Instrument Rating

Why Get Your Instrument Rating Before Your Commercial Pilot Certificate?

Many students study for their Instrument Rating (IR) before obtaining their Commercial Pilot Certificate. Instrument Ratings allow a pilot to fly under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), meaning weather with reduced visibility, or near/in clouds. Your Instrument Rating will allow you to fly an aircraft solely with the cockpit instrument panel, adding confidence and ability to your growing experience.

While an Instrument Rating is not technically needed to become a Commercial Pilot, most students seek this training to further their career. Without an Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilots cannot fly for hire at night or fly further than 50 nautical miles from the home base airport. Flying with the cockpit instrument panel is an excellent skill to have, as it decreases your limitations in the sky!

Ground school covers the theory behind flying, principles of weather and other aviation-related topics you’ll need to pass the PSI FAA knowledge exam. Flight training is your hands-on practice time for flying without visual cues. The two complement each other, helping you build skills and gain confidence in your abilities as a pilot.

Instrument Timeline

The FAA minimum requirements for the Instrument Rating include:

  • Hold at least a current Private Pilot license or be currently applying for one.
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
  • Log at least 40 hours of flying in simulated or actual instrument conditions.