Instrument Rating

This rating allows you greater flexibility as a pilot, and increases your skill at controlling an aircraft. The addition of this rating also provides a higher element of safety. Over the past years, the number one cause for general aviation accidents has been a result of continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions. A pilot who is certified with this rating is more prepared when weather conditions deteriorate. They have a better understanding of how to avoid unsafe weather and are able to safely and legally fly through clouds or dense fog when it cannot be avoided.

Now that you have accomplished your Private Pilot Certificate, you are familiar with the FAA’s system of obtaining certificates. Earning your instrument rating is similar to your previous license in that you must take both a knowledge (written) and a practical test. Once again you will have certain maneuvers that you are expected to perform, and you will be given specific parameters to perform within. The examiner is looking to ensure that you will make a safe and competent pilot, that you have good judgment, and can be flexible with your environment.

To that end, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designed a minimum amount of hours (which equates to flight experience) that they require for you to obtain your rating. However, very few people are able to accomplish their rating in this minimum amount of time, predominantly because of other time obligations. The average person can expect to obtain their rating with 60-70 flight hours, although this number will vary widely up or down, depending upon your prior experiences. It is up to the instructor to ensure that each pilot applicant is prepared before sending them up for an exam (checkride).

Flying

To begin your instrument training, your instructor will teach you the basics of relying on your instruments. This involves flying “under the hood,” in other words with a view limiting device on that does not allow you to see outside. Your instructor will be your eyes outside while you practice looking inside. You will learn how to efficiently scan all of your instruments and practice maneuvers such as constant rate climbs and descents, turns to headings, and timed turns.

Once you are adjusted to flying under the hood, you will begin a whole new facet of aviation. You will be introduced to flying several types of approaches and holding by using your instruments only. This is a new experience for all, and although very exciting it does require a good amount of concentration to begin with. As you improve, you will find it much easier.

As you did in your Private Pilot’s license, you will learn to fly a cross-country (more than 50 nautical miles), only this time with reliance only on your instruments. Unlike your Private Pilot’s License you are not required to do any solo flights under the hood.

At this point, you are now beginning the last phase of your training, which is review and preparation for your checkride. Ground training is mostly completed by you, either through watching and completing the Cessna CD-ROM set or reading the Jeppesen books. There will be time with your instructor, as there are some topics your instructor will want to discuss with you, as well as to brief you before and after each flight.

Your Written Exam and Checkride

The written exam should be completed several weeks before finishing your flying, and is fairly straightforward. It is a multiple choice computerized exam, consisting of 60 questions for which you are allotted two and a half hours to complete. What makes this test straightforward is that the questions are selected from an FAA bank of 900 questions, which are all published. As long as you review the questions and take some practice tests, you will be prepared for your written exam.

Your practical test will consist of two sections, both an oral part (where you will sit down and answer questions for the examiner), as well as a practical portion. Here, you will go up in the airplane with the examiner and perform the specified maneuvers. Once that is completed to the set specifications, the examiner will issue you your Instrument Rating!

Beyond the Checkride

Now that you are Instrument Rated, you have the option of flying in new types of weather, which gives you the opportunity for longer trips. The sky is the limit!

If you want to continue your learning, be able to fly for hire or even go on to the airlines, you may decide to obtain your Commercial License.