better pilot
- Can use an airplane for transportation
- Learn how to use the airspace system
- Become more confident
- Earn a sense of accomplishment
What is Involved?
To achieve your Instrument Rating, you’ll go through a clear process. First, you must complete appropriate training on the procedures and techniques for operating an aircraft solely by reference to instruments. Following your training, you’ll take two tests: a computerized knowledge test and a practical flight test with an examiner.
FAA Requirements for Instrument Rating
To earn your Instrument Rating, you must meet the following fundamental prerequisites:
- Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Hold a current FAA medical certificate
Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
Training and Experience Requirements
In addition to the above, you must accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience, including:
- Cross-Country Flight Time:
- At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command. This can include solo cross-country time as a student pilot.
- Each cross-country flight must include a landing at an airport at least 50 NM straight-line distance from the original departure point.
Note: This requirement is waived for our Part 141 Course.
- Long IFR Cross-Country Flight:
- Complete at least one cross-country flight performed under IFR.
- This flight must transit at least 250 NM along airways or ATC-directed routing.
It must include an instrument approach at each airport, performing a total of three different kinds of instrument approaches.
- Instrument Time:
- A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time.
- This must include a minimum of 15 hours of instrument flight training from a Flight Instructor certified to teach the instrument rating (CFII).
Simulator Credit: You may accomplish up to 20 hours of the instrument training in an approved flight simulator or flight training device, provided an authorized instructor (CFI) provides the training.
- Recent Instrument Training:
In the 2 calendar months prior to the practical test, log 3 hours of instrument training in an airplane appropriate to the instrument-airplane rating from a CFII in preparation for the test.
- Required Endorsements:
Receive and log training, and obtain a logbook 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, and postflight procedures.
Practical Test
Finally, to complete your Instrument Rating, you must pass an oral test and flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or authorized check instructor.
