Instrument rating

No.

The FAA requires at least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor who holds the appropriate instrument-flight-instructor rating.

However, the applicant must still log at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time and meet all other requirements.

Most students require more than the FAA minimum of 15 CFII hours to become proficient and reach practical-test standards.

Simulated instrument time may be logged in an aircraft when the applicable FAA requirements are met, including the use of a qualified safety pilot.

The pilot must operate the aircraft solely by reference to instruments using a view-limiting device, and the flight must comply with the applicable operating and logging regulations.

Before conducting safety-pilot flights, both pilots should understand:

• Who will act as pilot in command
• Which pilot may log which type of time
• Safety-pilot qualifications
• Required aircraft equipment
• Insurance limitations
• Aircraft-provider policies
• Logbook-entry requirements

Waypoint Aviation should be consulted before a student relies on safety-pilot time as part of an Instrument Rating training plan.

Some simulator or aviation training-device time may count toward the Instrument Rating when completed in an FAA-approved device and conducted in accordance with its approval and applicable regulations.

The amount of credit depends on:

• The type of device
• Its FAA authorization
• The training conducted
• Whether an authorized instructor is present
• The applicant’s training program

Not all simulators are approved for aeronautical experience credit.

Even when a simulator session cannot be credited toward a specific FAA requirement, it may still be valuable for practicing:

• Instrument scans
• Procedures
• Checklists
• Holds
• Approaches
• Missed approaches
• Equipment failures
• Weather scenarios
• Air traffic control clearances
• Emergency procedures

No.

You may begin instrument training before completing all 50 hours of cross-country pilot-in-command time.

However, you must meet the complete cross-country requirement before taking the Instrument Rating practical test.

Combining cross-country time building with instrument training may be possible when the flight and logging requirements are properly structured.

The Instrument Rating requires 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, including at least 10 hours in airplanes.

FAA definitions and logging rules can vary depending on the certificate or rating being pursued. Your instructor should review your logbook and individual flights to determine whether previously logged cross-country experience qualifies toward the Instrument Rating requirement.

No. Ground and flight training may be completed together.

Beginning an instrument ground-school course early is strongly recommended because instrument training requires a detailed understanding of:

• IFR regulations
• Weather
• Aircraft systems
• Navigation
• Air traffic control procedures
• Departure procedures
• Arrival procedures
• Holding
• Instrument approaches
• Alternate requirements
• IFR flight planning

Students who prepare before each flight generally progress more efficiently.

Students are encouraged to complete the Instrument Rating Airplane Knowledge Test early enough that the information supports their flight training.

Your instructor can help determine an appropriate testing timeline and provide the required endorsement when you are prepared.

The knowledge test must be passed before the Instrument Rating practical test.

Two to three lessons per week is recommended for consistent progress. Four times a week for accelerated students.

Instrument skills require repetition, procedural memory, and precise aircraft control. Long gaps between lessons may require additional review of:

• Instrument scan
• Holding procedures
• Approaches
• Air traffic control communication
• IFR clearances
• Emergency procedures

Accelerated schedules may include more frequent training.

Yes.

Training can be structured around work, school, and family responsibilities. However, a consistent schedule is recommended because instrument procedures and aircraft-control skills are easier to retain with regular practice.

No.

Aircraft rental and instruction are separate charges.

Aircraft rental is currently estimated at $170 per hour, and flight or ground instruction is $65 per hour. Aircraft payments may be made directly to the aircraft provider according to its policies.

Instrument instruction includes significant preparation and review outside of the aircraft’s operating time.

Before each flight, your instructor may review:

• Weather
• NOTAMs
• Aircraft status
• IFR routes
• Departure procedures
• Arrival procedures
• Approaches
• Alternate-airport requirements
• Fuel planning
• Risk management
• Lesson objectives

After the flight, you will review:

• Aircraft control
• Procedures
• Air traffic control communication
• Approaches
• Decision-making
• Areas requiring improvement
• Logbook and training-record entries
• Preparation for the next lesson

An additional 0.5 hour of instruction is charged for this preflight and postflight time with each flight lesson.

Actual instrument-weather experience may be completed when conditions are appropriate and the flight can be conducted safely.

Whether a lesson enters actual instrument conditions depends on:

• Weather
• Cloud conditions
• Freezing level
• Icing risk
• Thunderstorm activity
• Turbulence
• Winds
• Aircraft equipment
• Aircraft limitations
• Instructor judgment
• Student proficiency

Actual instrument experience is valuable, but it will never be prioritized over safety.

Training in a personally owned aircraft may be possible if the aircraft is:

• Airworthy
• Properly insured
• Properly equipped
• Approved for the operations being conducted
• Current on required inspections
• Suitable for instrument training
• Equipped with appropriate navigation systems

Aircraft documents, maintenance records, inspection status, avionics, databases, equipment, and insurance requirements must be reviewed before training begins.

Yes.

Properly documented actual instrument, simulated instrument, simulator, and instrument-training time may count toward applicable FAA requirements.

A flight and logbook evaluation will be completed to determine:

• Which requirements have already been met
• Your current proficiency
• Your cross-country PIC time
• Your instrument experience
• The training needed for checkride readiness

No.

An Instrument Rating may be completed in a properly equipped Cessna 172. The airplane must meet the equipment and airworthiness requirements for the instrument operations being conducted.

An Instrument Rating does not automatically require a new class of medical certificate.

However, you must hold the appropriate medical qualification for the privileges and operations you intend to exercise.

Pilots pursuing professional aviation careers are encouraged to consider their long-term medical-certification needs before beginning advanced training.

An Instrument Rating alone does not authorize a pilot to fly for compensation or hire.

Professional flying generally requires additional certificates, ratings, experience, and qualifications.

However, the Instrument Rating is an essential step for most professional pilots and is generally required before or in connection with advanced Commercial Pilot training.

Earning an Instrument Rating and maintaining instrument currency are separate requirements.

To act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather conditions below Visual Flight Rules minimums, a pilot must satisfy the FAA’s recent instrument-experience requirements.

Instrument-rated pilots should also maintain proficiency beyond the minimum legal currency requirements. A pilot may be legally current without being fully prepared for challenging instrument conditions.

The steps needed to regain instrument currency depend on how much time has passed and which recent-experience requirements remain available to the pilot.

In some situations, the pilot may regain currency by completing the required instrument tasks with an appropriate safety pilot, instructor, simulator, or training device.

Once the applicable grace period has passed, an Instrument Proficiency Check may be required.

Pilots should consult a CFII to review their specific logbook and currency status.

Waypoint Aviation does not currently guarantee in-house financing.

Students may explore:

• Personal financing
• Aviation scholarships
• Outside education or training loans
• Payment plans offered by outside providers
• Employer education benefits
• Other aviation funding resources

Training is generally paid lesson by lesson, allowing students to progress according to their schedule and budget.