The FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook outlines the Instrument Flight Rules, as “Rules and regulations established by the FAA to govern flight under conditions in which flight by outside visual reference is not safe. IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight depends upon flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck, and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals.” Operating a flight in instrument conditions requires that a pilot must have filed an IFR flight plan. Flight instruments provide the necessary information commonly obtained by simply looking out the window during a VFR flight. Only a certified and current instrument rated pilot is permitted to file and fly an IFR flight plan.
Why should you get an instrument pilot rating?
Without a doubt, an instrument rating will make any pilot better. Instrument flight training develops a more comprehensive understanding of many topics introduced in private pilot training while adding instrument specific knowledge into the mix. Additionally, with an instrument rating, flight opportunities are no longer restricted to only flying on clear weather days. Instrument rated Pilots can file an IFR flight plan enabling flight through clouds and making flights through difficult airspace much easier.
What are the prerequisites?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Hold a current private pilot certificate and FAA Medical or BasicMed.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Receive ground training on the Aeronautical Knowledge (listed below) and pass the FAA knowledge test with a score of 70% or greater.
- Meet the FAA’s minimum Experience Requirements listed below
- Pass a practical test consisting of an oral exam and an in-flight exam with a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) .
Aeronautical Experience
- 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane.
- 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time of which 15 hours are flight training from an instrument instructor. Instrument time includes:
- 3 hours of instrument flight training within 2 calendar months before the practical test.
- One cross country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, that is performed under IFR that involves a flight of 250 nautical miles.
ESTIMATED TRAINING COSTS:
| 2001 Cessna 172S | Dual 45 hours @ $140.00 | $6,300.00 |
| Instructor Time (Air/Ground) | 60 hours @ $50.00 | $3,000.00 |
Post Course Requirements:
| FAA Written Test | PSI Testing Service | $174.00 |
| FAA Practical Test | Varies by Examiner | $800.00 |
Total Estimated Costs: $10,274.00
Part 61 requires that the applicant have a minimum of 50 hours of cross-country PIC time at the time of the practical examination. You can build cross-country PIC time, if needed, at the wet hourly rental rate in either the Cessna 152 ($105/hr) or the Cessna 172 ($140/hr)
ALL STUDENTS AND RENTERS MUST HAVE RENTERS INSURANCE
Aircraft Liability: Minimum of $250,000 and occurrence bodily injury and property damage limited to $25,000 each passenger.
Aircraft Physical Damage: Minimum of $5,000 each occurrence including deductible insurance of $5,000 each occurrence.
Ready to Start Training?
To start training at Sky Chiefs, click on Start Training, to start your mission of becoming an instrument rated pilot.
Ryan is an experienced Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and ready to help you achieve your instrument rating. Contact him today for more information.