Instrument Rating

Before you begin with this new chapter in your carrier, first, you need to ask yourself.

Why an instrument rating?

  • You are going to be able to operate under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).

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  • Fly in weather less than VFR.

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  • The pilot need an instrument rating to flight on an IFR flight plan.

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  • ​​ Get a Special VFR at night.

 

  • Enter Class A airspace.

    • ​Not only Class A, once you are in IFR clearance, you will not need to worry about clearance into B or flying into a TFR or active MOA. ATC will keep you clear around those areas.

What are the requirements to obtain an Instrument Rating? § 61.65

Instrument Flight Requirements § 61.65

  • Hold at least a current private pilot certificate.
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
  • Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor according to § 61.65 (b).
  • Receive and log training on the areas of operation of § 61.65 (c) from an authorized instructor.
  • Received the required Endorsements.
  • Pass the required knowledge test. 
  • Pass the required practical test.

Instrument Requirements

Requirements 61 141
Ground Training No 30 Hours 
Instrument Flight Training 40 35 Hours, which 40% can be done on a simulator.   
A Cross-country (250NM total distance and 3 different instrument approaches at different airports and a straight line more than 100NM)  Yes Yes
50hrs Cross country PIC Yes No

Refer to FARs Part 141 Appendix C and Part 61.65 for more details.

How do I keep my currency as an Instrument Pilot? §61.57 (c)

Recent Flight experience to act as PIC under IFR § 61.57(C)

6

6

H

I

T

6th months

6 instrument Approaches 

Holding 

Intercepting and 

Tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. 

Within six months preceding the month of the flight, that person performed and logged at least the following tasks and iterations in an airplane or flight simulator under simulated conditions or actual weather to maintain the instrument privilege.

What happens if I failed to meet the Instrument Experience Requirements for more than six months? §61.57 (d)

Instrument Proficiency Check § 61.57 (d)

A person who has failed to meet the instrument experience requirements §61.57 (c) more than six calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check. The instrument proficiency check must consist of at least the following areas of operation listed in §61.57(d).

Letter of legal interpretation §61.57 (c) 

Click here.

Who Can Sign an Instrument Proficiency Check Endorsement? 

The instrument proficiency check must be given by:

  • An examiner.
  • A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces
  • A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight tests under part 121, 125, or 135.
  • An authorized instructor.
  • A person approved by the Administrator to conduct instrument practical tests