What is the Instrument Rating – IR(A)?
- IR(A)
The Instrument Rating will allow a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning under low visibility and cloudy conditions. This license is the second stage in order to become a professional pilot. It may also be completed by a recreational pilot who wishes to be able to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). - IR(A) is a must for professional airline pilots
Instrument Rating is required by all airlines prior to recruitment. To find out more about how to become a Professional Pilot, please click here. - Instrument Rating is also one of the most useful ratings for private pilots, especially during long-distance flights
What are the Instrument Rating course entry requirements?
- To have at least a third class medical certificate
You need to be physically fit for flying and capable of holding a Third class medical certificate. Our school will assist with the procedure. - To have at least a Private Pilot License
You need to have at least FAA Private Pilot License – PPL(A). - To be proficient in the English language
You need to be able to read, write, understand and speak English in a fluent way.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation English Language Standard (AELS).
An individual who holds an FAA certificate or an applicant for an FAA certificate or rating, per the eligibility requirement of the respective certificate, should continuously demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
What can I do with my Instrument Rating – IR(A)?
- Fly under Instrument Flight Rules in any kind of weather according to the minimum IFR.
The IR allows you to fly in low visibility weather conditions, according to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with a minimum decision height of 60m (200feet) – in case of a multi-engine IR to MEL, the privilege can be extended to decision heights lower than 60m (200 feet).
Once you complete your Instrument Rating training, you will get your IR/SE(A) qualification added on your FAA Private Pilot License – PPL(A).
How can I get my Instrument Rating – IR(A)?
Step 1: Start the Ground and Flight training
The ground and Flight training are combined during the whole preparation in obtaining the
Instrument Rating certificate.
Ground training
The Ground training is the theoretical part of the training that takes place in the classroom and is taught by our flight instructors, certified by the FAA. In order to complete The Instrument Rating under Part 141, there is a minimum requirement of 30 hours of ground training.
The Ground Training is divided into 3 stages and will cover the following topics. During the ground school training, the student will have 3 exams, one for each stage.
- Training/Opportunities/Human Factors
- Flight Instrument Systems
- Attitude Instrument Flying
- Instrument Navigation
- Instrument FARs
- Airports, Airspace, and Flight Information
- ATC System
- ATC Clearances
- Departure Charts and Procedures
- Enroute Charts and Procedures
- Holding
- Arrival Charts and Procedures
- Approach Charts
- Approach Procedures
- VOR and NDB Approaches
- ILS Approaches
- RNAV Approaches
- Weather Factors and Hazards
- Printed Reports and Forecasts
- IFR Cross Country Procedures
- Graphic Weather Products
- Sources of Weather Information
- IFR Emergencies
- IFR Decision Making/Flight Planning
The student will obtain the aeronautical knowledge and obtain the prerequisites in the FAR/AIM for the FAA Instrument rating Knowledge test.
Flight Training
The Flight Training will take place in the single-engine aircraft equipped for IFR or a Multi-Engine aircraft if the student has the ME add on.
In order to obtain an Instrument Rating, the pilot must complete a minimum of 35 hours of dual flight under Part 141 and a minimum of 15 dual flight hours under Part 61 plus 50 hours of cross country as pilot in command (PIC).
This training will also be divided into three stages and will have three stage flight texts. The student will obtain the necessary aeronautical skill and experience necessary to meet the requirements for an Instrument Rating certificate.
- PART 141:
35 hours minimum dual time. (holds, tracking, shooting approaches, communication procedures.) - PART 61:
15 hours minimum dual time (holds, tracking, shooting approaches, communication procedures.)
50 hours of cross country as PIC.
Instrument Rating – IR(A) training description
Flight Training for FAA Part 141 IR(A)
- 35 hours – Flight training in which all instrument procedures will be covered with an instructor (holds, tracking, shooting approaches, communication procedures,etc.)
Plus extra minimum of 1 hour for final check ride with FAA Examiner
Flight Training for FAA Part 61 IR(A)
- 40 hours – Flight training in which all instrument procedures will be covered with an instructor (holds, tracking, shooting approaches, communication procedures,etc.)
- 50 hours – Cross-country flight time as pilot in command
Plus extra minimum of 1 hour for final check ride with CAA evaluator
Step 2: Pass the theoretical examination before the Checkride
Towards the end of the course, you will have to demonstrate a sufficient level of theoretical knowledge at an FAA approved testing center in the form of a written test.
To pass the Instrument Rating written examination you need to achieve a score of at least 70%, which is still a passing score. This test must be done before the Checkride.
Step 3: Pass the Checkride
The final aeronautical knowledge and practical test is the checkride. It will be taken at the end of all the training and consist of an oral and practical exam. Once the student passes this exam, he/she will obtain the Instrument Rating added to his/her license. The length of the Checkride varies depending on the FAA examiner.
How much does Instrument Rating – IR(A) course cost?
The course price starts from 7130 USD. No taxes are applied for pilot training in Florida.
The FAA IR(A) program fee covers the following items and services:
- Flight Instructor time for ground & practical training
- Airplane usage, including fuel. We don’t apply any fuel surchage!
- Bonus – account for RocketRoute flight planning services – valued $300/year
*All training fees are bound to the actual exchange rates of the local currency of the Flying Academy base where the training or a part of the training is provided. Learn more about complete training fees.
How long does it take to complete the Instrument Rating – IR(A)?
The IR(A) can be obtained in a range period starting from two months depending on the trainees time availability for both theoretical (Part 141) and practical training.
