INSTRUMENT
RATING
DON'T LET THE CLOUDS KEEP YOU DOWN
STRUCTURE. FLEXIBILITY. MASTERY.
An instrument rating isn't a license, but rather an add-on to an existing pilot certificate. It allows you to act as the pilot in command of an IFR flight plan which gives you the ability to fly in instrument conditions (through clouds and areas of low visibility) as well as in Class A (high-altitude) airspace. Instrument training focuses on flying solely by reference to instruments. An in-depth study of weather as well as rules and procedures specific to IFR flight is also a critical part of this kind of training. Earning an instrument rating requires dedication and effort, but the payoff is tremendous. As an instrument-rated pilot, you are much less likely to have trips limited by weather. Schedule-sensitive travel is more reliable and those long distance missions are more easily accomplished.
BASIC TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS
TSA Approval (for non-U.S. citizens only)
Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate Holder
PIC Cross Country Flight Time: 50 Hours
Instrument Time: 40 Hours
Instrument Instruction Time: 15 Hours
We suggest that all students refresh their VFR flying skills prior to training for their instrument rating. Completing a Flight Review, renewing landing currency, and reviewing important private pilot knowledge areas with a CFI are great ways to make sure you are in the best position to continue your learning. Enroll in and complete Sporty's online video training course to give yourself an leg up by getting your mind in gear for future learning.
THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION
Start first by accruing PIC cross country experience on your own. Once you've logged 35 hours of PIC XC time, speak with our CFIs to sign up for lessons. Make sure you have a current FAA medical or BasicMed documentation.
Our instructors will work with you to develop strong basic attitude instrument flying skills, learn IFR procedures, and master cockpit management. Enroll in our ground school to help prep for your FAA written exam (60 multiple choice questions, 70% passing score). All of your training efforts ultimately lead to the FAA practical test (a.k.a. checkride) which is done one-on-one with a designated pilot examiner (DPE) and consists of a 1 to 2 hour oral exam and a 1.5 to 2.5 hour flight test.
TYPICAL TIMELINE TO COMPLETION
4-6 MONTHS
Students are encouraged to sign up for a minimum of TWO 2.5-hour lessons per week, but greater frequency is beneficial as you'll maintain a higher level of retention from one lesson to the next. Total times and costs will ultimately depend on a variety of factors including weather, aircraft maintenance, private pilot proficiency, natural ability, frequency of training, and dedication to at-home study.
Our instrument rating curriculum consists of 31 lessons. Each lesson has an associated homework assignment that consists of approximately one hour of reading/studying/video watching. Proper progression is highly dependent on the timely completion of all homework assignments.
If you'll be training on a platform that is new to you, you'll be required to complete VFR transition training in your selected aircraft prior to beginning your instrument training. Instrument students will also need 35 hours of PIC cross country time logged as a course prerequisite.
SLING LSA AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$15,825
LSA Rental Hours (55 @ $200/Hour) = $11,000
CFII Instruction (35 @ $90/Hour) = $3,150
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $500
Written Exam Fee = $175
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $15,825
DIAMOND DA40 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$19,400
DA40 Rental Hours (55 @ $265/Hour) = $14,575
CFII Instruction (35 @ $90/Hour) = $3,150
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $500
Written Exam Fee = $175
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $19,400
CIRRUS SR20 AIRCRAFT
TYPICAL COURSE COMPLETION COSTS:
$27,050
SR20 Rental Hours (55 @ $365/Hour) = $20,075
CFII Instruction (35 @ $120/Hour) = $4,200
Training Materials/Subscriptions = $1,600
Written Exam Fee = $175
Checkride Fee = $1000
Total = $27,050
