An instrument rating (IFR) is quite different from flying under visual flight rules (VFR). IFR enables pilots to navigate using instruments, which is crucial in low visibility conditions. This rating increases safety and opens up more flying options, allowing pilots to operate in cloud cover and poor weather. For anyone pursuing a career in aviation, obtaining an instrument rating is essential. If you rent or buy an aircraft, you'll likely benefit from lower insurance rates once you have this rating.
To achieve an instrument rating, pilots must complete ground school and log flight hours with an instructor. They learn to read En-Route charts, Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), Approach Plates, and how to fly holding patterns. Pilots must pass both a written and practical exam. With an instrument rating, pilots gain more confidence and skill, making their flights safer and more efficient.
Instrument Rating Requirements
To take an instrument rating checkride, you need to meet specific requirements and have completed and logged necessary training. IFR rating requirements can be found in FAR Part 61.65. To summarize, to apply for an instrument rating, you must:
Already have a private pilot certificate, or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate with your instrument rating.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Complete and log ground training with an authorized instructor – Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) or Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) – or accomplish a ground school home study course.
Have a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor (IGI or CFII) certifying that you are prepared to take the knowledge test
Receive and log required training in an aircraft, full flight simulator, or flight training device, including:
50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command
Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor
Three hours of instrument flight training within two calendar months before the check ride
A cross country flight of 250 nautical miles, that includes an instrument approach at each airport, and three different kinds of approaches (for example, VOR, ILS, GPS)
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you are prepared to take the required practical test
Pass the knowledge test (unless you already have an instrument rating in another category; helicopter or powered-lift)
Pass the required practical test.
What Can You Do with an Instrument Rating?
An instrument rating lets you fly without needing to see the ground or horizon. This means you can travel from one location to another without looking out the window, except during take-off and landing. You will learn to manage various tasks, like changing radio channels, setting up navigation tools, and preparing for approaches, all while keeping an eye on your instrument panel.
Is the Instrument Rating Hard?
Speak with a few experienced instructors or pilots, and you'll hear different opinions about earning an instrument rating. Some say it was the toughest part of their training, while others found it easier. Flying with instruments requires special skills like multitasking, problem-solving, and managing time effectively. Pilots need to make quick and confident decisions. Everyone learns these skills at their own pace. Instrument flying focuses more on mental skills and managing systems, while visual flight rules (VFR) flying relies more on the physical skills of controlling the aircraft.
What’s After Instrument Training?
For those aiming to become flight instructors, corporate pilots, or airline pilots, obtaining a commercial pilot certificate is typically the next step after earning an instrument rating. Some pilots opt to complete their commercial training in multi-engine aircraft, like a Piper Seneca or Seminole. Others may choose to train in a single-engine aircraft first and later add a multi-engine rating.
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