An instructor shows a student
                         what he should see on his
                         instruments as he performs the 
                         ILS approach.

Why an Instrument Rating?

     Earning your instrument rating is said by many to be the best thing any pilot can do.  The ability to fly in the clouds is nice but the real value is in the ability to use the whole aviation system to it full potential.  Not only will this make you a much better pilot, your insurance company will most likely reward you with lower premiums, too.

What's needed?

1.  Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate
2.  Be able to read, speak, and understand the English language.
3.  Obtain at least a Third Class FAA medical certificate.
4.  Pass the FAA written knowledge test as well as the FAA practical flight test.
5.  Before you start your training, please see this page for important information - TSA Alien Registration

     Flight training consists of the following (some of which was obtained during the Private Pilot training):

   50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command (PIC)
        10 hours must be in an airplane
        1 solo cross-country of at least 250 nm with takeoffs and landings at three different airports, and three different kinds of approaches

   40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time including
        15 hours of instrument training from an authorized instructor
           3 hours of instrument training from a CFI-I in preparation for the practical test  

What's it cost?

     The costs vary depending on the student's ability and how much cross country time the student has before starting the training.  Costs for the aircraft rental, instructor fees, books, materials, knowledge test fee, and examiner's fee need to be factor into the equation.

   For ground school information, click here.

   For more detailed information, please click here.

   For general information about all ratings and licenses, click here.

 Private Pilot      Instrument Rating      Commercial       CFI

High Performance & Complex     Sport Pilot