Instrument Rating - AlphaFlight

Advance Your Options

Ready to level up? The Instrument Rating is the next essential step after your Private Pilot Certificate. It trains you to fly in tough weather and low visibility using only instruments, a must-have skill for any serious pilot. Whether for a career or personal growth, it opens up more flying opportunities and boosts your confidence.

Essential

This rating is key for Career and Commercial Pilots. It enables you to fly using instruments and ATC communication when VFR conditions aren’t available. Staying current with instrument flying is essential for career pilots.

Certification

To get your Instrument Rating, you need a Private Pilot Certificate (or in progress), flight time as pilot-in-command, and instrument time. This rating is essential for those pursuing careers with flight schools, airlines, charter services, 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.

Q & A.

What are the prerequisites for starting instrument rating training?

To begin instrument rating training, you must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate and have a current FAA Medical Certificate.

How long does it take to earn an instrument rating?

The timeline for earning an instrument rating varies depending on your schedule, proficiency, and frequency of training. On average, full-time students can complete the training in 1-3 months, while part-time students may take 4-6 months. At AlphaFlight, we tailor the training schedule to your needs to ensure consistent progress.

Why should I get an instrument rating?

An instrument rating isn’t optional if you want to level up as a pilot—it’s the baseline for being skilled, reliable, and confident. It takes you from “fair-weather flyer” to someone who can handle nearly any situation with precision and control. Plus, it’s a mandatory step if you’re aiming for a career in aviation—no airline or charter operation will take you seriously without it. It’s not just a certification—it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.