How to Get Your Instrument Rating: Complete Guide

WHAT IS AN INSTRUMENT RATING?

An instrument rating allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), navigating solely by reference to cockpit instruments when visibility is limited or clouds obscure the horizon. It is widely considered the most important rating a pilot can earn after the private pilot certificate, significantly expanding operational capability and safety margins.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS UNDER FAR 61.65

Federal Aviation Regulation 61.65 outlines the prerequisites for an instrument rating. Applicants must hold at least a private pilot certificate, possess a current third-class medical certificate (or BasicMed), and be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC) , with at least 10 hours in airplanes if pursuing an instrument-airplane rating • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time , including at least 15 hours with an authorized instructor (CFII) • One cross-country flight under IFR of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing, with an instrument approach at each of three different airports • 3 hours of instrument training within 2 calendar months preceding the practical test

GROUND TRAINING AND KNOWLEDGE TEST

Before taking the practical test, applicants must pass the Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) knowledge test. This 60-question exam covers IFR regulations, departure and arrival procedures, holding patterns, instrument approach procedures, and meteorology. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass, though most flight schools recommend aiming for 85% or above.

THE INSTRUMENT TRAINING CURRICULUM

Instrument training builds skills in three core areas: aircraft control by reference to instruments, navigation using VOR, GPS, and ILS systems, and communication with Air Traffic Control under IFR procedures.

BASIC ATTITUDE INSTRUMENT FLYING

Students begin by mastering the six primary flight instruments: the attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, airspeed indicator, and turn coordinator. The standard scan technique teaches pilots to continuously cross-reference these instruments, using the attitude indicator as the primary reference and the others as supporting instruments.

NAVIGATION AND APPROACHES

Training progresses to intercepting and tracking VOR radials, flying GPS direct and airway routes, and executing instrument approaches. Common approach types include: • ILS (Instrument Landing System) — a precision approach providing both lateral (localizer) and vertical (glideslope) guidance, typically down to a 200-foot decision height • RNAV/GPS approaches — area navigation approaches using GPS, available with LPV, LNAV/VNAV, and LNAV minimums • VOR approaches — non-precision approaches using VOR ground stations for lateral guidance only • NDB approaches — non-precision approaches using Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) equipment, less common but still tested

HOLDING PATTERNS

Holding patterns require a pilot to fly a racetrack-shaped pattern at a designated fix while awaiting further clearance. Students must learn to determine the correct entry (direct, teardrop, or parallel) based on the heading relative to the holding fix, and to adjust for wind correction during both inbound and outbound legs.

SIMULATED INSTRUMENT TIME VS. ACTUAL IMC

Most instrument training occurs under simulated instrument conditions using a view-limiting device such as foggles or a hood. This allows training in VMC conditions while forcing the student to rely solely on instruments. A safety pilot occupying the other control seat must hold at least a private pilot certificate and have adequate visual reference outside.

Some training hours may be logged in an approved Aviation Training Device (ATD) or Flight Training Device (FTD). Under FAR 61.65, up to 20 hours of the 40 required instrument hours may be completed in an ATD, and up to 10 hours in a basic ATD.

THE INSTRUMENT RATING CHECKRIDE

The practical test consists of an oral examination and a flight test, conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document published by the FAA outlines all tasks and standards.

ORAL EXAMINATION

The oral portion typically lasts 1 to 2 hours and covers weather theory, IFR flight planning, regulatory requirements, aircraft systems related to IFR operations, approach chart interpretation, and emergency procedures. Examiners often present scenario-based questions requiring the applicant to demonstrate aeronautical decision-making.

FLIGHT TEST

During the flight portion, the applicant demonstrates proficiency in: • Copying and reading back an IFR clearance • Departure procedures (ODP or SID) • En route navigation along airways • Holding pattern entry and execution • At least two different types of instrument approaches (precision and non-precision) • Missed approach procedures • Partial panel operations (simulated instrument failure) • Unusual attitude recovery

COST AND TIMELINE

The instrument rating typically requires 40 to 60 hours of instrument instruction, depending on the student's aptitude and training frequency. At national average rates, total costs generally range from $10,000 to $18,000, including aircraft rental, instructor fees, ground school materials, knowledge test fees, and the checkride fee.

Training timelines vary from 3 months for intensive programs to 6 to 12 months for part-time students. Consistency in training is critical, as instrument skills degrade quickly without regular practice.

MAINTAINING INSTRUMENT CURRENCY

After earning the rating, pilots must maintain currency under FAR 61.57(c). Within the preceding 6 calendar months, a pilot must have performed and logged at least six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. If currency lapses, a pilot may complete these tasks with a safety pilot or CFII. After 12 months without meeting currency requirements, an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a CFII is required.

WHY THE INSTRUMENT RATING MATTERS

Beyond the ability to fly in clouds and low visibility, the instrument rating transforms a pilot's understanding of the National Airspace System. IFR-rated pilots develop stronger situational awareness, better weather decision-making skills, and greater confidence in communicating with ATC. Even pilots who rarely file IFR flight plans benefit from the discipline and precision that instrument training instills.