Have you ever had a perfect day to fly ruined by low clouds? If you want to take your aviation knowledge to the next level, give yourself the most flexibility to fly where/when you want, and become a safer pilot in the process, get your instrument rating. Plus, who doesn't want to do a little cloud surfing?
Visual Meteorological Conditions aren't easily found in every part of the country, and you've probably been weather-canceled more than a few times as a private pilot. The best part of being a pilot is having the flexibility to travel where and when you want, beyond rigid airline schedules and lengthy TSA lines. If you don't hold an instrument rating, cloudy weather and frontal systems could ruin your plans and make safely accomplishing a flight nearly impossible.
There are a few things you'll need to do to obtain an instrument rating. We'll break down some specifics in the following sections within this article. According to 14 CFR 61.65, these are the basic requirements (summarized):
Now, on to the fun stuff. We love instrument flying and there's almost nothing more satisfying than flying a perfect ILS approach to minimums on a foggy day. While you have a lot to learn, you already know how to fly an airplane. All you have to do now is apply instrument knowledge to your flight skills, which most pilots enjoy during training.
Compared to Part 61 flight training (through individually certified flight instructors), Part 141 certified schools have a strict curriculum certified by the FAA. Because of that, some of the flight time requirements are reduced or waived for Part 141 students. This can be a way to save money and time, although you may not find the flexibility of training on your schedule or in an airplane you personally own. If you need help picking a flight school, follow this guide.
Below, you'll find a list of basic training requirements as a comparison between the two methods of getting your rating. There are plenty of specific training events and requirements found within the regulations and training course outlines beyond just raw "flight time" figures.
Part 61 Training Requirements (FAR 61.65):
Part 141 Training Requirements (Appendix C To Part 141):
BOTH: Whether you train under Part 61 or Part 141, you'll have to complete a "long cross-country" flight, which:
Keep in mind, in Part 141 training you'll likely have a series of stage checks, which examine your progress before a final checkride. If you train under Part 61, you'll just have one checkride for the rating at the end of your training.
Instrument training can be intimidating at first because looking at your first approach plate might look more like hieroglyphics than logic. If you want to kick-start your training, start reading the FAA's Instrument Procedures Handbook (free), read our articles (free), or take our quizzes (free)!
These are the aeronautical knowledge areas you'll cover during ground training according to FAR 61.56:
These are the flight proficiency areas you'll cover during training according to FAR 61.65:
Whether you attend a Part 61 or Part 141 school, you should be able to use a flight simulator to reduce the cost of your training and build simulated instrument experience. From FAR 61.51(g-4), "A person may use time in a full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device for acquiring instrument aeronautical experience for a pilot certificate or rating provided an authorized instructor is present to observe that time and signs the person's logbook or training record to verify the time and the content of the training session."
There are different types of simulators available for FAA certification, and these are the limits of instruction for each type (contact your flight school to see which simulator options are available):
Full Flight Simulator and Flight Training Device
Advanced Aviation Training Device
Basic Aviation Training Device
Just like most ratings and certificates, there's a knowledge (written) test and a practical (flight) test to complete for your instrument rating. For both, you'll first need a signed endorsement.
The Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS) establishes the criteria for what you'll be examined on during your instrument rating checkride, and what counts as satisfactory. Take a look at the standards early in your training. By the time you get signed off for your checkride, you've been exceeding standards according to your instructor.
It can take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months to for you to finish your instrument rating, determined by your experience level, the frequency of training, and the structure of your training curriculum. Don't rush. If you need extra time to learn something, let your instructor know you think you need a little extra practice and take the time to learn these procedures thoroughly.
As of 2021, it costs anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 for most people to obtain their instrument rating. Again, this is determined by your progress, flight school costs, and the availability of flight simulators. Here are 8 ways to keep your flight training costs under control.
What else do you want to learn about instrument training? Tell us in the comments below!
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Swayne is an editor at Boldmethod, certified flight instructor, and a First Officer on the Boeing 757/767 for a Major US Carrier. He graduated as an aviation major from the University of North Dakota in 2018, holds a PIC Type Rating for Cessna Citation Jets (CE-525), is a former pilot for Mokulele Airlines, and flew Embraer 145s at the beginning of his airline career. Swayne is an author of articles, quizzes and lists on Boldmethod every week. You can reach Swayne at swayne@boldmethod.com, and follow his flying adventures on his YouTube Channel.
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