Starting Your Instrument Rating Training

Adding an Instrument Rating to your Private Pilot Certificate is a big step toward becoming a safer and more knowledgeable. You will learn how to precisely control the aircraft only by reference to instruments, in addition to learning the intricacies of airspace and regulations. With an Instrument Rating, you will feel more comfortable flying in conditions a non-Instrument Rated pilot would certainly consider a "no-go."

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

  • Hold at least a current Private Pilot certificate.
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
  • Hold at least a third-class medical certificate.

What Are the Steps to Obtain an Instrument Rating?

To obtain an Instrument Rating, you must complete the following:

  • An aeronautical knowledge exam, administered by the FAA
  • At least 50 hours of cross-country1 flight time
  • At least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  • At least 15 Instrument flight training with an authorized instructor
  • Practical test preparation
  • Practical test (aka. checkride)

What Aeronautical Experience is Required?

  • At least 50 hours of cross-country1 flight time as pilot-in-command (PIC)
  • At least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including:
    • at least 15 hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor, including:
      • at least 3 hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor within 2 calendar months prior to the date of the checkride
      • instrument flight training on cross-country1 flight procedures, including one cross-country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor that is performed under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), including:
        • a flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility
        • an instrument approach at each airport
        • 3 different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems

1 For the Instrument Rating, the FAA defines cross-country flying as any flight that includes a landing at an airport more than 50 nautical miles straight-line distance from the original point of departure.

Interested in flying with us?

Call today to schedule an Introductory Flight!
Gray's Creek Airport:  7154 Butler Nursery Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306

Flight School Office (910) 223-0567 or Flight School Manager, Kelly (910) 257-5807