Earn Your Instrument Rating (IR)

What is an Instrument Rating?

An Instrument Rating (IR) allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning you can navigate and control the aircraft solely by reference to instruments. This is essential for flying in poor weather conditions (IMC) and is a major step toward becoming a safer and more skilled pilot.

Requirements for an Instrument Rating (FAR 61.65)

To earn your Instrument Rating, you must meet the following FAA requirements:

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

✅ Hold at least a Private Pilot License (PPL)
✅ Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
✅ Hold a third-class medical certificate (or higher)
✅ Receive ground and flight training from an authorized instructor
✅ Pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Exam
✅ Pass the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test (checkride)

2. Flight Experience Requirements

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time, including:

A. Dual Flight Training with an Instructor (Minimum: 15 Hours)

📌 Cross-country training – At least one IFR cross-country flight that:

  • Is 250 nautical miles total distance

  • Involves at least three different airports

  • Includes instrument approaches at each airport

📌 Instrument training on controlling the aircraft solely by instruments
📌 Holding procedures, approaches, and navigation under IFR

B. Simulated or Actual Instrument Time (Minimum: 40 Hours)

🛩️ At least 15 hours of instrument flight training must be with an instructor
🛩️ A maximum of 20 hours can be in a flight simulator or aviation training device

3. Ground School and Exams

Before taking the checkride, you must complete ground training covering:
📖 IFR regulations and procedures
📖 Weather interpretation and forecasting
📖 Instrument approaches and departures
📖 Air traffic control (ATC) communication under IFR
📖 Navigation using VOR, GPS, and other instruments

After ground school, you must pass the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Exam, a multiple-choice test covering these topics.

4. The Instrument Rating Checkride (FAA Practical Test)

The final step is the FAA Practical Test, or checkride, which includes:

✈️ Oral Exam – The examiner will ask questions on IFR procedures, regulations, and flight planning.
✈️ Flight Test – You will demonstrate:

  • Preflight planning and IFR navigation

  • Holding patterns and instrument approaches

  • Emergency procedures under instrument conditions

Why Get an Instrument Rating?

✅ Fly in More Weather Conditions – No longer limited to clear skies!
✅ Increase Safety & Precision – Better control in clouds and low visibility.
✅ Advance Your Aviation Career – Required for commercial pilots and airline careers.
✅ Expand Your Flying Opportunities – IFR clearance allows for more efficient routes.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Instrument Rating?

Earning your Instrument Rating (IR) is an important step in becoming a more skilled and confident pilot. The cost of training varies depending on your previous experience and current flight hours, so we customize a training plan based on your specific needs.

What Affects the Cost of Your Instrument Training?

The total cost of your Instrument Rating depends on:

  • How many flight hours you already have (FAA requires 50 hours of cross-country time)

  • Your experience with instrument flying (Some pilots need more training than others)

  • How much ground instruction and simulator training you require

Customized Training Plans

Because every pilot comes into instrument training with a different level of experience, we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all price. Instead, we will:

  1. Review your logbook and experience

  2. Discuss your training goals and schedule

  3. Create a personalized plan that fits your needs

Get a Quote for Your Training

To get a better idea of what your Instrument Rating will cost, reach out to us with your flight experience, and we’ll help you build a training plan that works for you.

📞 (951) 336-6666
📧 info@cloudaviationusa.com