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Becoming A Instrument Rated Pilot

In order to obtain an Instrument Pilot Rating, you must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate, and you must successfully pass the FAA Knowledge Test and a practical test for an Instrument Rating.  The practical test consists of an oral examination and a flight test.  This test is given by a FAA Inspector or a FAA Designated Flight Examiner and is administered at Sky Walk.  When these tests are successfully completed, you will receive a Instrument Rating and be able to fly an airplane under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) as denoted by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's).

We recommend to all of our Private Pilot Course graduates to obtain an Instrument Rating.  With our experience, an instrument rated pilot will be able to fly an airplane a lot more precisely and become a lot more familiar with the Air Traffic Control System.  Additionally, the pilot will be able to fly through clouds and fog so that you have more flexibility to go more places, not affected by weather conditions such as a Non-Instrument rated pilot.

For a pilot who is interested in pursuing a professional pilot job, a Commercial Pilot Certificate is needed.  A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required to be able to get paid money for your flight.  For example, Certified Flight Instructor, Charter Pilot, Cargo Pilot, Aerial Photography, etc.   Some commercial operations require, after you have become a commercial pilot, to go through the Part 135 check-ride or other check-rides depending on the operation you will be getting into.

FAA requirements for a Instrument Rating:

  • Must hold a Private Pilot Certificate with an appropriate rating
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Must hold a current Medical Certificate
  • Have the following flight time as a pilot:
    • 50 hours cross-country flight as pilot in command
      • (not required under Part 141 training syllabus)
    • under Part 61 - 40 hrs. actual or simulated instrument time
    • under Part 141 - 35 hrs. actual or simulated instrument time
  • Pass the FAA Knowledge Test
  • Pass the FAA Practical Flight Test and Oral Examination
Costs

All students enrolled in the Instrument Rating Course at Sky Walk will automatically receive the "block rates" without having to purchase 10 hours of block time.

Our structured Instrument Rating Course under Part 141 is approximately $5730, based on training using our Cessna 172, and consists of:

  • 35 hours of Dual flight instruction
  • 35 hours of aircraft rental
  • 12 hours of pre-post flight briefings
  • 5 hours of individual instrument ground school
  • access to audio visual training tools

Training costs will vary depending on your study habits, frequency of attendance, individual motor skills and the type of aircraft which will be used for your training.   On average, students complete their training within 35-45 hours.

To maximize your training and reduce costs, see our suggested training tips.



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