First Steps to an Instrument Rating
So, you’ve decided that you want to get your instrument rating. That is a very smart next step in your training. Instrument ratings can give you more choices on where and when you fly and the confidence and ability to be a safer pilot. Now you may be wondering how to get started, so let’s dive into the process of getting your rating.
Decide How You’re Going to Train
You can train with an independent instructor or through a flight school. Just make sure they have the appropriate credentials, since you’ll need to train with a CFII (Certified Flight Instructor -– Instrument). Schools and instructors may also offer more flexibility in scheduling and availability, which can help you to build skills and reach hour minimums more quickly. Some schools offer the potential to get your instrument rating in as little as six days, if you can dedicate the necessary time.
You’ll also need an aircraft that is IFR-capable. If you already own an aircraft equipped with the required instruments, you can choose an instructor or school that allows you to train in your own plane. If not, you’ll need to rent, borrow, or equip your current aircraft to fly by instrument. FAA requirements include completing three different kinds of approaches on an extended cross-country flight—such as ILS (Instrument Landing System), VOR (VHF Omni-directional Range), and GPS—so you’ll need to fly a plane that gives you at least that many options. If your access to an IFR-capable airplane is limited, consider flight schools that provide access to appropriate planes.
Budget Your Time
If you’ve chosen an accelerated study program, budgeting the necessary time may be as simple as scheduling a week or two away from work or other responsibilities. If you’re going at your own pace, you’ll need to be aware of the hour minimums required for the rating, including what time you can log on your own and what time needs to be logged with an authorized instructor. If you’re a recently certified pilot, extra flight time can help you build additional skills and confidence before the checkride.
We’ve talked to many pilots about IFR training and about flight training in general, and we keep hearing the same thing: a consistent schedule will help you finish faster. As Jim Kahle told us in a previous blog, short training sessions spread out over a long time, or long breaks between lessons, often mean more review and more total time before you pass the checkride.
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Make the Most of Your Time
As with training for a private pilot certification, you can get more value from each lesson if you plan ahead. That matters even more if you are also paying to rent the plane. Studying new operations ahead of flight sessions and chair-flying operations you already know can help you get comfortable quicker. The manuals and handbooks made available for free by the FAA are good resources for pre-flight study.
Having a good feel for visual operations will also help you make the most of your time by letting you focus on the new instrument procedures with fewer distractions. If possible, plan to brush up on visual flight skills before or during your instrument training. You also need to focus on and interact with your instructor and with ATC when flying an IFR flight plan. So do what you can to minimize cockpit distractions and make sure you’ve got a headset that will let you hear and be heard for in-flight communications.
What’s Next?
Working toward an instrument rating starts you on your way to new opportunities, more flexibility, and greater confidence in your own skills and safety. In upcoming blogs, we’ll hear more from other pilots on the benefits of an instrument rating, and we’ll look at ways to prepare for the instrument rating checkride.
Question: Should I train with an independent instructor or a flight school?
Answer: Either can work. The key is a CFII instructor. The main differences are schedule, plane access, and pace. Some schools offer an accelerated instrument rating course that can get you to the rating in as little as six days if you can commit the time. Choose the option that fits your schedule, learning style, and access to an IFR-capable plane.
Question: What kind of airplane and equipment do I need for instrument training?
Answer: You’ll need an IFR-capable aircraft. If you own one with the right instruments, you can train in your own plane. If not, plan to rent, borrow, or upgrade the plane you already use. FAA rules include three different types of approaches on an extended cross-country flight, such as ILS (Instrument Landing System), VOR (VHF Omni-directional Range), and GPS, so train in an airplane that supports at least that many approach options. If access to an IFR-capable aircraft is limited, look for schools that provide suitable planes.
Question: How should I budget my time for the instrument rating?
Answer: If you choose a fast plan, set aside a focused block of time, often a week or two. If you go at your own pace, plan around the hour minimums and know which time must be with an authorized instructor and which time you can log on your own. Many pilots find that a steady schedule shortens the path to certification, while long gaps between lessons lead to more review and more total hours. If you’re newly certificated, consider extra flight time beyond the minimums to build confidence for the checkride.
Question: How can I get the most value out of each lesson?
Answer: Prepare before you fly. Study procedures in advance, chair-fly what you’ve learned, and use the FAA’s free manuals and handbooks. Strong visual flight skills reduce distractions so you can focus on instrument procedures. Minimize cockpit clutter, stay engaged with your instructor and ATC, and use a headset that helps you hear and be heard on the radios.
Question: What comes next after I start training?
Answer: As you work toward the rating, you’ll gain new choices, more flexibility, and more confidence in your skill and safety. Upcoming resources will cover the benefits of the instrument rating and offer guidance on preparing for the checkride.
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