Instrument Rating

Advance Your Options

Ready to broaden your horizons beyond earning your Private Pilot License? Training for an Instrument Rating is a crucial next step. After achieving a PPL, licensed pilots can train for an Instrument Rating to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and low-visibility conditions. You’ll have a higher sense of readiness to fly safely in inclement weather and be licensed to do so. Being able to aviate and navigate solely by reference to flight instruments is an important skill for both recreational and career pilots.

Essential

This rating is an essential step in becoming a Career Pilot or Commercial Pilot. It authorizes you to fly with navigational systems, instrument readings, and ATC communication when Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are unreliable or nonexistent. Career pilots must remain current in the ability to fly with instruments, should the need arise.

Certification

To begin, you must have a Private Pilot Certificate (or be in the process of certifying), flight time as a pilot in command, plus actual or simulated instrument time. An Instrument Rating is required for those on a path to employment with flight schools, commercial airlines, charter flight organizations, or air cargo companies.

Proficiency

Achieving your Instrument Rating enhances your skills as a pilot in general. If you intend to prepare for an advanced career in aviation or to maintain your instrument rating proficiency, you’ll have greater flexibility around flight planning and weather-related decisions.