Aspen Flight Academy’s Instrument Flying Course gives you all the skills you need to fly confidently in low-visibility operations. Our course goes beyond the basics, immersing you in the challenging, high-altitude airspace and variable weather that Aspen is known for. Helped by our expert instructors, you will gain unmatched precision, adaptability, and expertise in instrument flying, backed by real-world experiences that only Aspen can provide.
*Three (3) hours of flight training must be conducted within the 2 calendar months preceding the test.
Instrument Rating Requirements:
If you’re looking to earn your instrument rating or need guidance on meeting the requirements, Aspen Flight Academy is here to help.
We offer comprehensive instrument rating courses, providing access to instrument-rated aircraft and simulator training to help you develop the skills needed to fly safely in low-visibility conditions. Our FAA-certified instructors have years of experience preparing pilots for the challenges of instrument flight, ensuring you receive top-tier training in a professional and supportive environment.
While not required for private pilots, an instrument rating is a crucial step in advancing your aviation career, improving your ability to fly in varying weather conditions and enhancing safety. At Aspen Flight Academy, we focus on practical, real-world training that makes learning both engaging and effective.
If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, contact Aspen Flight Academy today to speak with an instructor and explore the best training options for your goals!
An instrument rating is a new pilot certification course that allows aviators to fly in instrument meteorological conditions. Instrument-rated pilots can operate an airplane or helicopter under instrument flight rules, and flight training (IFR) and solely use the tools inside their aircraft for navigation. In some cases, instrument ratings are also required for specific flying jobs, such as those in commercial aviation. Airline pilots, for example, must have instrument ratings as part of their commercial pilot license.
When instrument-rated pilots fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), they follow air traffic control instructions or a specific flight plan filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Instrument-rated pilots must maintain instrument proficiency by completing instrument flying training every six months.
In the United States, there are three levels of instrument ratings: private pilot, commercial pilot, and airline transport pilot. Pilots must meet specific experience and knowledge requirements to obtain an instrument rating.
There are instrument ratings for single-engine, multi-engine, and rotorcraft (helicopter) aircraft.
A pilot instrument rating is obtained by completing specific training tasks with an instrument instructor. At the end of these tasks, pilots take an FAA instrument knowledge test and practical test to demonstrate their instrument proficiency and other requirements that the FAA has set for the best flight training.
There are several reasons pilots should get instrument training and instrument ratings. They include the following: instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions, instrument training makes for safer flying overall, and instrument-rated pilots have a higher earning potential in commercial aviation fields.
Instrument-rated pilots have the training and experience to fly in all weather conditions by following instrument flight rules (IFR). When bad weather hits, many non-instrument-rated pilots are forced to land at the nearest airport, regardless of the conditions. This can often lead to unsafe flying conditions and even new accidents.
Instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions. Instrument flight rules (IFR) allow instrument-rated pilots to fly safely by following instrument approach procedures and departure procedures, as well as following air traffic control instructions or a specific flight plan that is filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Instrument-rated pilots are required to use instrument approach procedures and course of flight training when flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Instrument-rated pilots have a higher new earning potential because many commercial airlines require their pilots to be instrument-rated. Instrument ratings are also an advantage for airline transport pilot job candidates.
This type of training can be beneficial for pilots in both commercial flying careers as well as private piloting. Instrument-rated aviators are more prepared to fly in IFR situations and qualify for specific commercial aviation jobs.
There are two instrument flight rules: visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). VFR allows pilots to fly in weather conditions with flight training that they can see with their own eyes. IFR will enable pilots to pass in all types of weather, including instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), by following instrument approach and flight procedures.
To fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), pilots must have an instrument rating and meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. VFR flights are typically conducted in clear weather conditions, while instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument-rated pilots have more options for flight paths and destinations than non-instrument-rated aviators because instrument training gives them the skills necessary to operate their aircraft safely, even in low visibility conditions. Instrument-rated pilots can also fly in clouds, which a VFR pilot cannot do.
The first step is to find an instrument flight instructor (IFI) for amazing flight training. Once you have found an new instrument flight instructor, your instrument training can begin. Instrument training consists of 40 hours of instrument flying time in any type of aircraft (including helicopters).
Before beginning instrument training, make sure you are familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations part 61 and 91A as well as all other applicable federal aviation regulations for instrument flight procedures (IFR) operations.
After completing the instrument flying time, you will need to pass a written test and a practical test. The written test is administered by an FAA-approved testing center, and the practical (or check) ride is given by an examiner who is authorized by the FAA to give instrument check rides.
Once you have successfully completed all of these steps in this course, you can apply for an instrument rating on your pilot certificate.
You will also need to keep a logbook of instrument flying time in an instrument-rated aircraft as well as 100 hours of cross country flight experience (with at least 50 hours being Instrument Flight Time). This includes takeoffs and landings at airports other than the one from which the flight originated. We can also train ourselves with the help of full flight simulator.
Once you have completed instrument rating training, instrument-rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument rated pilots are more prepared to fly in IFR situations and also qualify for certain jobs in commercial aviation.
VFR flights are typically conducted in clear weather conditions, while instrument rated pilots can fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Instrument-rated pilots have more options when it comes to flight paths and destinations than non-instrument rated aviators because instrument training course gives them the skills necessary to operate their aircraft safely even in low visibility conditions. Pilots who are instrument-rated can also fly in clouds, which a VFR pilot is not allowed to do. In order to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), pilots must have an instrument rating and meet the requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
It typically takes about three months to complete instrument rating training or instrument flight training. The amount of time it takes to complete the training depends on how much flying experience you already have and how often you are able to fly with an instrument instructor because in the beginning we must need flight training device .
If you already have a lot of flying experience, you may be able to finish your instrument rating in less time than someone who has just started their instrument training course which is new for them. It is also possible to complete instrument rating training in less time if you have access to an instrument-rated aircraft or are able to travel often for instrument flight instruction (IFI).
The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flying time, so that is something that should be considered when choosing how long you want to take instrument training.
It is important to consider how many instrument-rated aircraft are available for use at the flight training school or FBO where you will be taking instrument rating training, as well as what days and times these aircraft are available for instrument instruction. If there are not any instrument-rated airplanes on hand when you need them, then it might take longer than three months to complete instrument training.
It is also beneficial if your instrument instructor has experience flying in instrument flight conditions.
The instrument rating is one of the most expensive flight ratings to get. It can cost anywhere from $15,000-$30,000 depending on how much instrument flying time you need and what instrument-rated aircraft are available for use at your local flight school or FBO.
Some people choose to take instrument training course in a smaller plane like a Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Warrior because they cost less than instrument-rated aircraft like the Diamond DA40.
The instrument rating is usually more expensive in airports where instrument flight instruction (IFI) may be limited due to weather or terrain.
When budgeting for instrument flight training, it is important to consider all of the associated costs, such as aircraft rental, instructor fees, and written and practical test fees.
