Instrument Rating Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

• Must hold at least a current private pilot certificate with a rating (airplane, helicopter, powered-lift) appropriate to the rating sought.
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.

General Requirements

• Must receive and log ground training* or accomplish a home-study course of training on the subjects listed under FAR part 61.65(b).
• Must receive an endorsement certifying that the student is prepared for the required knowledge test, and receive an endorsement certifying that the student is perpared for the practical test.*
• Must receive and log training in the areas listed under FAR part 61.65(c).
• Must pass both the knowledge and practical tests.

Flight Requirements

• A person who applies for an instrument rating must have logged the following:
• At least 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command.
• 10 hours must be in airplanes for an instrument-airplane rating.
• A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the following areas:
• At least 15 hours of instrument flight training in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought.*
• Within 60 days of the practical test: At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought.*
• Instrument training on cross-country flight performed under IFR, and consists of:
• A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing.
• An instrument approach at each airport.
• Three different kinds of approaches.

Once all the requirements are completed, an independent examiner conducts a flight check. After the successful completion of this flight check, the instrument rating is issued.

*Must be conducted by an authorized instructor.